12 best thickness gauges

Thickness gauges recently began to be massively used when buying cars of the secondary market. The secret of their work is simple - by attaching the sensor of the device to the body, you can find out the thickness of the applied layer of paint and putty. Depending on the brand of car, factory paintwork ranges from 90 to 160 microns. Artisan work and layer of putty can be performed at a high level and invisible to the eye, even a specialist. Only a high-quality device will help to determine the defect by identifying when checking the deviation in size of the applied layer of paint.

A review of the best thickness gauges, which are used not only for measuring car paintwork, will acquaint you with the most popular models on the market. All of them have high measurement accuracy and reliability. Position in the ranking takes into account not only the technical characteristics, but also the operating experience of different users, as well as the opinions of experts.

The best thickness gauges for coatings

5 RECXON RM-660

It can be successfully used both in amateur and professional purposes to perform a wide range of tasks, which are based on measuring the thickness of the layer deposited on the surface. Miniature and ergonomic design made it the most convenient for professionals involved in testing paint coating cars. The thickness gauge works with the use of eddy magnetic currents, which allows to measure the size of the LPC layer on any surface.

In the reviews, the owners of the device particularly highlight the high accuracy of measurements, which corresponds to more professional and expensive models. The analysis occurs almost instantly, and the information is immediately displayed on the liquid crystal display. Lightweight and compact, it easily fits in your pocket, which allows you to always have the device at hand.

4 DeFelsko PosiTest DFT Combo

The magnetic thickness gauge of the American production is distinguished by high quality of assembly and components, as well as a convenient and clear interface that allows you to quickly master the work with the device. When checking the thickness of the paintwork, the permissible measurement error is within 2-3%, which does not affect the information content of the result.

Owners note in their reviews the convenience of the device - it is always ready for work and does not require calibration. You can set the permissible measurement threshold, above which the alarm will work - this is a very convenient option, which greatly simplifies the study of the thickness of paint in different parts of the body. In addition, the device has an ergonomic and waterproof housing. Spring-loaded high-strength sensor is reliable and provides accurate measurements of the car's paintwork.

3 TM-20MG4

This device is entered in the state register of measuring devices and has a certificate of accuracy (certificate of verification).TM-20MG4 is a modern and reliable tool for determining the depth of the paintwork. In addition, it can be used to measure the galvanic layer (chrome plating, galvanizing, etc.), a protective film. The thickness gauge is widely used in mechanical engineering and electrical equipment manufacturing.

The owners, who used the TM-20MG4 to check the car's paintwork, were satisfied with the efficiency of the device. With its help, areas with deviations in the thickness of the paint layer were identified, which indicates restoration after an accident - a fact that sellers are trying to keep silent about. The feedback also notes the ergonomics of the device and its autonomy at work. The built-in memory records about 200 measurements that can be sent via a wired interface to a laptop or computer.

2 Etari ET-10P

An earlier version of the enchanting range of thickness gauges from the company Etari to control the paint layer of car bodies. The main disadvantage of this model is that it is capable of working only with magnetic metals, and is completely useless when measuring on non-ferrous metal structures. Nevertheless, the characteristics of the ET-10P are simply amazing: the operating temperature range varies from -25 to 50 degrees Celsius, the measurement error is only one micrometer, and there is enough memory to memorize 255 tests. Check the car body for an additional layer of paint? Very easy and at an affordable price.

Advantages:

• large temperature range;
• convenient body handle;
• large amount of memory (255 tests);
• low measurement error.

Disadvantages:

• does not work with non-magnetic metals;
• in the cold, functioning slows down.

1 Richmeters GY910

Simple and compact thickness gauge, perfectly coping with the function imposed on it. The measurement error in a calibrated state is only one micrometer, which satisfies the high control requirements both in production and in service conditions. Of course, Richmeters GY910 has become more widely used in the testing of cars in the “secondary” market than in the conditions of a real production process. The ability to measure the thickness of the paint coating not only on the putty, but also on the freshly painted parts make this thickness gauge a reliable monitoring device that stands out favorably from the vast majority of competitors.

Advantages:

• compactness;
• low cost;
• high accuracy (small measurement errors);
• great design;
• convenience and ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

Best Universal Thickness Gauges

4 CONDTROL Paint

A good device for checking the paint layer on a car body. Easy to use, has an intuitive interface that allows you to master the device in minutes. The thickness gauge is equipped with a dual sensor for measurements: magnetic and eddy current. Scanning the surface, automatically detects the type of metal (black or colored) under the paintwork layer, and makes a diagnosis using a suitable sensor. This versatility allows you to explore the paint layer on modern cars with aluminum body parts.

Owners who have chosen CONDTROL Paint, in their reviews, express their full satisfaction with the characteristics of the device. The depth of coverage is measured with minimal error, easy to use, informative display - and this is not all its advantages. Thickness standards (6 samples) are included in the delivery package, which allow calibrating the device to increase measurement accuracy.

