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The ABC’s of Plug Gages

Article Courtesy Meyer Gage

Plug Gage Measuring -The art of using pre-sized precision metal plugs to determine the acceptability of diameters and depths of drilled or machined hole.

GO/NOGO Measurement - A go gage is used to check the lower limit of a hole. A nogo gage is used to check the upper limit of a hole. If the go gage enters the hole and the nogo gage is unable to enter, the design specifications of the hole have been meet.

Uses - for precision go/nogo measuring of hole sizes and depths, checking hole location and distance, and setting micrometers. All gages are uniformly 2" long with ground ends, allowing you to use both ends for increased gage life. Gages are Carbon Chrome Alloy Steel (grade 52100 bearing quality steel) and heat treated to a hardness of 60-62 Rockwell C hardness. All our products come with a certificate of class conformance traceable to NIST (National Institute for Standards Technology). The size and "+" (go) or "-" (nogo) are laser etched with Meyer Exclusive serial number feature to ensure traceability on your shop floor on all gages that are .061" and larger.

Class ZZ Gages - These gages have an inch tolerance of .0002" and a metric tolerance of .005mm. They are practical where good precision and speed are important.

X Class Gages - These are the tightest tolerance gages available with an inch tolerance of .00004" and a metric tolerance of .001 mm. These gages are used in applications where a greater discrimination is needed for high precision parts.

Length and Finish - All gages are exactly 2 inches or 51mm long with ground ends for long life.

52100 Steel - This is a bearing quality, Carbon Chrome alloy steel, heat treated to a hardness of 60-62 Rockwell C hardness and is considered the preferred material for the highest quality plug gages.

Certificate of Class Performance - Assurance issued with each shipment of quality gages that performance characteristics are traceable to NIST.

NIST - National Institute for Standards Technology.

Laser Etching - The preferred method of marking Plug Gages for identifying "+" (Go) or "-" (No Go) and the serial number.

Serial Number Etching - A feature that is exclusive to Meyer gages, and essential in assuring traceability on the shop floor. *All gages .061 and higher.