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.

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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:

• Steel
• Ceramic (Zirconia)
• Tungsten carbine

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: 

Distance between holes 

Calibrating micrometers

Width of a groove

Acceptance judgement 

Dovetail

Inspection of engine parts

Overpin diameter of gear

Deflection of gear

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 . As a result, Eisen has a wide range of pin gauges and accessories to meet the differing needs or invidual users.

Master Pin Gauge

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

Eisen Pin Gauge ET Series

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.

Eisen Pin Gauge EP Series

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

Eisen Pin Gauge ECP Series

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

Eisen Pin Gauge WS Series

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

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from RTP GAUGE.

Eisen Pin Gauge SS Series

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.

Eisen Pin Gauge FC Series

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

Eisen Pin Gauge ES Series

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

Eisen Pin Gauge EC Series

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

Eisen Pin Gauge ECS Series

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

Eisen Pin Gauge EG Series

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

Eisen Pin Gauge EGS Series

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. 

If you are looking for a pin gauge or wish to find out more, feel free to contact us for a consultation.

References

1. Plug/pin gauge. GaugeHow. (, July 16). https://gaugehow.com/plug-pin-gauge/.

2. HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR PIN GAUGE. e2b calibration. (, August 24). https://e2bcal.com/properly-care-pin-gauge/. 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Steel Pin Gauge Coupon.

I have a dilemma that I've been trying to overcome for many years and, for some reason, just now thought to post here.
We have many library pin gage sets. These are mostly 0.061-0.750 sets. Class Z and ZZ.
The pins are identified by set using paint on each end of the pin. Most of our pin sets, based on their usage and criticality are on 2 year intervals. (For key feature measurements we use X Class, Air Gages, or Bore Gages.) The pins are primarily for setup, so it is important that they be "close" to the marked size, but as they are not used for final part inspection it is not critical.
I have tried to come up with a fairly fool-proof way of identifying pins so that, when it is time for calibration, pins that have been used are obvious and require calibration. Pins that do not get used would have an extended calibration interval.
We have tried sign-out sheets which, obviously, doesn't work. We have tried dip-sealing the exposed end of the pin with the intent that the dip-seal be removed when the pin is used. This has also not worked. As often as not, the dip seal is used as a "handle" when the pin is removed from the drawer, then the pin is replaced with the dip seal intact.
Does anyone have any ideas of how to accomplish this? Or has anyone done anything like this with any degree of success?
Whatever I do, it has to be rigorous enough to "ensure" that a pin cannot be used without the usage being obvious, such that the pin will be calibrated at the next due date.
And yes, we could argue that my use of the term "calibration" should instead be "verification", but that is a semantic discussion. For the purpose of the paragraphs above, I would not technically be "calibrating" any pin, since adjustment is impossible.

I have a dilemma that I've been trying to overcome for many years and, for some reason, just now thought to post here.
We have many library pin gage sets. These are mostly 0.061-0.750 sets. Class Z and ZZ.
The pins are identified by set using paint on each end of the pin. Most of our pin sets, based on their usage and criticality are on 2 year intervals. (For key feature measurements we use X Class, Air Gages, or Bore Gages.) The pins are primarily for setup, so it is important that they be "close" to the marked size, but as they are not used for final part inspection it is not critical.
I have tried to come up with a fairly fool-proof way of identifying pins so that, when it is time for calibration, pins that have been used are obvious and require calibration. Pins that do not get used would have an extended calibration interval.
We have tried sign-out sheets which, obviously, doesn't work. We have tried dip-sealing the exposed end of the pin with the intent that the dip-seal be removed when the pin is used. This has also not worked. As often as not, the dip seal is used as a "handle" when the pin is removed from the drawer, then the pin is replaced with the dip seal intact.
Does anyone have any ideas of how to accomplish this? Or has anyone done anything like this with any degree of success?
Whatever I do, it has to be rigorous enough to "ensure" that a pin cannot be used without the usage being obvious, such that the pin will be calibrated at the next due date.
And yes, we could argue that my use of the term "calibration" should instead be "verification", but that is a semantic discussion. For the purpose of the paragraphs above, I would not technically be "calibrating" any pin, since adjustment is impossible.

Don't get caught up citing semantics, as adjustability has nothing to do with it. Calibration is a comparison between measurements.

Usage is not the only reason for a tool such as a pin gauge to become OOT. It almost seems that the amount of effort being expended in determining which pins need to be checked vs. the ones that are to have their due dates extended outweighs simply performing the check on the set when due. Extended or not, you need to do all of them sooner or later.

Considered outsourcing? We have the same dilemma with other gauges (like thread ring gauges). We decided we really need to control/track gauges that are issued and used to calibrate parts. We feel we are spending way too much time and money recalibrating gages that have not been used (or touched for that matter) since the last time they were calibrated. We decided that we need to control and keep specific records of what gage was issued to whom (and for what job). If we do this?keep detailed records, I feel that we will have sufficient evidence to show auditors why gauges were skipped and not recalibrated?if we show specific evidence that the gauge was not used. We are currently using a paper system to do this with varying success. We are actively searching for a software program to help us.

We have the same dilemma with other gauges (like thread ring gauges). We decided we really need to control/track gauges that are issued and used to calibrate parts. We feel we are spending way too much time and money recalibrating gages that have not been used (or touched for that matter) since the last time they were calibrated. We decided that we need to control and keep specific records of what gage was issued to whom (and for what job). If we do this?keep detailed records, I feel that we will have sufficient evidence to show auditors why gauges were skipped and not recalibrated?if we show specific evidence that the gauge was not used. We are currently using a paper system to do this with varying success. We are actively searching for a software program to help us.

If you feel that you're spending way too much time and money recalibrating gauges that haven't been used, it can be assumed that there are a lot of gauges that fall within this category. So now you keep detailed records - paper-based - to keep track of all these items and to provide evidence to an auditor why they were skipped and not calibrated.

Help me understand how this is better. If providing evidence to an auditor is more important to the company than having tools that are verified as fit for use, the process is not being done for the benefit of the customer. This may sound like a great idea to start with, but before you realize it, you're going to have pin gauges from the same set that have many varying calibration dates. So now, instead of identifying a set as calibrated, one has to identify each pin gauge individually.

Time and effort cost the company money as well, not just calibration fees.