A bore is any type of hole, and a gauge is used to measure an object. Collectively, they become bore gauge – a tool used to measure the size of a particular hole. Although the bore gauge is a simple concept, different types of bore gauges are used for a wide variety of applications. The types of bore gauges include telescope bore gauge, small hole gauge, beam bore gauge and dial bore gauge, to list some. The most popular among these is the dial bore gauge.
Let’s see how to read a dial bore gauge.
How To Read a Dial Bore Gauge?
Machinists use dial bore gauges to measure the inner diameter of bores in motor engines. The accuracy and speed of a dial bore gauge can save time when used to measure cuts or hole sizes. You can read a dial bore gauge in the same way you read any indicator-type measuring device.
Here are the steps to you can follow to read a dial bore gauge.
- Place the bore gauge in a micrometre locked to the same diameter of the hole being measured
- Then, rotate the indicator’s dial until the pointer aligns with the “0” mark on the dial face
- After that, insert the dial bore gauge in the bore, ensuring both anvils of the gauge touch the wall. Gently move the bore gauge back and forth, taking care to keep the anvils along the same axis plane. The pointer will swing either clockwise or counter clockwise as the anvils settle into place square to the bore.
- Once the tool is squared, check the dial face. At a particular point, the pointer will start to reverse itself and move in the opposite direction. This could be on either side of the “0” mark of the indicator. Once you record the measurement where the pointer reverses itself, you can remove the bore gauge from the hole.
- Once you remove the bore gauge from hole add or subtract the recorded value from the target number the indicator was calibrated to. If the bore gauge’s indicator was zeroed to 2 inches, and the pointer changed direction at the 0.005 inches marking on the dial face, the final measurement of the hole is 2.005 inches. Alternatively, if the pointer moved counter-clockwise and changed 0.005 inches to the left of the “0” on the indicator, the final measurement of the hole is 1.995 inches.
Safety Precautions
It is important to work safely with a bore gauge. Take the following precautions while using the bore gauges.
- Don’t use a damaged dial bore gauge
- Don’t drop the bore gauge
- Always store the gauge components in an internally lined storage case
- Maintain the gauge in good and clean condition
- Keep the work area clean, uncluttered and make sure there is adequate lightings
- Ensure the work area floor is not slippery and always wear nonslip shoes while using bore gauge
- Components to be measured and the dial bore gauge must be stored at room temperature (21°C)
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