Veritas Bar Gauge Heads

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Average reader rating

5.0

out of 5

Brand:

Veritas

Model:

05N31.01

Price:

$15

Description

Bar gauges not only shine in basic measurement transfer, but are unequalled for inside measurements, such as for sizing shelves or interior trim in windows. They can also be used as "story sticks" for complex built-ins where nothing is square.

Gauge head openings are 1/2" x 3/4"; you just rip 1/4" slices off standard 3/4" lumber to make bars of the length you want (wood is not included). Made of brass and ABS plastic. We now include two brass pins for transferring inside or outside measurements smaller than the length of the sticks or for transferring outside measurements without making hook tips. A pair of brass pins is available separately to retrofit a previously purchased set of bar gauge heads (although a pair of small nails will also do the trick).

Reader Reviews

Simple, yet so valuable in the shop

Reviewed by: mswoodcraft

Review Summary

Sometimes checking measurements in the shop doesn't require that you know the number of the measurement. Sometimes all you need to know is that one thing is the *same* as another, and who really cares what the actual NUMBER is. Veritas' bar gauge heads are your quick and easy solution in this sort of arena. This system requires that you mill two sticks of whatever wood strikes your fancy, so long as each one is 1/4" in thickness and 3/4" wide.

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You can leave the ends square, but it's very useful to mill a miter in the opposing sides so you can get into corners. To attach the heads to the wood you drill for the included set screws that lock each head onto the opposite sticks of wood. Then you're pretty much ready to rock and roll. When checking square on a drawer or a carcass we measure opposing corners. Does the actual number matter? Most of the time that answer is NO. All we need to know is that one is equal to the other. This bar gauge head is also fantastic for determining if, say, a drawer opening is parallel all the way from front to back. Set the distance at the front and just reach back with the bar gauge to the back of the drawer opening. You'll spot any tight places quickly and easily. The uses are legion. I've got two sets of heads and four different lengths of sticks that they swap between. I can get down and funky with the bar gauges in tight quarters the size of my palm, or out to eight and a half feet in length. These things are really great and very useful (if, of course, you can learn to let go and not worry what the actual 'number' is of the measurement!)

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Detailed Ratings

5.0

out of 5

Performance

Features

Ease of Use

Value

sweet

Reviewed by: danupsman

Review Summary

I couldn't agree more with Matt. This simple tool is very practical and convenient. And is of such good manufacture and low cost as to not have to bother making your own.I think I'll purchase a few more of these as well.