29 best thickness gauges

Currently, many tools have been invented that are designed to facilitate a person’s life and simplify their work. One of them is a thickness gauge. This device is used to determine the size of the layer of decorative and protective coatings of various objects, surfaces. About what rating of thickness gauges, basic types and how to choose, we will tell in this article.

Types of thickness gauges

Different types of devices

The purpose of the thickness gauges is to identify the thickness of the layer of materials covering the base. Another function is the measurement of the thickness of parts and workpieces.

Types of devices:

1. Electromagnetic Use for steel. Able to show magnetic flux density.
2. Magnetic. Designed for aluminum magnetized bodies.
3. Ultrasonic Cope with both metal and plastic.
4. Eddy current. They are used with aluminum; they determine the power of current components induced in the body.
5. Combined. The convenience of this type is the possibility of using an eddy current and electromagnetic sensor. Products determine performance with excellent accuracy.

Rating of the best thickness gauges of 2019

There are different groups of products. They differ in appearance, but also in the principle of use. Therefore, before purchasing a tool, you should know what is the best thickness gauge and its features.

The best electromagnetic products

Model AR932

Electromagnetic Thickness Gauge AR932

With its help, the size of the object’s coating layer is measured, while integrity is not violated. Carries out measurements in the range of 0-1800 microns. The device works due to magnetic induction, so the indicators will be accurate.

The device is durable and reliable. Designed for the automotive industry. Defines a sphere of varnish and colorful coatings on metal products. Also common in construction and shipbuilding.

It costs about 10,000 rubles.

Model Etari ET-333

Compact and reliable device that can be used on any part of the car body. Shows accurate data even on curved surfaces. It works in a wide temperature range, simple and ergonomic. The error does not exceed 3%.

The price of the device is 6500 rubles.

The best combined thickness gauges

ET-11P model

Universal model, since it can be used on non-ferrous and ferrous metals. Convenient ergonomic shape, good screen, speed. The menu is presented in Russian. The product can work outdoors even at very low temperatures. Complete with the device are calibration plates, case, reference plastic plate, crown battery. The price of such a device is about 7000 rubles.

Model DPM-816 PRO (Fe / nFe)

The combined DPM-816 feeler gage

The combined device is able to work even with very thick layers of materials and dense surfaces. It features a wide range of measurements, it provides various signals depending on the type of coating.

The model features are compact size, frost resistance, automatic determination of the moment of measurement, display backlight, sensor auto-calibration when turned on. The result of the study is displayed in micron / mil / mm format. Power comes from a single AAA battery.

It costs about 6500 rubles.

ET-444 Model

The device is used for non-ferrous and ferrous metals. It differs in speed and compact size, and average cost, about 8000 rubles. Allows you to accurately determine the layer of paint material. Calibration is very fast.

Three control buttons are provided for the operation of the device. The model is characterized by reduced power consumption and stable operation.

Magnetic thickness gauges

Magnetic Autolecar Bit

Magnetic Autolecar Bit thickness gauge

The device is driven by magnets. In the automotive industry, the device is used to determine the thickness of the finish layer on metal surfaces. Helps to recognize body accidents and determine if bodywork has been performed. It features a convenient size. The device can be used during precipitation, because its body is made of high-quality material.

It costs within 1000 rubles.

Model BIT-3003

It is used to determine the parameters of various non-magnetic surface coatings. It has the shape of a small marker. It can work in any weather and various temperature indicators.

The device is especially good at measuring ferrous metals. It costs about 1,500 rubles.

ETARI ET 10P

The budget device of the magnetic type is designed to work with ferrous metals. It costs within 5700 rubles. In everyday life and in the automotive industry it is used to detect the size of a layer of paint. The device is distinguished by accuracy of indicators and stable operation, as well as ease of operation.

The device well tolerates high and low temperatures, durable. The indicators are fixed on the backlit screen.

Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges

Ultrasonic TETRON-UT225

Ultrasonic thickness gauge TETRON-UT225

A portable model of this type of thickness gauge has a detachable sensor. It works between 1.2 - 225 mm. For ease of use, the manufacturer added auto power off options, a battery indicator, auto-zero. In a wide range, you can choose the speed of sound vibrations. The device weighs 200 g. It costs within 12,900 rubles. It can work at different temperature indicators.

