Best Overall
Jorest Connectable Contour Gauge
Runner-Up
Veitorld Contour Gauge Profile Tool
Best Bang For The Buck
Varsk Contour Gauge Tool
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Contour gauge are simple butinvaluable toolsthat resemble a comb with a long row of sparse pins . When pushed against an object , the pin adapt to the object ’s shape , creating a mold that can be used to trace cutlines on flooring , tile , and other stuff .
We tested five different contour gaugetoolsto see how they ’d perform in material - humankind applications . Our darling is theJorest Connectable Contour Gaugedue to its long-wearing construction , accuracy , and easy - to - see measurements , which make creating any shape a breeze . The follow list include some of the best contour gauges on the market .
Our Top Picks
The watch over contour gauges are among the top option on the market . These caliber are made with durable materials and make high - solving duplication . Some offer extra helpful feature , such as locking mechanism and latent hostility adjuster , and one of them is likely to be ideal for your need .
Our rating : Accuracy5/5;Pin Security4.5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.7/5
The Jorest connectable contour caliber is a various prick and our alternative as the good overall . It ’s a solidtool box essentialfor both DIYers and professionals , and the ability to strain it from 10 column inch to 15 inches is a utile feature .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
Simple charge card and metallic element construction , as well as easily sliding pin , make for an super precise and very easy - to - use of goods and services bore . In our examination , we found that the Jorest supergauge was able to tackle tricky obstacles like tiered skirting board with relaxation , as well as more straightforward angles and curves . Add in the very effective lock , and this is a product that rises to the top of the lean . As an impart incentive , Jorest includes several replacement pins in compositor’s case any get damaged .
Although the Jorest is on the higher side in monetary value for the products we tested , its quality does descend in line of reasoning with its price tatter . Our only material charge about the product is that it can be wily to get the flag tension just in good order . The tension is adjust with a small Phillips - head screwdriver ( include ) and a screw on one closing .
What our examiner says:“One feature article that stood out to me is that the measurements are a contrasting color to the expression of the gauge , making them easy to see . ”—Mike Larson , Product Reviews quizzer & writer
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
Get the Jorest contour standard of measurement atAmazon .
Our rating : Accuracy5/5;Pin Security5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.3/5
With its easy move tooth and durable lockup mechanism , this contour gauge from Veitorld earmark users to double pipes , clean-cut , machine panels , and other irregularly forge objects . It features high - class plastic building with a alloy - lockup mechanism at its essence .
Photo: Amazon
Each tholepin on the Veitorld contour standard of measurement is just 0.05 inch widely , allowing for extremely accurate results . A tensioning system , controlled by a Phillips - head screw on one ending of the bore , allow users to fine - air how much tension it ingest to move and hold the pins . A metallic element ignition lock holds the peg unwaveringly in place after an target has been contoured , permit user to trace it easy onto whatever cloth they are working with . The Veitorld contour gauge offers up to 2.5 inches of contouring width , make it a great alternative for trimming and moulding , and the core features a treble - sided ruler with standard and metric measure .
We only had one issue with this special standard of measurement . After we ’d take several different measuring while testing , the tension screw started to tease on its own , command a manual retightening .
Get the Veitorld contour caliber atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Varsk Contour Gauge Duplicator
Our Ratings : Accuracy4/5;Pin Security3.5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.7/5
If you ’re looking for a contour gage that is capable but wo n’t wear your budget , the Varsk contour caliber is a bully choice . While fairly basic ( and let ’s face it , all of the contour gauges on the market are comparatively simpletools ) , the Varsk does the Book of Job well and can be purchase for less than $ 15 . It really is the perfect selection for someone who is tackling a job and just call for a cheap contour calibre to be able-bodied to get it done .
The Varsk has all the feature of the high - death gauges . Pin campaign is smooth , with each 0.05- column inch pin sliding seamlessly to accurately trace even the most ungainly build . A metal lockup mechanism holds everything in place , and it even include a tension adjuster .
Photo: Amazon
We have only a couple of small ill : The measurement numbers are the same colour as the gauge , making them hard to see in certain spark , and the tension can only be align with a small Allen twist ( included ) . While the tension adjuster was more effective at remain tight than some of the other gauges we tested , we do n’t have it away the musical theme of having to keep caterpillar track of a tiny Allen wrench .
Get the Varsk contour gauge atAmazon .
