A gauge block set is a must-have for machinists, metalworkers, woodworkers, automotive, metrologists, engineers, etc. Mainly they are the length standard either in inspection or calibration labs or machine workshops.
These blocks serves as length standard and the set consists of different block lengths. From the smallest to the longest block, their lengths are increments of millimeters or inches. If two or more than two blocks are combined by wringing them, they will form a new length.
Some of the applications of gauge block are the inspection and calibration of micrometer, vernier caliper, and dial indicator. Taking advantage of the precision dimension of gauge blocks, you will know the error of your measuring instruments. Then, you will know whether it’s under tolerance or needs a replacement.
Gauge blocks come in various materials, shapes, sizes, and accuracy. They are made from steel or ceramics. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. Aside from that, they are manufactured in different grades. The grade shows its accuracy. Therefore, you need to know what grade suits your need. We have compiled the factors for choosing gauge blocks, hopefully, it’s helpful for you.
Here we round up the best gauge block sets you can buy in 2023.
Top 10 Best Gauge Block Sets in 2023
1. AccuSize Industrial Tools 0036-6001 Steel Gauge Block Set (Grade As-2)
- Number of Items: 36 blocks
- Graduation: inch
- Tolerances: in Millionths of an inch
- Weight: 2.87 pounds
- Material: Steel gauge
- Product Dimensions : 7.68 x 2.17 x 2.17 inches
- Country of origin: Canada
The AccuSize 0036-6001 comes in a set consisting of 36 units of gauge blocks made from steel. These blocks are conforming with ASME Grade AS-2 which is ideal as workshop tool.
Accusize is one of the brands that you can refer to when it comes to friendly price tools. Aside from its affordable, its nice box should take your attention.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great to use for workshop tool
Cons:
- Not for calibration
2. Mitutoyo 516-403-26 Steel Gauge Block Set Grade As-1
- Number of Items: 81 blocks
- Graduation: Inch
- Material: Steel
- Country of origin: Japan
Precision gauge blocks are necessary for any workshop, and these Mitutoyo blocks are among the best brands that provide fine gauge blocks.
If you are looking for a gauge block set graded as AS-1 and it’s made from steel, we can recommend this Mitutoyo 516-419-26. That said, you can use it for inspection and calibration of precision instruments such as micrometer, caliper, and dial gauge.
The smallest nominal of the block is .05″, while the thickest is 4″. All of these 81 blocks are saved and in fitted wooden case.
Pros:
- Made from steel which is durable
- More complete set with 81 blocks
- Grade AS-1 which is suitable for calibration and inspection purposes in the workshop
Cons:
- Expensive
3. AccuSize Industrial Tools P900-S582 Grade AS-1 Steel Gauge Block Set
- Number of Items: 81 blocks
- Weight: 5.97 Pounds
- Material: HRC 64 Steel
- Product Dimensions : 8.66 x 13.39 x 2.76 inches
- Country of origin: Canada
Another option if you want to purchase the AS-1 grade gauge block is AccuSize Industrial P900-S582. This model gives you 81 blocks. Made from steel, you can expect how durable it is for your workshop. Another advantage of this choice is its price as well. So, it’s worth it checking if you are on a budget.
Pros:
- Great quality for the price
- Grade AS-1
Cons:
- not certificate that shows it’s traceable to NIST
4. Mitutoyo Ceramic Rectangular Gauge Block ASME Grade 0 (Purchase Individually)
- Number of Items: Individually purchased
- Measurement System: Inches
- Material: Ceramics
- Country of origin: Japan
The gauge block made from ceramics is not corroded, dimensionally stable, non-magnetizable, resistant to scratches, and has a lower thermal expansion rate rather than steel-made gauge blocks.
However, it’s typically expensive.
If you need greater precision (tighter tolerance), buying ceramic gauge blocks can charge you a lot of money, especially if you buy a set. Fortunately, this Mitutoyo product allows you to buy individually and you can choose to buy only the nominals you need.
For example, if you frequently inspect a .5″ thick tool with a micrometer, your micrometer should be inspected with a .5″ gauge block. You can buy only this model.
The following gauge block has a nominal of .5″ with .355″ (W) × 1.181″ (L) dimension and 613195-531 model number.
