How to use a Height Gauge

What is a Height Gauge?

A Height Gauge measures the height of a workpiece, it is a measuring instrument in which a slider with a measuring stylus moves relative to a measuring scale on a beam and in which this motion is along a single vertical axis nominally perpendicular to a reference plane on the instrument base.

Height gauges are normally used on a granite surface plate to measure and/or scribe part features from a datum plane. Generally, a scriber, Dial test indicator and Dial indicator is used to locate the measured feature. Height gauges are an indispensable instrument for quality control.

What are the parts of a Height Gauge?

A Height Gauge has a Reference Surface Base, Column, Slider Wheel, Scriber Clamp, Scriber, Locking Device and several of them have Struts.

Picture Credits: Mitutoyo

How do you use a Height Gauge?

Here are the tips on how one can use the Height Gauge.

Keep the column, which guides the slider, clean. If dust or dirt accumulates on it, sliding becomes difficult, leading to errors in setting and measuring.
When scribing, securely lock the slider in position using the clamping arrangements provided. It is advisable to confirm the setting after clamping because the act of clamping on some height gauges can alter the setting slightly. If this is so, allowance must be made when setting to allow for this effect.
Parallelism between the scriber measuring face and the base reference surface should be 0.01 mm or better. Remove any dust or burrs on the mounting surface when installing the scriber and other parts securely fixed in placed during measurement.
If the main scale of the height gauge can be moved, move it as required to set the zero point, and securely tighten the fixing nuts.
Error which is caused due to parallax effects are not negligible. When reading a value, always look straight at the graduations. Parallax errors occur when the position of an object are viewed from different points which thus impacts the accuracy of your mesasurements.
After using the Height Gauge, ensure that water or oil is completely wiped away. Apply a thin coating of anti-corrosion oil and let it dry before storage. If a digital height gauge will not be used for more than three months, remove the battery and cover with a protective cover if it has been provided. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity during storage.

For a more detailed video on how to use the Height Gauge please watch :