The Best Contour Gauges
If you're looking to add a truly professional touch to your home remodeling projects, a contour gauge should be at the top of your wishlist. Contour gauges are profiling tools that allow you to accurately duplicate an irregular surface with its many teeth. Home projects which involve laying tile around molding, pipes, or vents are perfect for the contour gauge because of the increased accuracy and ease of use provided by the tool. When you need an instant template for those hard-to-measure corners in your construction project, one of our recommendations below will make stressing about DIY projects a thing of the past.
Saker Contour Gauge
Locked And Loaded
When you need a precise cut for a smaller section of molding, Saker’s Contour Gauge is the undisputed choice. The premier function that puts the Saker brand head and shoulders above the rest is the innovative locking mechanism at the gauge’s center. Simply press the gauge flush to the wall, snap the lock into place, and presto, your cutout awaits. Another feature of the Saker Contour Gauge that indicates high-quality engineering is the product’s material composition. While slightly more rigid and sturdy, metal gauges are prone to bending, resulting in inaccurate measurements. Sacker’s gauge is made of ABS plastic, ensuring every curve and angle is accounted for even after hundreds of measurements.
Pros:
- Available in five or ten inches
- The locking mechanism has varying degrees of tightness
- Nearly double the width of traditional contour gauge teeth
- The locking mechanism is metallic and rust-resistant
Cons:
- Lock rigidity can only be adjusted with a hex key
VARSK Contour Gauge Duplicator
A Shape For Every Scenario
If your project calls for a larger measurement area without cutting back on your tools’ quality, VARSK will see you through. Smaller contour gauges are ideal for tracing around smaller pipes or corners but tend to meet their match when facing door thresholds with wide side jambs. VARSK’s Contour is a substantial ten inches in length and about five inches wide, allowing you to tackle the largest obstacles home remodeling can throw at you. If you’re sick of transferring profiles from inaccurate drawings on cardboard to the final woodcut, VARSK’s Countour Gauge Duplicator is the last tool you’ll ever need.
Pros:
- The gauge’s plastic teeth are .05 inches for increased accuracy
- The center mass has both SAE and metric measurements included
- US-Based Company
- Aluminum metal core lends to the product’s structural integrity
Cons:
- The lock must be tightened completely to avoid deformity
General Tools 833 Plastic Contour Gauge
Profile With Perfect Precision
General Tools makes DIY projects easier than ever with their reliable Plastic Contour Gauge. The last thing we want to do as craftspeople is purchase tools that create more work than they complete; with a contour gauge, abrasive surface materials can easily scratch paint, tile, or wood, causing both damage and frustration. On the other hand, General Tools’ Gauge is made of a wear-resistant plastic that’s guaranteed to measure as accurately as their metal counterparts without leaving imprints on delicate surfaces. While this contour gauge does have a fraction of an inch of space between the last tooth and the edge of the ruler element, ten inches of length should be more than sufficient for most projects and leave you with an accurate cut every time.
Pros:
- The magnetic backing allows for easy storage
- Spectacular quality for the price
- Two ten-inch contour gauges can be locked together for even larger projects
- Teeth are three inches in width
Cons:
- The plastic cap which secures the contour teeth is fragile
Big Horn 19062 – 20 Inch Plastic Contour Gauge
The 20 Inch King of Contour
Heavy-duty remodeling and construction jobs call for heavy-duty tools and materials. The consequences of using inferior tools for projects that require a professional finish can be disastrous and costly, not to mention time-consuming. Big Horn’s 20-inch Plastic Contour Gauge is a professional gauge guaranteed to last for several years. When not in use, this massive gauge is easily mounted to magnetic surfaces for simple storage. While in use, Big Horn’s contour gauge measures at a functional depth of 1.25 inches. It can also depict measurements in both metric and SAE and delivers a near-perfect replication thanks to the steel teeth.
Pros:
- Easily take measurements for multiple cuts at one time
- Rust-proof design
- Perfect for irregular cuts in metalwork, tiling, or woodwork
- Fantastic customer service
Cons:
- Magnets can fall out of the back
MOTEM Contour Gauge Pack
Sizing That Makes Sense
Home redesigns are rarely limited to one set of hands working at once. Unless you’re showing off your contracting prowess or like to take your time, your extra help may be slowing projects down if they’re not well-equipped. MOTEM is a different take on your traditional contour gauge purchase, boasting a three-piece measuring set that will have you prepared for problems at every angle. In addition to both five and ten-inch gauges, MOTEM’s Contour Gauge Pack comes with a bonus ruler and sheath so you can properly practice the contractor’s sacred mantra: measure twice, cut once.
Pros:
- Six-month full warranty
- Maximum tooth depth of 2.75 inches for large measurements
- ABS plastic teeth are flexible and retain their shape better than metal
- The included ruler is six inches and made of steel
Cons:
- No locking mechanism
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important factors to consider before purchasing a contour gauge?
As contour gauge design is fairly universal, the material used is likely the most important buying decision you’ll have to make. While flexible and cost-effective, plastic teeth tend to be thicker than their metal counterparts and can be prone to snapping. Conversely, metal teeth are superior when it comes to accuracy, although if bent will be next to impossible to return to their precise, out-of-the-box condition. Furthermore, the depth of the gauge’s teeth can be a limiting factor. The deepest contour gauges tend to have 5- to 6-inch teeth, meaning that you’ll be able to trace at a depth of 2.5 or 3 inches, respectively.
How does a contour gauge work?
A contour gauge works by pressing its teeth against an irregular surface to replicate a pattern. Once aligned with said surface, the teeth create an identical imprint that can be easily transferred directly to the material you’re cutting, be it metal, wood, or tile. The gauge’s plastic or metal core keeps the row of teeth in place and can be tightened to retain its shape during transfer more easily. Besides their commercial uses, contour gauges have been a mainstay of archaeologists for decades, used to profile delicate pottery that cannot otherwise be removed from the ground.
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