Simple Care And Maintenance Can Get You The Best Out Of Your Thread Gauges

Depending on the extensiveness of use and the number of components you are required to inspect the UNEF thread gages and the other thread gages that you use need to be replaced. If they are not replaced regularly, then the integrity of the inspection reports will be affected and you cannot rely on the inspection tools that you use.

If you want to get the best out of your thread gauges you should just pay attention to a few basic factors. What is surprising to note here is that everyone knows these basics but they hardly follow them. If you want to get the maximum life out of your UNF thread gages or any other thread gages follow these basics.

When you are getting your thread gages manufactured have them clearly marked. Do not paint the identification marks but ask the manufacturer to stamp the identification in the metal itself so that it does not wear off with time. Why is this important? In your manufacturing set up you are likely to have thread gauges of various sizes. If you use the wrong sized thread gauges you will not only be making mistakes with your inspection reports but you could also be damaging the components that you are inspecting. You cannot make out the sizes just by looking at it especially when there is only marginal difference in the sizes. To avoid confusions imprint the numbers in the thread gauges itself.

Secondly, make use of a protective sheathe for every thread gauge individually. The protective sheathes should also be marked clearly. Every time you take out the thread gauge it has to go back in the respective protective case. Do not mix up the sheathe and the thread gauges.

No matter how many times you make use of your thread gages, you will have to clean them every time you take them out of the protective sheathe and before you put into the protective case. This will remove all residual burs in the thread profile and prevent damages. At no point of time while inspecting do not force the thread gauge into the component. Only minimal level of force should be used while checking if at all required. The thread gauges should never be dropped and if they are dropped, they need to be recalibrated before next use.