Gage Block and Pin Gauge Basics

What are Gage Pins?
A gage pin is a two inch cylindrical pin that is often used along with the sine bar to help to determine a range of precise measurements. A gage pin is able to provide an easily accessible surface and a known height which can be used to measure hole size and depth, check distance between holes, GO, NOGO gaging and for setting micrometers. More simply, a gage pin or pin gauge as they are also called, helps a person measure within a specific range of measurements to help ensure that parts meet specific design tolerances. WESTport Corporation has taken the extra step for a better pin gage by replacing the Class ZZ gage pin with the Class Z gage pin. It provides a closer tolerance (.0001) providing more accuracy for your inspection program. A gage pin is available individually or in different size sets to suit whatever your inspection needs call for.
What are Gage Blocks?
Gage blocks also known as gauge blocks are manufactured to precise gage-maker tolerance grades for calibrating, checking, and setting fixed and comparative gages. Rectangular, square, wear, scribing and angle gage blocks are available in hardened steel, carbide and ceramic materials. Tolerance grades range from Lab Master or Grade 0.5 (AAA) blocks with +/- 1 micro-inch tolerances for standards laboratories to the lower inspection or working Grade 3 (A) blocks for gaging, setting and general inspection operations in production or tool room areas. Other proprietary blocks may be available for specific applications with higher or lower tolerances and configurations. Types of gage blocks include angle, square, rectangular, and wear. Square gage blocks do not have a central hole and are held together with an external gage block holder. Rectangular gage blocks have one or more centrally located holes for mounting on holding bars.
What is a Gage Pin Used For?
Anytime a cylindrical hole needs to be measured to very close tolerances a pin gauge or gage pin may be used. A pin gauge is pre-measured and the specific size that correlates with your design's specifications may be used to determine whether the hole or opening is within the design tolerances that are allowed. This is vital for many types of products such as for pneumatic systems where specific openings can be used to adjust air flow and precision is needed in creating the parts. A gage pin or pin gauge makes measuring an easy part of the process that can be completed in mere seconds.
What is a Gage Block Used For?
A gage block is used for setting up the equipment that is used in machine shops such as micrometers, sine bars and dial indicators. It can make adjusting the settings between jobs much quicker and is highly accurate. In busy shops where a variety of products are created for various clients it is important to be able to change set-ups quickly, accurately and without error to avoid making parts that will end up being discarded.