Feeler Gauges

Feeler Gauges

Feeler gauges measure small gaps and clearances in engineering, engine maintenance, valve adjustment and precision machine setup. AIMS Industrial stocks feeler gauges from Stahlwille, Maxigear and Lang Tools in metric and imperial calibrations, covering the blade counts, thickness ranges and lengths needed across workshop, toolroom and field service applications.

For background on selection, technique and troubleshooting, see our feeler gauge guide — covers blade thickness selection, valve clearance procedure, brake adjustment, ignition timing, "go/no-go" technique and the difference between standard and calibrated blade sets.

Stahlwille Precision Feeler Gauges

Stahlwille precision feeler gauges are manufactured in Germany to exacting tolerances, making them the choice for toolroom and precision measurement applications. Available in:

• 13-blade metric set (0.05–1.00 mm) — covers the most common engine, valve and bearing clearance measurements
• 20-blade metric set (0.05–1.00 mm) — finer intermediate thicknesses for precision work
• 26-blade imperial set (1½ to 25/1000") — for dual-system workshops and imported equipment

Stahlwille blades are hardened and accurately calibrated to DIN 2275 tolerances for reliable, repeatable measurement across years of service. The hardened blade material resists kinking and surface damage in field use.

Maxigear and Lang Tools

Maxigear feeler strip gauge sets are available in 150 mm and 300 mm lengths (0.05–1.00 mm, 20 blades) — a practical and cost-effective option for general workshop and maintenance use. The 300 mm length is preferred where deep access is needed — for example, between valve cover assemblies or under bearing caps.

Lang Tools heavy-duty feeler gauge sets are designed for valve adjustment on petrol and diesel engines, including specific sets for Detroit Diesel applications where accurate clearance measurement directly affects fuel economy and emissions compliance.

Using feeler gauges

Individual blades fold out independently, making it easy to select the precise thickness needed or combine multiple blades for in-between measurements. The "go/no-go" technique — finding the thickest blade that goes through and the thinnest that won't — is the standard way to confirm a clearance is within tolerance. Common applications include:

• Engine valve clearance (rocker arm to valve stem gap)
• Ignition contact point gap (older points-system engines)
• Spark plug electrode gap
• Brake shoe to drum clearance
• Bearing endfloat / preload
• Machine setup — squareness checks, parallelism, gap setting on guards and tooling

Browse the wider measurement range

Feeler gauges sit within our broader measuring tools range. For dimensional measurement, see digital calipers, vernier calipers, micrometers and dial indicators. For threaded gap measurement, see thread measuring gauges and screw pitch gauges.

For help selecting the right feeler gauge for your application, call (02) 9773 0122 or contact our team. AIMS Industrial has supported Australian workshops since 1988.