When buying a car, it is difficult to check whether the car has been in an accident. Using a thickness gauge will allow you to measure the thickness of the paintwork, putty layer. Without it, it will be problematic to purchase a car “not broken, not painted”, you will have to take the owner’s word for it. In this regard, the popularity of thickness gauges for measuring paintwork is growing. The fact is that a car after an accident and subsequent repairs can look quite tolerable, it is impossible to visually determine the thickness of the putty. We will analyze how the devices differ from each other, what types they are, we will give a rating of the best thickness gauges.
Content:
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Ranking table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
|---|---|---|
Rating of the best budget thickness gauges | ||
AutoDelo 40623 | 78 out of 100 | From 1 696 to 1 950 * |
RECXON GY-110 | 82 out of 100 | From 1 630 to 1 990* |
Condtrol Paint Check 3-7-052 | 86 out of 100 | From 2 970 to 3 990* |
RECXON GY-910 | 88 out of 100 | From 3,994 to 4,990* |
Rating of the best thickness gauges in terms of price-quality ratio | ||
Etari ET 333 | 90 out of 100 | From 7490 to 7786 |
MYTESTER MT100 | 92 out of 100 | From 5 900 to 7900* |
CarSys DPM-816 PRO (Fe/nFe) | 94 out of 100 | From 6,500 to 6,800* |
Rating of premium thickness gauges | ||
RGKTM-17 | 94 100 | From 8 320 to 8 900* |
Etari ET 444 | 96 out of 100 | From 8,990 to 9,000* |
Etari ET 600 | 98 out of 100 | From 9600 to 10 200* |
* Prices are for August 2020
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Thickness gauges according to the principle of operation are divided into several types:
- Magnetic. At the heart of the design of these devices is a magnet. The principle of their operation is extremely simple, it measures the forces of attraction using a built-in potentiometric sensor. However, on panels made of non-magnetic metals. He does not work.
- Eddy current. Such thickness gauges measure the power of the currents induced in the part. It depends on the size of the gap between the inductor and the metal. Such devices show themselves better when working with an aluminum body than a steel body.
- Electromagnetic. Such thickness gauges are designed to work only with steel. They measure the magnetic flux density, which changes when a magnetic metal sensor is brought up.
- Combined thickness gauges combine the design of electromagnetic sensors for working with steel bodies and eddy current - for body parts made of aluminum.
- Ultrasonic devices are considered the most versatile, they can work with glass and plastic plates. They can even work with plastic parts. However, the price of high-precision devices is quite high. Common commercial devices are quite rough and often cannot distinguish paint overflow from paint overflow.
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Criterias of choice
When buying thickness gauges, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- Measurement range;
- Error;
- Type of power supply;
- Additional functionality.
Each thickness gauge has its own measurement range, which largely determines its capabilities. Electronic measuring instruments have a range of 0 to 1,000 (or 2,000) microns. Measurement results are displayed on a digital screen. In some cases, not only microns, but also millimeters can be used as a unit of measurement.
For professional thickness gauges, the measurement error should be no more than 1%. For devices for amateur and domestic use, the permissible deviation is not more than three percent. The accuracy of the result varies depending on the type and thickness of the paintwork.
Electronic meters are powered by batteries, usually 3 finger cells with a voltage of one and a half kW are enough for 10,000 measurement cycles. In some devices, a 9V krone battery serves as a power source. To conserve battery power, some models have an automatic shutdown feature.
Modern thickness gauges can be equipped with a memory function with the ability to enter 2000-10000 last measurements into it. Professional devices provide the ability to synchronize with a computer or mobile application for data transfer.
Additionally, the device can have a built-in flashlight and screen backlight. When the working range is exceeded, most thickness gauges issue an appropriate alert.
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When compiling the TOP 10 thickness gauges, their technical characteristics, price, feedback from buyers, sellers and experts were taken into account.
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Rating of the best budget thickness gauges
The list includes inexpensive devices costing up to 5,000 rubles. They differ in modest functionality, there is a measurement error.
AutoDelo 40623
Specifications:
- Price - 1,696 - 1,950 rubles;
- User rating - 3.4;
- Type - ultrasonic;
- Measurement limit - 2000 microns;
- The error is 2%.
- Additional features - auto-off.
An informative display is installed on the body of the electronic test. The device makes it possible to determine the thickness of epoxy, paint on an aluminum, iron or steel body. An auto-shutoff function is provided. The device is powered by a CR2023 battery.
RECXON GY-110
Specifications:
- Price - 1,630 - 1,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.5;
- Type - combined;
- Limit of measurements - 1 800 microns;
- Accuracy - +/- 0.03 mm.
- Additional features - auto-shutdown.
