Calculating metal gauge

Jewelry Discussion
1

Can someone tell me where to find an idiots guide or version to
using vernier calipers? I have tried numerous times to get a grip on
proper calculation to find the gauge of a metal or size of a drill
bit that has accidentaly got mixed up with a collection of others.
Thank -you

Sherrie e Music

2

Hi Sherrie, Check with the dealer that sells you drill bits & ask for
a chart that corresponds gauges/drill bit to thousandths. Most
hardware stores also sell them. Usually a small, plastic coated
chart. A Machinery Handbook will also give these. MSC also sells
these charts. Lee Valley Tools sells a “Pocket Reference” by Thomas
J. Glover, Sequoia Publishing. I’m sure it is available from other
places, too, maybe Lowe’s or book stores. Most drill indexes (box you
place drills in) are marked with drill sizes, letter sizes, number
sizes, fractional sizes.

Marcia
@Leroy_and_Marcia_Ing

3

Sherrie, You don’t need calipers to do what you want tot do. Get a
standard sheet and wire guage which should be available in any good
hardware store or wherever you might buy the vernier calipers. If you
have Rio’s 2002 tools and equipment catalog, they’re on page 288.

Jerry in Kodiak

4

Sherrie,

   Can someone tell me where to find an idiots guide or version to
using vernier calipers? I have tried numerous times to get a grip
on proper calculation to find the gauge of a metal or size of a
drill bit that has accidentaly got mixed up with a collection of
others. Thank -you

Point your browser at this link:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/class/phscilab/vernier.html

Or, you could go out and buy a dial type caliper and just read the
numbers right off the face of it.

Loren

5

Sher, Rather than an ‘idiots’ gauge…I suggest you try an ‘American
Standard’ gauge (I use nr 20) which is a round wheel with slots
numbered for each gauge non-ferrous metals showing from 0-36 gauge
on one side and .325 to .009 inches on the other. To find the gauge,
gently insert the metal sheet or wire into a slot and, if it just
enters, it is that gauge. Some of these gauges also have numbered
drill bit holes around the center hole. I keep mine hanging on the
butt of my mandrel right above my lemel pan all the time. Try Stuller
or Rio tools catalog.

Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
elegance IS fine jewelry! @coralnut1

6

Hi Sherrie,

Check with Harbor Freight’s web site (harborfreight.com). They list
a 6" electronic (inches & mm) vernier for $29.95.

Dave

7

Hello Sherrie, You’ve no doubt already received several answers to
your question about an “Idiot’s Guide” for measuring things like
sheet metal gauge thichness and drill sizes. I have always used a
simple tool used as a “go/no go” guage often sold at machinist tool
suppliers. These quick and simple guages require no skill to use and
are not that expensive. I have one that measures both wire and sheet
guage and another for drill bits.

Bill