MEGEON 19200

Due to its small size and compactness, the model is conveniently located in the hand. Able to make measurements in the range up to 1.8 mm. He showed himself well in the process of determining the thickness of various surfaces.

It costs 2130 rubles.

MEGEON 19100

The instrument measures coatings of various materials with extreme accuracy. Its cost fluctuates around 11,200 rubles. It is used during technical control and at home. Suitable for working with substances that cause and reflect sound waves, such as plastic, metal, glass. Not suitable for cast iron surfaces.

The measurement interval is 1200-225000 microns.

Eddy Current

Coating thickness gauge MVP-2M

Eddy current thickness gauge MVP-2M

Eddy current model of a thickness gauge is designed for measurements on conductive substrates. The device remembers the test results. It is distinguished by accuracy of indicators, automatic shutdown when it is at rest for more than 1 minute. The device is equipped with a lithium-ion battery. Carries out accurate measurements even on dimensional objects having convex or flat sections. The price of such a device is 11750 rubles.

Feeler gage ETARI LKP ET-110

The compact form of the device allows you to carry it with you just in your pocket. The oblong outline resembles a mobile phone. Used by employees of the insurance business, repairmen, private individuals for measuring the height of the car's finish. The scope of the definition is from 0 to 1000 microns. The menu in Russian, the cost of 6400 rubles. It can be used in any season.

Thickness gauge Megeon 19080

It is used on metal structures that pass current to measure the volume of applied varnish. It has an automatic calibration function, works quickly, shows measurements with almost no errors.

When conducting stable monitoring, the readings should be reset to subsequent measurements. Megeon worth 19080 5300 rubles.

Electromagnetic eddy current

CONDTROL Paint Check

Electromagnetic Eddy Current CONDTROL Paint Check

The compact device is lightweight and costs about 4000 rubles. Can be used to measure a layer of different coatings. Has a quick calibration function, shows accurate data. It is advisable to use the device in the construction industry and in the automotive industry.For calibration, the kit includes a metal plate and 6 samples of material thickness.

KEEPER LK PRO

The device is intended for operation in automobile workshops, workshops, insurance companies. It differs in auto calibration, speed of reaction and action. It is possible to connect to a computer. Included are the necessary programs. The amount of memory remembers more than 300 parameters.

It costs 9300 rubles.

Horstek TC-515

The purpose of the device is to measure the layer of finish coatings on various types of metals. You can find in the operation of employees of insurance offices and workshop workers. The advantages of the model include compact size, low weight, ergonomics, Russian language menu. The device has a backlit display, shows high-precision measurements.

Price - 9300 rubles.

Ultrasonic

TESTBOY 72

Ultrasonic thickness gauge TESTBOY 72

Designed to work on non-magnetic surfaces. It is found in automobile workshops and points of sale, where they determine the size of the body coating. Makes calculations in the interval 0–1000 microns. It can be used during precipitation and at very high temperatures, in direct sunlight. If necessary, the device is connected to the network.

Price - 28,000 rubles.

Thickness gauge UT-907

Made to check the top layer deposited on parts made of polymers, metal or ceramics. In industry, the device is widely used for checking pipes, barrels, tanks, tanks.

The device not only measures thickness, but also indicates areas of corrosion, material delamination, and thinning. The device memory is designed for a large amount of information. There is a connection to a PC via a USB port.

Price - 80,000 rubles.

Thickness gauge A-1207

Compact device of small dimensions. It is used to determine the thickness of the side walls of objects made from different materials. Designed for industrial use. Advantages of the device: it keeps charging for a long time, quickly determines the thickness, quietly functions when temperature fluctuates.

Price - 39500 rubles.

The best thickness gauges worth up to 5 thousand rubles

Thickness gage RECXON GY-910

Thickness gauge type RECXON GY-910

The device can work on all types of metals. The accuracy of the determination is about 1300 microns. Type - electromagnetic eddy current. It can work in extreme heat, and in frost, if the temperature does not drop below -10 degrees. Universal application and reasonable price certainly make this model a leader in low-cost devices.