The device of the combined type allows you to quickly measure the thickness of the paint coating on metal surfaces. Several modes are provided: single, continuous and differentiated measurement. The device has zero or two-point calibration. Measurements are shown on a backlit display. The kit includes a calibration kit.
Condtrol Paint Check 3-7-052
Specifications:
- Price - 2,970 - 3,990 rubles;
- User rating - 3.5;
- Type - combined;
- Limit of measurements - 2 100 microns;
- The error is 3.5%.
- Additional features - continuous metering mode.
The design of the device includes an eddy current and a magnetic sensor. Managed with the help of AOK, Each operator will be able to deal with the value. Large keys allow you to press them even with gloves. To improve measurement accuracy, it is recommended to calibrate using the samples included in the delivery set.
RECXON GY-910
Specifications:
- Price - 3,994 - 4,990 rubles;
- User rating - 3.8;
- Type - combined;
- Measurement limit - 1300 microns;
- The error is 3%.
- Additional features - auto-off.
The device measures the thickness of the paint coating on magnetic and non-magnetic metal surfaces. The device belongs to the combined type, measures the coating in microns, millimeters, milli inches. An absolute or relative calibration is possible. Operates on two AA batteries.
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The list includes devices costing from 5,000 rubles. The accuracy of devices in this price category is higher.
Etari ET 333
Specifications:
- Price - 3,994 - 4,990 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Type - magnetic;
- Measurement limit - 2000 microns;
- The error is 2%.
- Additional features - auto-off.
The device allows you to measure the layer of paintwork. The measurement result is displayed on the screen with the possibility of backlighting. The device is powered by a battery, a special indicator indicates the battery discharge.
MYTESTER MT100
Specifications:
- Price - 5,900 - 7,900 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Measurement limit - 2000 microns;
- Error - 3%;
- Additional features - connection to a mobile application on android or IOS.
The device has a one and a half year warranty. It is possible to connect via Bluetooth to the MyTester App application. It greatly simplifies the work with the device. When pairing with a mobile application, detailed instructions will appear on the smartphone screen. In addition, it gives access to the database of cars, which is constantly updated by users of the device, as well as goods from the Etari brand.
CarSys DPM-816 PRO (Fe/nFe)
Specifications:
- Price - 6,500 - 6,800 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Measurement limit - 3000 microns;
- Error - 1%;
- Additional functions - auto power off, self-calibration, 5 operating modes.
The device allows you to measure the thickness of the layer from 0 to 3 mm. The device can be used in a wide temperature range from -25 to 40 degrees. The screen backlight turns off automatically to save battery. The device is powered by a 1.5 V battery. There are five modes of operation, calibration by one, two or six points. The thickness gauge comes with a 3-year warranty.
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The TOP 3 includes devices from trusted brands, characterized by high accuracy and wide functionality. The cost on the list model exceeds 8,000 rubles.
RGKTM-17
Specifications:
- Price - 8,320 - 8,900 rubles;
- User rating - 5.0;
- Type - eddy current;
- Measurement limit - 1700 microns;
- The error is 2.5%.
- Additional functions - auto power off, continuous metering, built-in memory.
It works on the basis of eddy currents and a magnetic field. The device measures paintwork up to 1700 microns thick, can work with magnetic and non-magnetic metal surfaces. The mode of single and constant measurement, memory function on 30 positions is provided. Measurement results are displayed on a 2-inch screen.
Etari ET 444
Specifications:
- Price - 8 990 - 9000 rubles;
- User rating - 4.8;
- Type - combined;
- Measurement limit - 2000 microns;
- Error - 3%;
- Additional features - auto-off.
This device will help you quickly examine the car body, assess the condition of the paintwork. The model provides an automatic calibration function, the layer thickness is measured on any metal surface automatically. Measurement results are displayed on a contrast LED display with backlight. The menu of the device is Russified. The device can operate in a wide temperature range from -25 to +50.
Etari ET 600
Specifications:
- Price - 9600 - 10,200 rubles;
- User rating - 4.6;
- Type - combined;
- Measurement limit - 1500 microns;
- Error - 3%;
- Additional functions - auto-off, self-calibration, memory.
The model is suitable both for personal use and for use in car services and service stations. The device is equipped with an automatic calibration function, which greatly simplifies its use. The measurement value is displayed on a large display, equipped with automatic backlight. Additionally, the device has a memory for the last 20 measurements. The average value is automatically determined, the minimum and maximum indicators are displayed.
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How to choose an LKP thickness gauge? When buying, proceed from the type of body being checked. For steel models, it is recommended to choose electromagnetic type devices. For universal use - combined. When buying, you should also pay attention to the brand. Only the choice of a thickness gauge from a well-known manufacturer guarantees the quality and accuracy of measurements.
