Structural
Feeler Gauge
A single 0.13mm stainless feeler gauge blade for checking DTI washer gaps in structural bolting.
About the Feeler Gauge
This is a single 0.13mm feeler gauge blade (about 0.005 inch) for checking the gap on direct tension indicator (DTI) washers in structural steel bolting, or any quick check of whether a gap is over or under 0.13mm. It is 301 stainless steel, one thickness only (not a multi-blade set), in packs of 10. The guide below covers checking a DTI gap and looking after the blade.
Also called feeler blade or gap gauge.
Features
- 301 stainless steel
- 0.13mm blade thickness
- Precision gap checking
Applications
- Checking DTI washer gaps on structural bolts
- Go or no-go check of a 0.13mm gap
What a feeler gauge is
A feeler gauge is a thin strip of steel made to an exact thickness. You slide it into a gap: if it goes in, the gap is at least that thick; if it will not go in, the gap is smaller. Mechanics use sets of many blades on one handle to set valve clearances, spark plug gaps and similar settings.
The feeler gauge on this page is one blade of one thickness, 0.13mm. It checks whether a gap is bigger or smaller than 0.13mm; it cannot measure a gap of another size. If you need to measure gaps of different sizes, you need a multi-blade set, which we do not carry.
Feeler gauge size and specification
Select the row to open it in the selector.
The feeler gauge we carry, from Hobson's product data. The inch figure is 0.13mm divided by 25.4, rounded. Tap a number to show it in the selector above.
| Thickness | In inches | Material | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.13mm | About 0.005 inch | 301 stainless steel | 10 blades |
Checking a DTI washer gap with a feeler gauge
A direct tension indicating (DTI) washer has bumps on one face that flatten as the bolt is tensioned. Hobson's DTI documents use a feeler gauge to check the gap left between the bumps: the load indicator washer sheet says to use feeler gauges to verify that minimum tension has been reached, and the Squirter DTI FAQ says a feeler gauge can be used to inspect a bolt after the orange indicator has weathered away.
Hobson's DuraSquirt DTI data sheet gives an inspection gap at bolt tension of 0.13mm for its class 8.8 mechanically galvanised DuraSquirt DTI washers (M12 to M36), measured between the bumps. For any other DTI, check the inspection gap on that washer's own data sheet before relying on this blade. Separately, the sheet's pre-installation verification asks you to confirm the gap is smaller than the calibrated gap provided by Applied Bolting Technology; that calibrated value is Applied Bolting Technology's, not the 0.13mm table figure.
- Assemble and tighten the bolt following the DTI's installation instructions, with the bumps bearing against the hardened washer as the data sheet shows.
- Try the 0.13mm blade in the gaps between the bumps, where the DTI gap is measured.
- A gap the 0.13mm blade will not enter is smaller than 0.13mm, the inspection gap at bolt tension in the DuraSquirt data sheet's table.
- How many gaps must refuse the blade, and what to do if it enters, comes from the DTI maker's instructions and the project specification, not from this blade.
Looking after a feeler gauge blade
The blade is 301 stainless steel. A bent, kinked or damaged blade no longer gives a true check of the gap, so keep blades flat and clean and replace a damaged one. They come in packs of 10, so a spare is always to hand on site.
Feeler gauges in Adelaide
Allmat supplies feeler gauges, DTI washers and structural bolting gear to fabricators, steel erectors and builders across Adelaide and South Australia. Add them to a quote with your structural bolts, nuts and washers, and we will price the lot.
Feeler gauges and structural bolting gear
Feeler gauges, DTI washers, structural bolts, nuts and washers are available to order from Allmat for steel fabricators, erectors, builders and trade across Adelaide and South Australia. Order through Allmat, we pick and pack it, then click and collect from the Allmat yard or have it delivered to site.
Goes with
Questions
What is a feeler gauge used for?
Checking a gap against a known thickness. Slide the blade into the gap: if it goes in, the gap is at least the blade thickness. Our 0.13mm blade is used in structural bolting to check the gap on DTI washers.
What thickness is this feeler gauge?
0.13mm, which is about 0.005 inch. It is a single blade of that thickness.
Is this a feeler gauge set?
No. It is one 0.13mm blade, sold in packs of 10. A multi-blade set for measuring different gaps is not something we carry.
How do you check a DTI washer with a feeler gauge?
After tightening, try the blade in the gaps between the bumps. Hobson's DuraSquirt data sheet table gives the inspection gap at bolt tension as 0.13mm for those DTIs. How many gaps must refuse the blade, and what counts as acceptance, comes from the DTI maker's instructions and the project specification.
What is the inspection gap for a DTI washer?
It depends on the washer. For Hobson's class 8.8 mechanically galvanised DuraSquirt DTIs the data sheet gives 0.13mm. Check the data sheet of the DTI you are using.
What is the feeler gauge made of?
301 stainless steel.
Where can I buy feeler gauges in Adelaide?
Order through Allmat. Order ahead by phone on 1300 03 03 63 or send your list for a quote, then click and collect from 25 Kapara Road, Gillman, or have them delivered to site.
Feeler Gauge: sizes and finishes we supply
1 line by finish. Pick one above for its product code and pack sizes.
| Finish | Sizes | Lines |
|---|---|---|
| 301 Stainless | - | 1 |
Need them in bulk?
Add the sizes you need to your quote, or send us your list and we’ll price the lot and supply it with the rest of your order.
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