Dial Indicating Bore Gauges

Dial indicating bore gauges (or simply 'bore gauges') are highly accurate measuring devices used commonly throughout a broad range of professional industrial applications.
Cromwell stocks multiple types of bore gauge from our trusted own brand Oxford®.

What are dial bore gauges?

Dial bore gauges are specialised tools, adept at measuring the inside diameter of a hole. In terms of design and functionality, they are fairly similar to dial test gauges, using a measuring shaft (or 'plunger') with a dial indicator at the top. Dial bore gauges are typically calibrated to .0025cm (.001in), however specialist gauges can be calibrated to .00025cm (.0001in).

Why a dial bore gauge?

Dial bore gauges excel at providing incredibly accurate readings in metric (mm) or imperial (in.) measurements.
They're small, versatile, and are able to give precise readings incredibly quickly, so you're likely to find them in the pockets of engineers and quality control operators across the world. They are critical when it comes to accurately measuring parts with small holes and can be used without prior knowledge or training.

When are dial bore gauges used?

Dial bore gauges provide incredibly accurate readings of the inside diameter of any hole, making them a crucial tool for anyone who works in the automotive industry. They are also used across other industries for measuring cylinder size and straightness, cam and crank bores, hole diameter and pipe diameter.

Considerations when choosing a dial bore gauge

• Stand - Dial bore gauges are sometimes used with a stand, which secures the bore indicator exactly where it's needed. These stands allow for fine adjustments and let users easily zero the gauge.

• Accuracy - Dial bore gauges come with a variety of accuracies to choose from - the more precise the measurement, the more expensive the bore gauge. Most dial bore gauges have an accuracy of 0.0025mm (0.001") which is suitable for most jobs, however some are 0.00025mm (0.0001") for specialist applications.

• Imperial vs. Metric - Most modern bore gauges default to metric measurements, although a few old school workshops and garages may value imperial measurements. A few dial bore gauges are available with both.

Dial indicating bore gauges jargon buster

We want to make it easier for you to shop our range of dial indicating bore gauges, so we've outlined and explained some key terms below.

What does calibrating the dial indicating bore gauge mean?

Calibrating a tool refers to a way of correlating the measurements of the bore gauge against a set standard to ensure accuracy. Most dial indicating bore gauges have a "0" marked on the face, that is turned to align with the gauge to ensure accuracy when measuring.

FAQs

What is a dial bore gauge used to inspect?
Dial bore gauges are used to inspect the inner diameter of any hole or cylindrical object.

How do you calibrate a bore gauge indicator?
You can rotate the face of most bore gauges until the '0' mark aligns with the dial. You can then lock the face into position to keep it steady.