Paint thickness gauge

[LelandGray]

Are there any relatively inexpensive yet decent paint thickness gauges out there? I did a quick search on Google and I kept seeing ones that were $700+!

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

Harbor frieght had one, I'd been checking for it again the last couple months ever time I get close to ours but still no luck.

The last time I seen them there they were down to around $30.00 and my wife tried to get me to get one (should have listened to the women) but that's when I no longer was detailing and now wouldn't you know it!!!

There is a great thread on here somewhere about the same one! Don't have time right now to find it but will later tonight, if you don't find it.

[xantonin]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

I agree I would love to have one but I can't justify over $100

[cnfowler]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

I believe this is definitely an item that follows the saying "you get what you pay for". I'm not too sure I would trust a $30 gauge to save me from ruining a several thousand dollar paint job.

Colin

[SHYNEMAN123]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

I have been using this type for 20 yrs with no problems, I do check it from timt to time with a $ 1,000 unit and calibrate it but for buffing it has always been close enough.

[xantonin]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

I believe this is definitely an item that follows the saying "you get what you pay for". I'm not too sure I would trust a $30 gauge to save me from ruining a several thousand dollar paint job.

Colin

I agree but for us weekend warriors we can't justify getting a unit that expensive if we only detail our vehicles and friends.

SHYNEMAN123 Where did you get that and how does it work..?

[tcope1]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

I think.... Mar-Hyde paint measuring gauge #1099

Seems to be about $15

[SHYNEMAN123]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

I agree but for us weekend warriors we can't justify getting a unit that expensive if we only detail our vehicles and friends.

SHYNEMAN123 Where did you get that and how does it work..?

Most autobody supply stores will have or can get and price around $45 to $65 in central Pa area.

They are magnetic with a scale to measure thickness on top and side surfaces measured in mills, By holding the cap with thumb and index finger slowly pull out on pen and read the last number you can just before the magnet releases from the body and that is the thickness of material. Most OEM finishes are between 5 to 6 mill, if you get a high reading like 10 - 12 that would tell you paint and or body work has been done and if you get no reading in a spot than you have found the body filler. This one will not work on alum. and some of todays cars use alum in hoods, trunks and lift gates.

[bullitt21]

Re: Paint thickness gauge

I understand the weekend warrior not wanting to spend the $'s. If I had to recommend a reliable gauge that is at a price you can live with it would be the" Highline" brand. They have a second generation meter now that is $225, but the 1st generation meter is the same almost, it just doesn't have a flip screen and is a tad bigger. You can buy the 1st generation for $199. I have this one and I love it. It reads both aluminum and steel, and microns and mils. I've had mine awhile and I get the same readings as my Defelsco, it just doesn't have all the add ons, but if youre an enthusiast detailer then you really don't need computer printouts and blue tooth.