CONTOUR GAUGE UPGRADE
CONTOUR GAUGE TV

CONTOUR GAUGE TV

As with pixels, which determine the resolution of a TV or computer display, the more pins in a contour gauge, the more accurately it will duplicate the irregular shape. How accurately a counter gauge silhouettes an object depends largely on resolution. High-quality plastic pin gauges use a metal core to hold the pins in place. The metal pins also can become loose from the housing if proper care is not taken. Metal can bend if the tool is improperly stored or pressed against an object with too much force. However, metal contour gauges are not indestructible. Metal is more durable than plastic, which can break or wear out if you push the tool too hard against an object. Wider 5-inch gauges, which have a pin depth of 3.5 inches, can contour materials with greater depth, such as a pipe that runs through the floor. That’s enough to trace most trim and molding. The actual pin depth, which is the maximum depth that the gauge can duplicate, is about 2.5 inches for a 4-inch gauge.

That width includes the housing that holds the pins together. Smaller gauges also are available in 5-inch and 6-inch widths, which are useful for tighter spaces where a larger gauge may not fit. Most contour gauges are 10-inches long, which is more than enough to cover typical door frames, trim, molding, and other common obstacles you face when woodworking or during home improvement projects. The larger the gauge, the longer the contour it can duplicate. Size is a significant factor when choosing a contour gauge. The following sections contain details about the features you should consider when shopping for a quality contour gauge. There are several important factors to consider when choosing the best contour gauge for your woodworking projects, including size, resolution, pin depth, and durability. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Contour Gauge

BEST WITH LOCK: RAK Contour Gauge Shape Duplicator.BEST WITH MAGNETS: Beewarm Contour Gauge with Lock 10 Inch and 5 Inch.BEST IN STAINLESS STEEL: GENERAL TOOLS, 837, CONTOUR GAGE, 6-Inch.BEST LARGE: Werkzeug Contour Gauge Shape Duplicator.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: NadaKin 3 Pieces Contour Gauge Kit.

CONTOUR GAUGE UPGRADE

UPGRADE PICK: Saker Contour Gauge (10 Inch Lock) Profile Tool.

RUNNER-UP: VARSK Contour Gauge Duplicator.

BEST OVERALL: LUTER Plastic Contour Gauge, 10 Inch Profile.

And check out our list of some of the best contour gauges for woodworking that you can buy. If you need a contour gauge to help you work around irregular shapes in your next project, read on to learn about the features to consider when shopping for one of these handy tools. When pushed against an object, the pins conform to the object’s shape, creating a mold that you can use to trace cut-lines on flooring, tile, or other material.

These simple but invaluable tools resemble a comb with a long row of thin pins. Rather than using a piece of paper and pencil to trace the shape, or applying an obscure equation from high school trigonometry, consider using a contour gauge. Whether you’re installing flooring, siding, tile, or some other material, you may eventually run into a door frame, set of pipes, or odd-shaped trim that you’ll need to work around.

Contour gauge