What is A Pin Gauge? The Basics of Pin Gauges
What is a pin gauge?
Pin gauges are cylindrical pin shaped plugs sized to a high precision. The main function of a pin gauge is to inspect the inner diameters of your workpiece. They are commonly used similarly to a Go and No-Go gauge to qualify whether a hole is within a certain specification. You can also use it to test for geometric deviations in measurements. Pin gauges are useful for checking the straightness of a deep hole.
They can be made of many types of materials: Steel, Carbide, Ceramic, Zirconia, Hard Metal Alloy. LFC is the authorized distributor of Eisen Pin Gauges. Eisen pin gauges are made of the following materials:
Pin gauge can be sold as a set or individually. Pin gauges in a set come in assorted sizes with small increments. These increments can be in 0.01 mm or 0.001 mm depending on your requirements. These small increments are minute as pin gauge are typically used in smaller holes applications, which requires high precision and accuracy. Every pin is marked with its exact size so that the user can easily identify these pins.
How to use a pin gauge?
If you own a complete set of pin gauge, you can start by inserting the pin gauge with the smallest diameter into the workpiece hole. You can then insert the pin gauge in increasing order of size until you find the pin gauge that fits nicely into the workpiece bore. You should not push the pin gauge into the bore by force. Ideally, the minimum or “Go” pin is use for the lower limit of the bore. It should fit nicely with no force. The maximum or “No Go” pin gauge is for the upper limit. It will not fit even if a small force is applied to push it in.
Caring for Your Pin Gauge
Regular maintenance and calibration of pin gauges will help to ensure that your bore inspection will be accurate and help to improve the tool life of the pin gauge. A lack of care can result in an unreliable instrument. We are going to discuss next some habits that you can incorporate to care for your pin gauge.
The Right Usage
We encourage you to start by using your pin gauge correctly. Most of the time, pin gauges go out of size or become unreliable due to wrong usage. The most common mistake users make is applying too much force when using a pin gauge. When too much force is applied on a pin gauge, it can damage your pin gauge and cause it to change from its desired size. On top of that, we recommend that you use the pin vise to handle the pin gauge. This way it will be less affected by the temperature from your bare hands and maintain its accuracy.
The Right Storage
Storing your pin gauge properly is another way you can extend your pin gauge’s tool life. Ideally, it should be protected from outside environmental factors like heat and moisture. These things can affect the pin gauge over time. We recommend you have a proper container for your pin gauges. Eisen pin gauges are individually packed in a storage container. This ensures that the pin gauge is stored in cool and dry surroundings.
This will be especially important if you have a set of pin gauges. We recommend that they are individually separated into small cases. We risk damaging the pin gauges when they are not separated and in contact with each other.
The Right Maintenance
The right way to maintain your pin gauge in good working order is by doing maintenance regularly as a routine. To ensure your pin gauge is accurate, maintenance should be done to verify that all components are up to standards. Some things you can look out for during maintenance include dirt, debris, and oil. These elements may cause the pin gauge to corrode.
The Right Calibration
Regular calibration is the best way you can check the accuracy of the pin gauge. Most manufacturers recommend that calibration is done every year. However, we are of the opinion that the pin gauge’s calibration should be dependent on how frequently the tool is used. The more frequently a pin gauge is used, the greater the likelihood of it being damaged due to wear and tear. Hence, it is better for pin gauge with heavy usage to be calibrated more than once a year.
Other Uses
Besides inspection of small holes, pin gauges can be used in many other ways:
Check out the video below to see more examples on other uses of pin gauges:
About Eisen Pin Gauges
Eisen pin gauges are manufactured by Eisen Co., Ltd in Japan. Besides pin gauges, Eisen also produces plug gauges, ring gauges and diamond/CBN tools. The company has been producing pin gauges since 1969. As a result, Eisen has a wide range of pin gauges and accessories to meet the differing needs or invidual users.
Master pin gauges have better tolerance, circularity, diameter variation and surface roughness compared to conventional gauges.