3 Aktakom ATE 7156

The universal thickness gauge from Aktakom combines two methods for measuring the thickness of layers: eddy current, used to work with non-ferrous metals, and magnetic, to be able to measure coatings on ferrous metals. Its use is often used by car mechanics and service station workers, less often - ordinary consumers for home diagnostics. Able to operate in two measurement modes - continuous and single, to localize and check the surface area, respectively. One measurement group includes 80 measurements. From this calculation, the memory of the device is optimized for storing reports in four groups with 80 dimensions in each. Thus, Aktakom ATE 7156 is a serious device for complex diagnostics of car paints, which is more appropriate to use in large service centers.

Advantages:

• acceptable price;
• the ability to connect to a PC via USB-interface;
• the amount of internal memory;
• good measurement accuracy.

Disadvantages:

• third-party magnetic fields adversely affect the accuracy of the device.

2 CHY-115

Ergonomic hammer thickness gauge, which allows to measure the thickness of the paint layer on magnetic and non-ferrous metal structures. It is widely used in the field of automotive diagnostics, but it is also involved in the chemical and even in the shipbuilding industry. The effectiveness of its work lies in the automatic (and error-free) determination of the base material and the adjustment of parameters to the corresponding measurement mode. The CHY-115 memory is designed for storing the results of 255 test passes that can be transferred to a personal computer via a USB connection. The four-digit LCD display is equipped with an energy saving function and automatically turns off after 15 seconds of inactivity.

Advantages:

• high measurement accuracy;
• ergonomic and original design;
• the amount of internal memory;
• the presence of a USB connector;
• the possibility of continuous measurement of the thickness of the layers.

Disadvantages:

• the interface is not translated into Russian;
• readings are swimming due to electromagnetic fields.

1 Etari ET-111

Perhaps the most popular thickness gauge at the moment. The first models took the market for a long time, and the improved Etari ET-111 only added to the already excellent line of measuring devices. In fact, this device can be used in many industries, not limited to the automotive industry and related services. It is capable of measuring on ferrous and non-ferrous metals at operating temperatures from -25 to 50 degrees Celsius. The interface is completely Russified, which significantly facilitates its use. Moreover, for people who like to count money, Etari ET-111 has prepared an additional function - the ability to check the authenticity of bills and documents in the ultraviolet light.

Advantages:

• excellent measurement accuracy;
• the presence of an additional function;
• the interface is completely localized for the Russian-speaking user;
• interesting design;
• availability of highlights and energy saving mode.

Disadvantages:

• no serious complaints.

Best Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges

3 MEGEON 19220

Model that provides accurate measurement of the thickness of non-magnetic coatings. MEGEON 19220 functions due to the magnetic induction arising in the measurement zone, which ensures high accuracy. However, an ultrasonic device is extremely sensitive to the induction of electromagnetic fields from other electrical objects and may give incorrect information. For a device of this level, the price of not having protection from unwanted influence is a big minus.

Among other advantages, a liquid crystal display with a moderate backlight can be distinguished, thanks to which the device is comfortable to use even in poorly lit rooms.As a small gift to users, the developers provided a small storage case in the kit - a useful thing for frequent transportation of the thickness gauge.

Advantages:

• high measurement accuracy;
• quality performance;
• comfortable backlit LCD screen;
• Availability of a transport case.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• lack of protection from the influence of extraneous magnetic fields.

2 TEMP-UT1

One of the most reliable devices in the segment of ultrasonic thickness gauges. TEMP-UT1 is designed to measure the thickness of metal, alloy, cast iron, plastic and rubber parts. Despite the somewhat clumsy design, it has enhanced functionality and an exceptionally reliable measuring system that does not allow failures. One set of batteries lasts about a year of work, which indicates its efficiency. The interface is optimized and, as users note, is very easy to learn.

But, unfortunately, the device is not without drawbacks. Buyers are frightened by the high price, which is marketed as “tolerant” by the distributors. In addition, the thickness gauge must be calibrated before each measurement. Fortunately, the calibration process itself is relatively simple.

Advantages:

• simple but reliable case;
• convenient management interface;
• undemanding in terms of energy consumption;
• Internal memory is designed to preserve the results of 100 measurements.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• the need to calibrate the thickness gauge for a new material.

1 Horstek TC 015

Very running budget model of an ultrasonic thickness gauge, which has become widespread among Russian consumers. Horstek TC 015 replaced the earlier version - Horstek TC 013, - and learned how to measure thicknesses on iron and aluminum parts. Before use does not require additional settings and calibrations.

The main feature of this device is that it is able to determine only the presence of putty at the point of contact with the paintwork. In other words, the thickness gauge captures only the cases of repair and painting of the original parts of the car and is completely unsuitable when the part has been completely replaced and painted, as they say, from scratch. But even with this condition of use, the device is able to fix up to 80-85% of all problems with used cars.

Advantages:

• low price;
• is in great demand among consumers;
• good measurement accuracy;
• does not require calibration and pre-settings.

Disadvantages:

• provides high accuracy of measurement only on the filler surfaces.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of thickness gauges?
We vote!

Etari

Horstek

MEGEON

CHY

Aktakom

Richmeters

Delta

Tm

DeFelsko

RECXON

CONDTROL

Total votes: 166

Vote results