Gauging guides.

Short, practical explainers on thread and plain gauging, written for anyone specifying or buying a gauge.

How a GO / NOT-GO Thread Gauge Works

A plain-language explanation of GO and NOT-GO thread gauge members and how they give a pass or fail decision.

Read the guide

Metric vs Unified vs Pipe and Taper Threads

What metric, unified, parallel pipe and taper pipe thread standards each cover, and why the gauge has to match.

Read the guide

How to Choose the Right Thread Gauge

Three decisions when specifying a thread gauge: the standard, the class or tolerance, and plug vs ring.

Read the guide

Plain Plug vs Snap Gauges: When to Use Which

The difference between plain plug/ring gauges and snap gauges, and which one fits internal vs external checks.

Read the guide

What Traceable Calibration Means

What a traceable, NABL-accredited calibration certificate actually means and why it matters.

Read the guide

What Is a Thread Gauge? Types and Uses

What a thread gauge is, the main types (plug, ring, taper, pitch, snap and plain gauges) and which one checks which feature.

Read the guide

Thread Plug Gauge vs Thread Ring Gauge

Thread plug gauge vs thread ring gauge: which checks an internal thread, which checks an external thread, and why both are used.

Read the guide

Metric Thread Tolerance 6H and 6g Explained

What the metric thread tolerance classes 6H and 6g mean, how the letter and number are read, and why the gauge has to match the class.

Read the guide

NPT vs BSPT vs G Pipe Threads

How NPT, BSPT and parallel G pipe threads differ in thread angle and sealing, and why each needs its own gauge.

Read the guide

How to Use a Thread Plug Gauge Correctly

Step by step: how to check an internal thread with a GO / NOT-GO thread plug gauge, and the mistakes that give a false result.

Read the guide

How to Read a Thread Designation (M10 × 1.5 6H)

What each part of a thread designation means, for metric (M10 × 1.5 6H) and unified (1/4-20 UNC-2A) threads, so you can specify the right gauge.

Read the guide

Go/No-Go Gauge vs Micrometer: Which to Use

A go/no-go gauge gives a fast pass or fail, a micrometer gives a measured number. Here is when to use each on the shop floor.

Read the guide

NPT vs NPTF: Dry-Seal Threads Explained

How NPTF dry-seal threads differ from NPT, why they need extra gauge members, and which standard each follows.

Read the guide

ACME vs Trapezoidal Threads: The Difference

ACME threads have a 29° angle to ASME B1.5 and trapezoidal threads a 30° angle to DIN 103-9. Why they need different gauges.

Read the guide

How to Choose a Snap Gauge

Single-end progressive, double-ended and I-type snap gauges: what each type is, the size range it covers and when to pick it.

Read the guide

Can't find what you need?

Ask us directly, or share your thread and standard on the quote page.