Feeler gauges - Definition and Overview

A Feeler Gauge is a simple tool used to measure thicknesses. They are mostly used in engineering to measuring the clearance between two parts.

They consist of a number of small lengths of steel of different thicknesses with measurements marked on each piece. They are flexible enough that, even if they are all on the same hinge, several can be stacked together to gauge intermediate values. Its common to have two sets for Imperial units and Metric measurements.

A common application of this device is to set the gap in spark plugs to the correct size -- this is done by increasing or decreasing the gap until the gauge of the correct size just fits inside the gap.

The lengths of steel are sometimes called Blades although they have no sharp edge.