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The Best Steel Feeler Gauge

Last updated on May 8, 2023

We looked at the top 13 Steel Feeler Gauges and dug through the reviews from 4 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Steel Feeler Gauges.

Best Steel Feeler Gauge

Our Review Process

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Whether you are a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, a steel feeler gauge is an important tool to have in your tool bag. It’s used to measure the space between two objects, typically to determine the exact size of a gap. It’s helpful for measuring everything from spark plug gaps to tappet clearances to guitar gaps. If you’re in the market for a steel feeler gauge, this guide has all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Review the construction of the steel feeler gauge first. One made of 65 manganese steel is an excellent choice, as is one constructed from stainless and hardened tempered steel. Both are extremely durable, tough enough to withstand multiple drops and smooth on the surface.

Check that the steel feeler gauge blades are clearly marked with the measurement system you use most often. Most blades are etched with both metric and imperial measurements for your convenience. Make sure the numbers are easy-to-read, as you’ll want to be able to identify the size of the gap at a glance.

Look at the number of blades the steel feeler gauge provides. Some models only offer 16 blades, while others have twice that amount. The more blades that come with the set, the more precise you’ll be able to get with your measurements.

Determine whether you’d like a straight feeler gauge or a bent feeler gauge. Straight feeler gauges are typically designed to be thin and flexible, while bent feeler gauges allow you to access those hard-to-reach spaces.

Examine the design of the steel feeler gauge. There are models that fold up neatly to take up little room in your tool bag. Others have a 360-degree swivel design that allows you to view all of the blades at once. No matter which type you choose, it’s important that you are able to remove individual blades as needed. For example, the blades may be bound together at the bottom by a nut that you simply need to unscrew to release them.

Our Picks For The Top Steel Feeler Gauges

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Product Overview
Our Take
  Top Pick

Spurtar Foldable Steel Feeler Gauge, 32-Blade

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Spurtar

Foldable Steel Feeler Gauge, 32-Blade

You won't have any trouble reading this steel feeler gauge, as the measurements are etched into the blades. Each of the 32 blades made from 65 manganese steel is outfitted with inch and millimeter measurements. The blades are also polished, so they won't rough up your hands when you use them.

Overall Take

Easy to ReadThis steel feeler gauge is foldable for easy storage in any toolbox or toolbelt.

  Runner Up

Handook Dual Marked Steel Feeler Gauge, 32-Blade

Handook

Dual Marked Steel Feeler Gauge, 32-Blade

You won't have to worry about pitting or corrosion when you opt for this steel feeler gauge. That's because the tool is coated with lube oil. Additional features that make this gauge an excellent buy include flexible blades, easy-to-read measurements and the ability to fold up when not in use.

Overall Take

Must-Have InstrumentWhether you're working on a guitar or an engine, this steel feeler gauge will help you get the job done right.

  We Also Like

Proto J000TL Etched Steel Feeler Gauge, 25-Blade

Proto

Etched Steel Feeler Gauge, 25-Blade

This lightweight steel feeler gauge is thin and foldable. It will fit neatly in any tool bag pocket or chest drawer. Users will appreciate the dual measurements, which are conveniently etched into both sides of each blade for easy identification.

Overall Take

Dual MeasurementsEtched within each steel feeler gauge blade is the blade's decimal size, as well as its metric equivalent.

  Strong Contender

Hotop Anti-Rust Steel Feeler Gauge, 16-Blade

Hotop

Anti-Rust Steel Feeler Gauge, 16-Blade

Each of the 16 blades within the steel feeler gauge are constructed from 65 manganese steel. Not only are they durable, but they also have metric and imperial markings that are easy to read. The nut holds the blades together, however, it can be removed when you need to access a single blade.

Overall Take

Portable PickSince this steel feeler gauge folds up to become compact, you'll have no trouble transporting it from home to the job site.

  Also Great

Jfbrix Tapered Ends Steel Feeler Gauge, 32-Blade

Jfbrix

Tapered Ends Steel Feeler Gauge, 32-Blade

Constructed from a durable stainless steel, you can't go wrong with this steel feeler gauge. It features a total of 32 blades, each of which are marked using both inches and metric sizes. Perhaps the biggest feature are the tapered ends, which make getting in tighter spaces a breeze.

Overall Take

Economical OptionYou'll love the budget-friendly price tag on this handy steel feeler gauge.

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20

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the steel feeler gauges available to purchase.
13

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

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User Opinions Analyzed

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Proto J000TL Etched Steel Feeler Gauge, 25-Blade

Our Total Score

9.8

Our Take

This lightweight steel feeler gauge is thin and foldable. It will fit neatly in any tool bag pocket or chest drawer. Users will appreciate the dual measurements, which are conveniently etched into both sides of each blade for easy identification.

What to Look For

  • Most steel feeler gauges come with an anti-rust lube oil coating to prevent pitting and corrosion. It is important that you are aware that if you use the tool as-is, you’re sure to get oil on your hands. You can either wash your hands with a grease-fighting dish soap afterward, wear a pair of gloves or remove the oil coating by wiping the tool down with rubbing alcohol. As long as you clean your steel feeler gauge regularly and dry it immediately after each cleaning, you won’t have to worry about rust forming on the blades.
  • It’s a good idea to store your steel feeler gauge in a tool bag or tool chest when not in use, assuming it doesn’t come with its own plastic storage case. Not only will this protect the tool from dust and dirt, but it will prevent accidental misplacement of the tool or loss of any of the tool’s blades.
  • There are several factors you’ll want to consider when comparing the price of steel feeler gauges on the market. These include the number of feeler gauges in the package, the number of blades each feeler gauge has and any extra features that make the tool more valuable. The Hotop Dual Marked Steel Feeler Gauge, 16-Blade, 2-Pack is among the most affordable options. The Proto Long Steel Feeler Gauge, 25 Blade comes in with the highest price tag.

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