Feelers FAQ

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about feeler gages and our other products:



Gauge vs. Gage: What is the difference between a gauge and a gage?


This has been a long asked question with many different answers. Some sources says, “gage” is an alternative spelling of the word gauge, which is true because the difference was never very clear.


Definition of Gauge: A gauge is a unit of measure for a wide range of materials such as wire, the diameter of a shotgun barrel, a needle, or thickness of sheet metal and so on.


Definition of Gage: A “Gage” is an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy.


Feeler gage vs. Shim stock: What is the difference between a feeler gage and shim stock?


A feeler gage is a tool used to determine the dimension of a gap or opening. It is used by inserting the gage and feeling if the gage has a snug fit, does not fit, or has a loose fit. Thus, letting you know if the gap is the same size, smaller, or larger than the gage in your hand. Shim stock is not typically used as a gage, but as a spacer. Because spacers do not encounter much wear, stainless shim stock is commonly used.


How does my company qualify to become a distributor for Eastern Industries’ products?


All products must be for resale only. Your product line should include items that relate to ours. A list of our product types is listed below.



Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Steel


Are all stainless steels non-magnetic?


No, however, all austenitic stainless steels are non-magnetic in the fully austenitic condition. Magnetism increases with cold work due to deformation-induced martensite, which is a ferromagnetic phase.


Will my feeler gages rust?


Any steel can exhibit corrosion, even stainless shim stock. Some stainless steels have much higher corrosion resistance than others, care should be taken for all metals to avoid rust or damage.


Do stainless steel gages work as well as carbon steel gages?


Yes, your typical application for gage use may be specific for high tolerance, wear resistance, corrosion or many other factors. A member of our sales or engineering team can provide information about different material types to help you choose the correct product.


What are the typical applications for your products?


Because much of our business is manufacturing custom gages, typical applications involve taking measurements in confined spaces and in hard to reach areas. In many cases ordinary automotive feeler gages won’t do the job, that’s where we can help. If you require a special metal gage or a metric feeler gage, talk to our sales team about the custom gage or gage sets you need.


Is Eastern Industries ISO registered?


Yes, Eastern Industries is ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 13485:2003 registered.


Why laser mark?


Some time ago before lasers, the only way to achieve a mark was by physical engraving, letter punching, electro-chemical or acid etching, and various methods of painting. They worked and many of those methods are still in use today however, they each had obstacles to overcome. Some obstacles like contours made it difficult to for paints or letter punching. Although chemical etching would work it was expensive and time consuming to purchase, and then let’s hope it doesn’t rust from the etching solution or neutralizer. The costs, production time, and headache stories go on and on.


So what is laser marking anyway? Laser marking is a focused laser beam producing very specific amounts of heat at the work surface. The heat superficially anneals just microns of the part surface causing it to darken. By changing the amount of energy at the work surface, etching or deep engraving is easily accomplished. With technology today we can create text, logos, barcodes, serial numbers, even photos in minutes. Another added bonus is we never have to clean the part after laser marking, contoured shapes are no problem, we achieve very small marks in hard to see places and everything is clean, clear and repeatable to high quality standards.


Our success has been achieved by servicing a broad range of customers.  Whether world renowned aerospace industries, consumer goods manufacturers, industrial suppliers, service companies, or local job shops, our products help them save time and increase their profits.


We’ve been manufacturing precision feeler gages since 1965.  Through our continuous investments in people, equipment and raw materials, we are able to offer custom feeler gages in an expanding gamut that is on time and at competitive prices.


As you know, you can increase your production by using the right tool. Don’t struggle with “almost” the right gages.  Using the best gages available will help you produce more products… faster, easier, and with less variation.


Here’s a good customer support tip: Include a gage when you ship your product, it will aid your customers in correct installation and adjustment, and help keep your after-sales support at expected levels.