The best thickness gauges I TOP-10: Rating + Reviews

Universal thickness gauges

CONDTROL Paint

An original device that is used to quickly and accurately calculate the thickness of the paint layer on ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This equipment has quite a lot of useful functions - it is well suited not only for car enthusiasts, but also for professionals. The product is able to independently determine the type of product being tested, after which it selects the measurement technology. The thickness gauge can work using both eddy current and magnetic methods. The design is placed in a plastic case, characterized by ideal assembly, when during operation there will be no various kinds of backlashes and squeaks. The plastic itself has a matte finish, so it will not leave any kind of dirt, fingerprints, and so on. There are special shock-absorbing inserts on the sides that will prevent the product from slipping out of the user’s palms.

The set includes a case for storage and transportation, which will further protect this equipment. When the set range is increased, a beep will sound. There are two buttons on the front side with which you can set the minimum and maximum thickness of the paintwork. The display is liquid crystal, equipped with a very convenient LED backlight. The device’s memory is designed for the last 80 measurements, and the data will not only be stored there, but will also undergo special processing, on the basis of which usage statistics are generated. The product comes with a cable that allows you to connect the device to a personal computer and transfer data there using special software. In addition, there are two samples (one made of steel, the second of aluminum) that allow calibration of the equipment.

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Advantages:

• When turned on, the device performs self-diagnosis, and this takes only a couple of seconds;
• There is a display backlight for ease of operation;
• Despite the operating technology, the data accuracy is quite high;
• There are samples according to which equipment is configured;
• All received information can be transferred to a personal computer if necessary.

Flaws:

• For an eddy current and magnetic device it is quite expensive.

CONDTROL Paint

Aktakom ATE 7156

Like most universal devices, this thickness gauge uses two basic principles in its operation - eddy current and magnetic. The first is designed to work with non-ferrous metals, the second is used for steel. The product is widely used among car mechanics involved in body work. This equipment is often used by independent appraisers, for whom it is very important to quickly determine whether the car has been in an accident or whether it has been repainted. With the help of this product, all data will be reliable, and it will not take much time to obtain it.

In addition, the versatility of the device is achieved largely due to the possibilities of its operation - continuous and one-time. By choosing this mode, you can localize a specific area of ​​the surface and spontaneously check its condition. One single group of measurements can include up to 80 indicators that will be stored in the device’s memory - this will be quite enough to work with one vehicle, especially since most similar equipment cannot offer the user at least half of these capabilities. The product comes with a cable for connecting to a computer and a disk with software. According to experts in their reviews, this device is quite a serious piece of equipment that can be used for complex diagnostics. In particular, these products are perfect for service centers through which a large flow of vehicles passes.

Advantages:

• It is possible to connect to a computer or laptop;
• The measurement results are very accurate;
• Large amount of internal memory;
• There are single and continuous operating modes.

Flaws:

• Measurements can be directly influenced by extraneous magnetic fields.

Aktakom ATE 7156

CHY-115

This is a multifunctional device that is used to calculate the thickness of a paint layer. The device is a trigger-type product, which is equipped with a digital liquid crystal display. It has a fairly bright backlight, thanks to which all readings will be clearly visible even in absolute darkness. Using the product, you can measure the thickness of ferrous metals, as well as non-ferrous metals and their alloys. The accuracy of the data obtained is comparable to professional ones. This is achieved through a simple calibration procedure that is performed before working with new material. The product can use the continuous metering function during operation.

If the paint layer is greater or less than the preset parameters, an audible alarm will indicate this. About 255 recent tests can be stored in the device’s built-in memory. The battery charge is preserved by automatically turning off the product during prolonged inactivity. The device has a comfortable and ergonomic body shape, so it is practically not felt in the hand, and it can also be used for a long period of time. The LCD display will display all information important to the user, including information regarding the remaining battery charge. Test results are also displayed here. The device should be calibrated using a special washer that comes with the kit.

Advantages:

• Good ergonomics of the device and attractive appearance;
• Excellent measurement accuracy;
• Decent amount of built-in memory;
• It is possible to connect to a personal computer;
• Measurements can be taken in continuous mode.

Flaws:

• The interface is not Russified;
• Due to exposure to extraneous electromagnetic fields, the readings may be slightly distorted.

Thickness gauge CHY-115

Etari ET-111

This German-made product became the best universal thickness gauge of the year. The kit includes a very convenient fabric case that closes with Velcro and prevents damage to the surface of the device during use and storage. On the back of the case there is a special hook with which you can hang the product on your clothes and relieve your hands. As the owners of this product note, it is distinguished by excellent assembly. The body is made of durable plastic with a matte finish. Its overall dimensions are 120x40x29 mm and weighs about 100 grams. The product is additionally placed in a rubberized case, which will protect the device well from damage if dropped.