It costs within 4000 rubles.

Megeon 19200

This is an electromagnetic device. Its distinctive features are lightness, compact size, and the presence of a display backlight. Used on ferrous metals. The accuracy of the indicators varies from 0 to 1800 microns. It may have a slight error, due to which it occupies a leading position among budget species.

Price - 2000 rub.

The best thickness gauges worth up to 10 thousand rubles

Delta T 915

The model is designed to test various types of metals, multifunctional. Type of device - eddy current and electromagnetic. Accurate readings can be obtained in the range up to 1500 microns. It can work at subzero temperatures (up to -15⁰C), as well as in extreme heat.

The price of the device is 6800 rubles.

UNI-T UT341

Electromagnetic thickness gauge UNI-T UT341

The device has a continuous measurement cycle, it is used only with ferrous metals. The device is equipped with a memory holding 2000 measurements. This is an electromagnetic type. Gained popularity in everyday life and in production. Comfortable handle, ergonomic shape. You can buy for 10,000 rubles.

The best thickness gauges worth more than 10 thousand rubles

Thickness gauge Etari ET 720FN 5

Professional highly sensitive device, suitable for the workshop. By type, it is an electromagnetic eddy current thickness gauge. Used only at temperatures above zero. The thickness of the metal on which the device operates should not exceed 5000 microns.

The minimum cost is 38500 rubles.

Model ACS A1208

Good speed of measurement results. Designed for the industrial sector. By type, the device is eddy current and electromagnetic.It works in the range up to 30,000 microns. The lithium-ion battery holds a good charge.

Price 90500 rub.

Budget and low-cost models with Aliexpress

Richmeters RM660

Universal, compact model. Takes measurements of paint coatings up to 1.25 mm. It works accurately to determine if a car has been repaired or repainted. There is a unit switch and metal-non-metal.

Price - 2800 rub.

Benetech GM200

Benetech GM200 feeler gage

Used for magnetic surfaces. The mode and type of measurements are selected individually. There is an option of continuous measurement. Errors of indicators are small.

It costs 1,500 rubles.

All Sun EM227

The device does not need calibration; it is used on surfaces with magnetic properties. The setting is to select the units. The indicators are displayed on the screen. Data is reset after changing the position of the device. You can buy for 1770 rubles.

All models differ in price. Therefore, when choosing, you need to pay attention to the cost. Not always, what is expensive, then quality.

Which thickness gauge is better to choose

Select a product based on the actions that you will carry out with its use.

When choosing a device, pay attention to the type of thickness gauge

Here are some tips for choosing the best device:

1. If you need a thickness gauge when buying a car, but friends and acquaintances do not have one, you can purchase a budget compact model. For example, the Mini A – 10 Fe is suitable, which will reveal if the car has been repainted or hit.
2. In the event that you often change cars, it is better to purchase a more accurate device. Megeon 19080 is suitable, which you can use for yourself, as well as lease to other persons.
3. Owners of automobile workshops should purchase a durable device. For example, CEM DT-156 is a combined type. The Control INFINITER InCO, Horstek TC – 110, ETARI LKP ET-110 have also proven themselves well. They are suitable for appraisers and agents of insurance companies.
4. For industrial plants and enterprises where accurate calculations are needed, professional-grade devices are suitable. This is PosiTector 200, ZUBR micrometer Expert 34480-25, Elcometer 456 Top, Megeon 19125.

How to use a thickness gauge

To take measurements, attach the device to the surface of the machine

The device is not difficult to use. To understand what thickness the coating is applied to the base, you should attach the device with the right side to the car body.

Attention! In order for the measurements to be accurate, it is necessary to apply the device in 4-5 places and compare the indicators.

The first step is to check the most basic parts of the car - hood, roof, wings. In one of these places, the device may indicate a change in the coating layer. This will indicate earlier accidents and repairs. Add measurement points so that the data is correct.

A thickness gauge is a device that can protect you from buying a car with hidden defects. When choosing a device, be sure to consult a specialist. Knowing which thickness gauge is better, you will certainly get the desired result. Many companies today rent appliances, so if you need it once, then it makes no sense to spend a lot of money.