Main purpose of Gage Blocks

They are used as a reference for the calibration of measuring equipment used in machine shops,
such as micrometers, sine bars, calipers, and dial indicators (when used in an inspection role). Gauge
blocks are the main means of length standardization used by industry.

Wear Gage Blocks

Wear block are "throw away" blocks whose purpose is to prevent wear on the other blocks in a set.
Webber Wear blocks are made from croblox® (chrome-carbide) material to provide better wear
resistance and longer life. Wear blocks are used at both ends of combinations. The desired length of
the combination must include the length of the Wear blocks. The "wear" side should always be on
the outside of the combination. This is the side that is to take any punishment or wear during use.
The other side of the Wear block should always be kept in as good of condition as possible. Inspect
the non-wear side of the gage block before using it in a combination. The non-wear side is to be
wrung to the other gage blocks and should not itself scratch any of the blocks it is supposed to
protect.

Wringing

Wringability is an important property of gage blocks, and is fortunately a quality that can be
controlled and monitored readily by the user of the blocks.

Wringability itself may be defined as the ability of two surfaces to adhere tightly to each other in the
absence of external means. (They are not magnetized or clamped together.) Wringing requires two
smooth, flat surfaces with surface finishes of 1 microinch AA or better. For gage blocks, it becomes
difficult to wring surfaces if the flatness starts to exceed 5 microinches. The sources of the forces
holding gage blocks together are thought to come from:

1. Air pressure from the surrounding environment as the air is squeezed out when the blocks
are slid together.
2. Surface tension from oil that remains on the gage blocks or water vapor from the air acts as a
glue to hold them together.
3. When two very flat surfaces are brought into such close contact with each other, this allows
an interchange of electrons between the atoms of the separate blocks, which creates an
attractive molecular force. (This force will remain even in a vacuum or if no oil or water is
present on the blocks.)

Wringing Gage Blocks

1. Make sure that blocks are clean.

2. Wipe the surfaces of the blocks to be wrung gently across the oiled Wring Pad.

3. Wipe these surfaces on the dry pad, removing as much oil as possible.

4. Slide the surfaces of the blocks together as shown. Apply pressure while sliding the blocks. The
blocks should slide together without any feel of bumps or scratching, and should adhere to each
other strongly after being rotated into place.
6 Steps -- How to Select a Gage Block Set

1) Decide which system of measurement (inch or metric) is most appropriate.

2) Determine the range of measurements that might be made from the desired set.

Break down the measurements into ranges that are frequently made and

infrequently made.

3) Determine the "comfortable range" of a set.

4) Choose a style of block: (Rectangular, Square, or Heavy Duty). Note: The choice of

style may restrict the choice of material and grades.

5) Choose a gage block material.

6) Choose an accuracy grade.

*Note: Certain accuracy grades may not be available in all

materials or styles.
USE AND CARE OF GAUGE BLOCKS

1. Keep the gauge blocks clean. After using the gauges, wipe them all over with a chamois or
soft cloth holding the gauges in such a manner that the hand and fingers never come in
contact with the gauge face.
2. Keep steel gauge blocks coated with a rust preventative oil when not in use. It is
recommended that if the gauges are going to be stored overnight or to be taken out of use,
that they be wiped all over with a chamois dampened with a rust preventative oil. Use the
handling procedure as above, and do not touch the gauge face during handling or placing
them in their case.
3. Cleaning gauge blocks with alcohol is acceptable, but may leave the blocks so clean they
could be susceptible to corrosion.
4. Before wringing gauge blocks together, check the blocks for nicks or burrs. Note: Do not
leave gauge blocks wrung together overnight
5. Handle gauge blocks as the precision instruments they are.

Gage block holder

is used to couple rectangular gage blocks together to increase the length. Holders can also be used
with reference points, scribers, and jaw to use as a Go/NoGo (G/NG) gage. The gage block holder
couples blocks to an overall length of 153 to 256mm.