Pros:
- Grade 0; great for calibration purpose
- Ceramic block
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Mitutoyo Ceramic Rectangular Gauge Block ASME Grade AS-1 (Purchase Individually)
- Number of Items: can be individually purchased
- Graduation: mm
- Material: Ceramics
- Country of origin: Japan
If you need a ceramic gauge block that comes in metric (mm) graduation, we suggest checking this model. Plus, it can be purchased individually, allowing you to pick what you need only. Though it’s graded as ASME AS-1, it’s still applicable for inspection and calibration of some tools.
Pros:
- AS-1
- Made from ceramic that have several advantages compared to steel
Cons:
- Expensive
6. Mitutoyo Steel Rectangular Gauge Block ASME Grade AS-1 (Purchase Individually)
- Number of Items: can be purchased individually depending on what length you need
- Graduation: inch
- Material: Steel
- Country of origin: Japan
Steel blocks are still common in use. Therefore, we enlist more gauge blocks made from this material. Mitutoyo 611-195-541 serves you with great dimensional accuracy, thus, it’s perfect as the standard in length calibration of some models of precision tools.
If you need to purchase individually, maybe, one of your blocks is missing, then this option is for you.
Pros:
- Mitutoyo product
- AS-1 grade
- Made from steel
- Individual purchase
Cons:
- More thermal expansion rate than ceramic
7. Mitutoyo 516-930-26 Gauge Block Set Grade 0 (for Micrometer Calibration)
- Number of Items: 9 blocks with optical parallel
- Material: Steel Gauge
- Item Length String: 0.0625 – 2.0 Inches
Micrometer is easily found as a precision measuring instrument in the workshop and manufacturing. Tools and parts are frequently checked for their dimensional precision with this instrument. That said, the micrometer should be maintained its accuracy and precision, and make sure its error is still under tolerance.
Mitutoyo 516-930-26 is a set of gauge blocks with optical parallel for your reliable micrometer and caliper calibration. If the measuring range of your mic is from 0 – 2″, then this set is for you. Its accuracy is no worry because it has a grade 0 of ASME version.
Pros:
- For micrometer standard in calibration; saves money because it serves the nominal that you need only
- Grade 0
- Nice wooden case
Cons:
- Specific purpose only
8. WEN 10481 Gauge Blocks
- Number of Items: 81 pieces
- Material: Steel Gauge
- TOLERANCE: +0.25 μm to −0.15 μm
Maybe, you don’t have a need to buy that superiority such as the models from Mitutoyo, Starrett, and Accusize brands. In this case, you can check WEN 10481 gauge blocks with 81 units of blocks. Surely, you won’t be charged that expensive cost with this choice.
The blocks are all made from steel. Nicely, the 81-piece set has a hard-shell case that makes them organized and protected.
Overall the WEN 81-Piece Steel Gauge Block Set with Case is an excellent option for most hobbyists and enthusiast machinists. In other words, it’s great for small job shops (home shops).
9. HFS (R) 81PCS Grade B Gauge Block Set
- Number of Items: 81 pieces
- Material: Fully seasoned alloy Steel
- Tolerance: deviation for each block, but this amount varies from block to block but amounted to no more than tenths of a thousandth.
Around a hundred dollars, you will get a gauge block set consisting of 81 blocks. These could be your first gauge blocks in your home machine shop.
10. Shars Grade Economy 81 PCS Rectangular Gauge Block Set
- Number of Items: 81 blocks
- Material: Steel
- Tolerance: ± 0.000050″
Another economy-grade gauge block that should be in your selection is this choice.
There are 81 blocks from the smallest nominal .050″ to 4″.
Hobbyists and home machinists will thank us because we show them this model.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gauge block set for a certain individual cannot be summarized easily. Each person has their own need. A home shop will require less accurate grade while the professionals in a CNC machine shop may require an AS-1 or O grade.
Some individuals may require one or two blocks only as they only use those two lengths in an inspection. In this case, choosing the gauge blocks that can be purchased individually is great. For example, if you frequently use a micrometer or caliper to check the dimension of a part that has a 1″ in length, then you should buy the gauge block with a nominal length of 1″ only, and frequently inspect your micrometer or caliper with that gauge block.
All in all, our effort is to collect as complete as possible the best options for you according to your need. The above 10 gauge block set may help you get the right choice for your project. Further, make sure you know how to properly wring them to shape a new length. Gauge block calibration is also critical to check whether your best gauge blocks should be replaced or not.