Best For Weekend Warrior
Luter 10-Inch Profile Contour Gauge
Our Ratings : Accuracy3/5;Pin Security2.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
The Luter 10 - inch visibility contour gauge is a beneficial pick for anyone wait for this case of tool and who is n’t break down to practice it everyday . It ’s a nice choice to have in the tool box for when you need it from prison term to metre . Its durability is telling . An unintended challenge for the product during testing included being dropped incidentally from the top of a 15 - foot run while getting a soffit measurement . Despite the fall and landing on the concrete below , the Luter took no more terms than a little scuff . The pins still moved swimmingly and gave accurate readings on most Angle . truth suffer a snatch in all-embracing curves , but this is still a solid pick for a DIYer looking to have a contour gauge on hired man for less than $ 20 .
This 10 - inch - long gauge feature razor - sparse 0.05 - inch - across-the-board tooth that offer high - resolution contouring . The gauge is 4 inches encompassing with a contouring depth of about 2.5 column inch , and features measurements in both metrical and Society of Automotive Engineers ( SAE ) .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
The main drawback of the Luter is that there is no way to lock the pin in place . true , we found the flag abide in place on their own very well , but any fall ( like , say , from a 15 - fundament ravel ) will require a remeasurement . Overall though , this is a swell contour gauge for someone who want to check that they have a quality gauge at a solid price in theirtool kit .
Get the Luter contour gauge atAmazon .
Honorable Mention
RAK Contour Gauge
Our Ratings : Accuracy4/5;Pin Security4/5 ; Durability3.5/5 ; Value3.5/5
exchangeable to the Luter and the Varsk , the RAK contour bore is a firm pick for a casual user . It does everything you ’d expect , and it ’s extremely easygoing to use . The 10 - column inch gauge has 182 pins , each 0.05 inch , that slide easy throughout to replicate even the most refractory angles . The RAK also include a locking feature of speech that work exceptionally well . long-wearing and precise , the RAK is a fine selection that wo n’t snap off the bank , with a monetary value tag around $ 16 .
The gauge is 4 inch wide with a contouring depth of about 2.5 inches , and it features measurements in both metric and SAE . While it is a relatively basic reading of the mathematical product , the RAK gets the job done and does it well .
Photo: Mike Larson for Bob Vila
interchangeable to several other contour gauges we essay , the RAK ’s measurements ( both in measured and SAE ) are in the same colour total darkness as the body of the gage , which makes them difficult to see . While this was a common drawback in several of the gauges , it ’s the only veridical affair we disliked about this particular contour gauge .
Get the RAK contour gauge atAmazon .
More Great Options
Here are a few more of the best contour gauges . While we have n’t examine these special product , we are confident they will perform well .
Best In Stainless Steel
General Tools 837 6-Inch Contour Gauge
This unsullied steel contour bore from General Tools tender durability and a high level of solvent with 35 metal pins per column inch and greater pin depth than most contour gauges . The alloy contour standard of measurement pins are fine than pliant pins , helping it replicate contours with a high academic degree of accuracy . In addition to offering a accurate contour , these stainless steel pins supply add durability as they wo n’t break as easily as charge card .
Although it lacks the locking mechanism and stress adjustment of other model , its calibre is wide enough to measure up to 3.5 inches cryptic , making it available for duplicating cryptical shape such as pipes and thickset baseboard and trim . An integrated rule let in stock mensuration marking .
Get the General Tools metal contour standard of measurement atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Also Consider
Saker Contour Gauge
This contour gauge from Saker offers lastingness and accuracy , making it a solid pick . This great contour calibre make fitting roofing tile , laminate , and other types of flooring a breeze . At 10 inches long by 5.9 inches wide , this contour gauge is capable of take deep impressions than most contour caliber , allowing users to contour large object , such as plumbing pipes and door frames .
Made of metallic element and high - tone ABS credit card , which is hard and warm than typical plastic , it sport modest pins for a in high spirits accuracy level . A ignition lock electrical switch holds the pin tumbler firmly in place after it has contour an aim , allowing for easy trace , and an adjuster on the side lets users alter the denseness of the pins . The Saker contour gauge is available in 10 - in and 5 - column inch sizes .
Get the Saker contour gauge atAmazonorWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Contour Gauges
We used several criterion and extensive research to come up with our list of the top contour gauge tool on the grocery . Accuracy is key when using a contour gauge , so we chose model that apply minute pins to create more exact material body than those with thicker pin .
A good contour bore tool should also provide enough depth to handle a mixed bag of caper , so we stuck mainly with models that have a max contour profoundness of at least 2 inches . Length is also central , so we choose gauges that were at least 10 inch long . Our list let in individual - gauge kit as well as those that come with curt and foresighted contour gauges , which offer dandy versatility . All of the contour calibre we selected are made of either long-lived stainless steel or high - score plastic with aluminum cores .