Regular Pin Gauge
Master Pin Gauge
Tolerance
±1 μm
±0.5 μm
Roundness
0.8 μm
0.3 μm
Cylindricity
0.8 μm
0.15 μm
Roughness
0.20 μm Ra
0.05 μm Ra
The ET series contains 14 pin gauges with ± 0.3 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Standard sizes range from minus 3 μm to plus 10 μm increasing in 1 μm increments. Custom sizes and combinations can also be made to meet unique customer needs.
Specifications
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.297 mm - 1.496 mm
30.00
±0.3 μm
0.3 μm
0.3 μm
1.497 mm - 10.010 mm
40.00
±0.3 μm
0.3 μm
0.3 μm
Dimensions
The edge on one side chamfered to a 30° angle for easier insertion.
The EP series contains 16 to 51 pin gauges with up to ± 1.5 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Each standard size increases by 0.01 mm increments and all pin gauges are 58 HRC or harder. The nominal sizes are indicated on the plastic case for gauges up to 0.99 mm while nominal sizes for all pin gauges are laser-engraved onto the pin gauge itself. The class 0 pin gauges are also provided with measurement data.
Specifications (Class-0)
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.20 mm - 0.99 mm
40.00
±0.5 μm
0.3 μm
0.15 μm
1.00 mm - 10.00 mm
50.00
±0.5 μm
0.3 μm
0.15 μm
Specifications (Class-1)
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.05 mm - 0.99 mm
40.00
±0.1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
1.00 mm - 10.00 mm
50.00
±0.1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
10.01 mm - 20.00 mm
50.00
±1.5 μm
1.3 μm
1.3 μm
The EP series contains 51 pin gauges with up to ± 1.5 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Each standard size increases by 0.01 mm increments and all pin gauges are 58 HRC or harder. The nominal sizes are indicated on the plastic case for gauges up to 0.995 mm while nominal sizes for all pin gauges are laser-engraved onto the pin gauge itself. The class 0 pin gauges are also provided with measurement data.
Specifications (Class-0)
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.205 mm - 0.995 mm
40.00
±0.5 μm
0.3 μm
0.15 μm
1.005 mm - 10.005 mm
50.00
±0.5 μm
0.3 μm
015 μm
Specifications (Class-1)
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.205 mm - 0.995 mm
40.00
±0.1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
1.005 mm - 10.005 mm
50.00
±0.1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
10.015 mm - 15.005 mm
50.00
±1.5 μm
1.3 μm
1.3 μm
The WS series is a set of 400 to 500 pin gauges that come with a wooden storage case. This compact wooden storage cabinet is ideal for any inspection room or constant temperature room and is available in class 0 or class 1 pin gauges. The wooden storage case comes with or without glass windows and can hold small gauge hexagonal plastic cases.
WS Series with glass window
WS Series without glass window
Dimensions
W465 x D280 x H520
Weight
13kg
The SS series is a set of over 900 pin gauges that come with a steel storage case. This sturdy steel cabinet is ideal for use at manufacturing sites and available in class 0 or class 1 pin gauges. The steel storage can hold small and large gauge hexagonal plastic cases when used in combination and is slightly larger than the WS series case at W500xD550XH600, weighing around 37kg.
The FC series contains 51 pin gauges with ±3 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. The pin gauge can be used together with a handle (sold separately) and the tap hole has a dimension of M10x1.5 with a depth of 12mm. Custom sizes and combinations can also be made to meet unique customer needs.
Specifications
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
20.00 mm - 30.00 mm
50.00
±2 μm
1.6 μm
1.6 μm
30.01 mm - 50.00 mm
50.00
±3 μm
2.4 μm
2.4 μm
Dimensions
The ES series contains 51 pin gauges with handles that have up to ± 1.5 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Each standard size increases by 0.01 mm increments and all pin gauges are 58 HRC or harder. Custom sizes and combinations can also be made to meet unique customer needs.
