What Is a Scriber Gauge?
A scriber gauge is a precision tool used for marking or scribing lines on materials. It has a T-shaped appearance combined with a straight scale, similar to a caliper, allowing for easy drawing of parallel lines using the horizontal bar as a reference. Like calipers, it features main and secondary scales that are coaxial, enabling accurate distance measurement between lines.
Uses of Scriber Gauges
The primary use of a scriber gauge is for marking lines parallel to a reference line. The T-shaped horizontal bar of the gauge aids in accurately scribing parallel lines either by aligning with a reference line or hooking onto the object. Some models include a scale on the spindle tip, facilitating biaxial marking, which is especially useful for positioning holes on flat surfaces.
Another use is measuring distances between lines, traditionally done with a straightedge or vernier caliper. However, a scriber gauge offers the unique ability to measure by hooking onto an object, making it efficient for measurements from the edge of a flat plate or in fixed object scenarios.
Features of Scriber Gauge
The scriber gauge is specialized for measuring and marking parallel lines. Fixing the vernier scale allows for the formation of parallel lines of consistent width, reducing working time while maintaining accuracy. It’s important to note that scriber gauges are less suitable for objects without reference lines and can struggle with distorted or burred surfaces.
While similar to calipers in some respects, scriber gauges measure the outside dimensions and should not be confused with calipers, which measure internal dimensions. Height gauges, another alternative, offer high precision but are larger, require device fixing, and specialize in vertical measurements. In contrast, scriber gauges are portable and versatile, suitable for multi-axial direction measurements.