What to Consider When Choosing a Contour Gauge
When you ’re choosing the good contour gauge for undertaking , deal size , firmness of purpose , PIN number astuteness , and durability . The follow section carry item about the features that shoppers will require to keep in creative thinker when wait for a quality contour gage .
Size
Size is a substantial factor to turn over when choosing a contour gauge . The larger the gauge , the longer the contour it can duplicate . Most contour gauges are 10 column inch prospicient , which is more than enough to cover typical door frames , well-kept , molding , and other vernacular obstacles DIYers front when completing home - improvement projects or take on awoodworking labor . Smaller gauges also are available in 5 - inch and 6 - inch widths , which are useful for plastered space where a large standard of measurement may not accommodate .
Pin Depth and Material
Pay attention to pin fabric and profundity when choose the best contour calibre . Most gauges are about 4 inches wide , and that width includes the housing that adjudge the pivot together . The genuine oarlock depth , which is the maximum deepness that thegaugecan duplicate , is about 2.5 inches for a 4 - in gauge . That ’s enough to trace most trimming and molding . Wider 5 - inch gauge , which have a pin profundity of 3.5 inches , can contour materials with with child depth , such as a tobacco pipe that turn tail through the flooring .
Pin material is either metal or plastic . Metal is more undestroyable than plastic , which can expose or wear out if users campaign the peter too hard against an target . However , metal contour gauges are not indestructible . Metal can bend if the tool is improperly stored or pressed against an object with too much violence . The metallic element pins also can become loose from the trapping if proper care is not taken . High - quality plastic pin gauges utilise a metal burden to hold the pin in place .
Resolution
How accurately a counter gauge silhouette an object depends mostly on resolution . As with pixel , which define the resolution of a TV or computer display , the more pins in a contour gauge , the more accurately it will duplicate the irregular human body . Contour gauge with smaller pins will match the object ’s physique more accurately than heavy pins .
Additional Features
Tips for Using a Contour Gauge
Although using a contour gage is somewhat simple , there are a few guidelines to follow to assure you get the best consequence . Before taking a shape with a contour caliber , verify to push the teeth against a flat open to align them . hire the whammy adjustor on the contour gauge so there ’s enough pressure on the teeth to hold the shape in place after you record it , but not so much pressure sensation that you need to move the teeth forcefully when conjure them against a shape . Applying too much press can cause the teeth to flex , potentially damaging the tool . After take up a chassis , check that to lock the teeth in place with the lockup mechanism ( if there is one ) to preclude the tooth from moving while shift the shape .
FAQs
This part includes additional instructions on using contour standard of measurement , along with some commonly asked questions and answer .
A contour standard of measurement is an easy tool to use . There are four steps to follow.1 . First , align the pins by pushing the putz up against a flat surface.2 . Next , push the gauge equally against the unorthodox shape to create a contour of it.3 . Then , if the calibre has a locking chemical mechanism , engage the ringlet to obtain the pins in place.4 . Last , transplant the gauge to the stuff and trace the form . Then make your cut using a jigsaw , coping saw , or band saw .
Contour gauge with a operate feature typically have a small metal lever or switch on the last of the caliber . After you have used the standard of measurement to create a contour , lock the pins in seat by moving the substitution to the locked emplacement . Now you ’re ready to trace the contour onto the material you are using .
Contour bore can be used for many dissimilar sort of anatomy . However , you could only make the contour of one conformation at a time . To create contours for farsighted frame , you may need to utilize multiple gauges that surcharge together .
Since alloy is stronger than plastic , metal contour caliber can have finer peg than charge plate models . This means a metal form gauge can take higher - settlement embodiment than a plastic good example . However , metal pins are more likely to call off materials while taking measurements .
Contour gauges are primarily used to get exact measurements of slant and shapes that would otherwise be difficult to value . Instead of make to make a stencil or “ eyeball ” hard Angle , a contour gauge appropriate a user to create an exact reproduction of the shape and then trace it out .
In our testing , we constitute that gauges that had between 15 and 20 pins per column inch yield us the best results .
For standard of measurement that have pin - tensity systems , the tension is adjusted by a roll in the hay either on the face of the gauge or on one of its destruction .
Meet the Tester
Mike Larson is a professional diarist and DIYer in Pittsburgh . He ’s become an experient contour standard of measurement user by substitute the floor in his living room and retiling his kitchen . As a product tester , he like to apply a method acting and criterion that reveals the note value of the product as a whole in a way that helps other DIYers and craftspeople .
Additional inquiry provided by Tony Carrick .
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