Standards for Plastigague

it's only wax extruded to differrent diameters. it's capable of reading down into the .ooo's or closer, it's been available for decades. it's highly accurate if you know how to use it. it's more accure than lead.

I was trained to use these and you're right, they are highly accurate and way better than lead. I'm not aware of a standard for them, but if you follow the manuf's instructions, they give reliable, repeatable, and precise results. Plus they're relatively cheap.

I didn't think they were wax though. The ones I remember were soft plastic, but then that was nearly 15 years ago...

i always thought it was wax, but i was mistaken. [Plasitigague?]

Just looked at a Plastigauge set I have here & it's described as a plastic precision gauge. The strips do feel more like plastic than wax or putty. I've never seen any other make so perhaps they have the patent tied up tight.

Hi pritam, Lead (pb) is not harmfull if the appropiate measures are taken when using it (wear gloves), heating it can give off harmfull fumes, but if you are only handling it cold for a short space of time then it will not harm you, just don't try to eat it!

Spencer.

Thanks all for your comments. But still short of reply for my question which I reproduce here

"Can some one tell whether any standard covers this product or what properties it should have? Is there any other supplier for similar product?"

Hoping for some more comments.

We use Bussmann fuse wire for journal clearance measurements. It's getting harder to find, but Fuses Unlimited still has it in stock. You can also use solder wire.

Napa has this stuff. For clearances .001 to .003 inch use PG-1, F .002 to .004 use PR-1, for .004.to .009 use PB-1. The different ranges use different starting diameters of material. It is plenty accurate. If you want to be any closer disassemble and measure ID and OD and subtract......sometimes lots of work......and if you don't trust the stuff try it and then use the second method and see what your differences are. A little tip on it's use, do not allow the journal to rotate or move at all while you are torquing the unit . It must be stationary to get a good reading.

GA. the wrench I searched Napa, but could not get the rquired information.

Sorry about that, they have changed from the perfect circle number system to sealed power number system. Try part numbers.... SPGR-1, SPY-1, SPG-1. You may run into counter people who are ignorant about what you are asking for, be patient.....