Specifications
Set Range (mm)
Gauge (mm)
Shank (mm)
Dimension
0.05 mm - 0.19 mm
5.00
25.00
Type I
0.20 mm - 0.49 mm
10.00
25.00
Type I
0.50 mm - 0.99 mm
20.00
25.00
Type I
1.00 mm - 10.00 mm
30.00
26.00
Type II
10.01 mm - 13.00 mm
30.00
28.00
Type III
13.01 mm - 18.00 mm
30.00
28.00
Type III
18.01 mm - 20.00 mm
30.00
28.00
Type III
Dimensions
The EC series contains 51 pin gauges made from fine ceramics (zirconia) that have up to ± 1.5 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Each standard size increases by 0.01 mm increments and all pin gauges are 58 HRC or harder. Custom sizes and combinations can also be made to meet unique customer needs. Sizes are indicated on the plastic cases for gauges up to 1.49mm and are laser engraved on gauges 1.50mm and larger.
Specifications
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.20 mm - 1.49 mm
40.00
±1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
1.50 mm - 10.00 mm
50.00
±1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
10.01 mm - 20.00 mm
50.00
±1.5 μm
1.3 μm
1.3 μm
The ECS series contains 51 pin gauges made from fine ceramics (zirconia) with handles that have up to ± 1.5 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Each standard size increases by 0.01 mm increments and all pin gauges are 58 HRC or harder. Custom sizes and combinations can also be made to meet unique customer needs. Sizes are indicated on the plastic cases for gauges up to 1.49mm and are laser engraved on gauges 1.50mm and larger.
Specifications
Set Range (mm)
Tolerance
Gauge (mm)
Shank (mm)
Cylindricity
0.20 mm - 0.49 mm
±1 μm
10.00
25.00
0.8 μm
0.50 mm - 0.99 mm
±1 μm
20.00
25.00
0.8 μm
1.00 mm - 10.00 mm
±1 μm
30.00
26.00
0.8 μm
10.01 mm - 20.00 mm
±1.5 μm
30.00
20.00
1.3 μm
The EG series contains 51 pin gauges made from tungsten carbide that have up to ± 1 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Each standard size increases by 0.01 mm increments and all pin gauges are 58 HRC or harder. Custom sizes and combinations can also be made to meet unique customer needs. Sizes are indicated on the plastic cases for gauges up to 1.49mm and are laser engraved on gauges 1.50mm and larger.
Specifications
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.20 mm - 0.99 mm
40.00
±1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
1.00 mm - 10.00 mm
50.00
±1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
The EGS series contains 51 pin gauges made from tungsten carbide with handles that have up to ± 1 μm tolerance for high precision measurements in micron units. Each standard size increases by 0.01 mm increments and all pin gauges are 58 HRC or harder. Custom sizes and combinations can also be made to meet unique customer needs. Sizes are indicated on the plastic cases for gauges up to 1.49mm and are laser engraved on gauges 1.50mm and larger.
Specifications
Set Range (mm)
Length (mm)
Tolerance
Roundness
Cylindricity
0.20 mm - 0.99 mm
40.00
±1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
1.00 mm - 10.00 mm
50.00
±1 μm
0.8 μm
0.8 μm
Eisen Pin Gauge Accessories
Along with its numerous pin gauges, Eisen also sells accessories for use in conjunction with their pin gauges to aid in its usage and to keep your tools safe.
Carrying Hex Case Storage Box
Pin Vise
Plastic Case
To safely store up to 52 pin gauges.
Small: W220 x D200 x H75 mm
Large: W330 x D200 x H75 mm
This tool helps to hold your pin gauges, making them easier to use.
Plastic cases are used to protect each and every one of your pin gauges to prevent damage and distortions that may affect its abilities to perform its functions.
Hex case (small): 0.05 - 10.00 mm range
Hex case (large): 10.01 - 20.00 mm range
HK-31: 20.01 - 25.00 mm range
HK-40: 25.01 - 35.00 mm range
HK-60: 35.01 - 55.00 mm range
If you are looking for a pin gauge or wish to find out more, feel free to contact us for a consultation.
8 Ubi Rd 2, #03-01, Zervex Singapore 408538
References
1. Plug/pin gauge. GaugeHow. (2020, July 16). https://gaugehow.com/plug-pin-gauge/.
2. HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR PIN GAUGE. e2b calibration. (2018, August 24). https://e2bcal.com/properly-care-pin-gauge/.