The thickness gauge operates on two 1.5 V AA batteries; they can be easily replaced if necessary. According to the manufacturer, the device can work on batteries alone for about 17 hours, even if the display backlight is turned on. To calibrate the product with a thickness gauge, two washers are supplied. One is made of steel, the second is aluminum, and the kit also includes a standard calibration plate. The new device, after being removed from the box, is completely ready for use; there is no need to calibrate it. The thickness gauge has a built-in flashlight and ultraviolet illumination that help you see the vehicle in almost any conditions.

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Advantages:

• Excellent measurement accuracy;
• Expanded device functionality;
• The interface is designed specifically for Russian people;
• Attractive appearance, high-quality assembly;
• There is a display backlight, a flashlight and an ultraviolet lamp;
• Quite reasonable price.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Etari ET-111

Ultrasonic products

MEGEON 19220

This is a fairly compact and accurate domestically produced product, which is capable of calculating the thickness of a non-magnetic coating within a few fractions of a second without any damage to it. The operation of the device is based on the principle of induction. The most modern high-quality components and the latest software versions are used in the manufacture of the device. This allows you to quickly and easily calculate the thickness of the paint coating, as well as many other materials. The device can be used not only for cars, but also at various industrial facilities, chemical laboratories, repair shops and so on.

The equipment has several operating modes - constant, one-time and selective. Calibration is automatic, carried out without user intervention: there is no need to configure anything in the device. With its help you can find out how much the thickness of the paint layer deviates from the norm. For ease of use, a special liquid crystal display equipped with LED backlight is used, so the device can be used even at dusk or in complete darkness. The device operates on the basis of several batteries, and it will notify the user when the battery is low. In case of prolonged inactivity, the power is turned off automatically. The built-in memory helps to remember the results of measurements.

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Advantages:

• Quite an accurate device;
• High quality production;
• Availability of a backlit liquid crystal display;
• The device comes with a case for storage and transportation.

Flaws:

• Quite expensive;
• Not protected from the influence of magnetic fields.

MEGEON 19220

TEMP-UT1

This design is designed specifically for calculating the thickness of products made of homogeneous materials, for example, metals, cast irons, alloys, plastics, paints, rubber, and so on. Measurements can be taken even if the product is accessible from only one side. In addition, this equipment is used to determine the speed of propagation of ultrasonic waves in the product environment. The thickness is measured by the contact method - the ultrasonic transducer is pressed tightly against the surface of the object, and there must be a layer of contact liquid. It consists of water, alcohol, oil, and various types of lubricants.

In the process of performing work, you can use a variety of converters, and you do not have to additionally configure the device. The thickness sample is built-in; if necessary, the device is calibrated on a sample whose thickness is known in advance. The interface is intelligently understandable, there is a convenient menu for selecting the operating mode. The device is characterized by its small overall dimensions and low weight. The device is quite economical - on one set of three batteries it can last up to one year with regular use. If you don’t plan to use it too often, then this period increases significantly. The LCD monochrome display has a battery charge indicator. The device can operate in fairly harsh conditions - at temperatures from -30 to +50 degrees. The menu is Russified, the case is plastic, the assembly is of high quality: all elements fit tightly to each other, there are no extraneous creaks or backlashes.

Advantages:

• Consumes a small amount of energy;
• Large internal memory – the product can remember up to 1000 measurement results;
• The control interface is very convenient, in Russian, you don’t have to understand it;
• The body is simple, but well built.

Flaws:

• The equipment is highly expensive;
• When working with new material, you will have to calibrate the device.

Thickness gauge TEMP-UT1

Horstek TC 015

The recognized leader among the best automotive thickness gauges based on ultrasound is this fairly budget-friendly, but at the same time accurate and high-quality model. It has gained such wide popularity both among motorists and among people professionally involved in body repair. Using this device, you can take measurements not only on metal, but also on aluminum coatings. Before direct use, you do not have to make additional settings or calibrate the device. The model is equipped with a black and white digital LCD display. It has an anti-reflective coating, so it will be comfortable to use even in direct sunlight.

Using this device, you can calculate the location of the putty, therefore, it will immediately be clear that the body element has been repaired and painted - such problems are the most common in damaged cars (there are up to 80% of such cases). However, it should be noted that using this device it will not be possible to calculate the case when a new part was placed and painted instead of the original part.

Advantages:

• Reasonable cost;
• Widespread among consumers;
• High measurement accuracy;
• Produces results quite quickly;
• Does not require calibration or preliminary settings before use.

Flaws:

• It allows you to determine only putty surfaces; it cannot do anything when replacing a body element.

Horstek TC 015