Today there are a large number of devices that can detect traces of additional coloring of one or another element of the car. It is not often possible to meet a person who would like to sell a serviceable and unbroken car, so there is a very high risk of buying a car that has been in an accident. The paintwork thickness gauge can reduce the likelihood of such a purchase. If the thickness of the coating significantly exceeds the factory standards, then the machine has been repainted. Accordingly, it is much more likely that she was in an accident. To do this, you just need to touch the sensors of the device to the surface of the body. You can buy this device in almost any store. The only difficulty will be choosing a good device. The TOP of the best paint and varnish thickness gauges from this review can help you navigate this issue.
TOP 7 best thickness gauges for paintwork
Today, there are many similar devices designed for various purposes and differing in the principle of operation. So, an ultrasonic thickness gauge allows you to measure not only the thickness of the paintwork, but also the thickness of the wall of a tank or pipe in order to find out the degree of its corrosion damage. It can also measure the thickness of plastic, glass, ceramics, and other materials with high attenuation of ultrasound.
In addition to ultrasonic, there are other types of these devices, for example, magnetic, eddy current and electromagnetic thickness gages.
Measurement of the paintwork layer using a thickness gauge is carried out in order to compare it with factory indicators. So, the thickness of the factory paint layer usually does not exceed 140 microns. If the car was in any accident, it had to be straightened and covered with a layer of putty and primer before painting. Therefore, these values will be significantly higher.
1. Etari ET 444
This combined device was created especially for ordinary car owners and professionals. With its help, you can quickly check the body or its individual elements for various types of bodywork. This compact paintwork thickness gauge incorporates many years of experience in the production of similar products. All the necessary control buttons are conveniently located on its body. An automatic calibration function is also available. Switching on and measuring the thickness of the paintwork occurs in automatic mode, and its results are displayed in the display menu in microinches or microns. Reviews on the forums of motorists indicate that this is a good car paint thickness gauge that fully justifies its cost.
This thickness gauge is recommended for all motorists who do not want to buy a broken car and do not want to bother too much with the instructions.
Advantages:
- fully Russified;
- screen backlight;
- ease of use;
- compact size;
- accuracy of readings;
- two-year warranty.
Disadvantages:
- quiet signal;
- the need to put perfectly straight.
2. RECXON RM-660
This budget gauge works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It can be used to measure the thickness of any non-metallic coating on any surface, both magnetic and non-magnetic. The choice of metal is carried out by clicking on the appropriate button. Information about the measurements taken is displayed on the LCD screen. This is perhaps the best thickness gauge for the money.
Recommended for use in the production and processing of metals, as well as in the chemical industry and for the inspection of goods, especially such as cars on the aftermarket.
Advantages:
- small weight;
- high measurement accuracy;
- automatic calibration;
- automatic shutdown.
Disadvantages:
- there is no carrying case.
3. Condtrol Paint Check 3-7-052
This magnetic thickness gauge allows you to measure coating thickness not only on ferrous, but also on non-ferrous metals. This is possible due to the use of a combined measurement method - in addition to the magnetic one, this device is also equipped with an eddy current sensor. The kit includes plates for easy and quick calibration of the instrument. The device is controlled using three buttons on the body, and the results are displayed on the liquid crystal screen. For its money, this thickness gauge is quite good and allows you to carry out the necessary minimum of operations.
Advantages:
- small size;
- two types of measurement;
- high accuracy;
- ease of use;
- fast calibration.
Disadvantages:
- not always correct readings.
4. NexDiag NexPTG Advanced
This good paintwork thickness gauge is equipped with an eddy current sensor. It is able to diagnose coating thickness, both magnetic and non-magnetic materials in the range from 0 to 2200 microns. In this case, the measurement error will be about 2%. What's more, it has an indicator of the thickness of the zinc coating on the metal. Able to work in continuous and point modes.
This thickness gauge is recommended for use in the field, because the duration of its autonomous operation reaches 100 hours.
Advantages:
- good autonomy;
- synchronization with a smartphone via bluetooth;
- operating temperature range - from -20 to + 40 ℃;
- high accuracy.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient body shape.
5. Etari ET 333
This popular thickness gauge is designed to diagnose paintwork on ferrous surfaces. It works in the range from 0 to 2000 microns and has an error of up to 3%. It is equipped with a backlit LCD display and automatic shutdown when idle. Able to work at temperatures from -25 to + 50 ℃ with humidity up to 75%. The kit includes two plates, reference and calibration, as well as two batteries and instructions.
Advantages:
- auto shutdown;
- screen backlight;
- light weight and compactness;
- wide temperature range.
Disadvantages:
- lack of a protective cover;
- not suitable for non-magnetic coatings.
6. CHY 113
This electromagnetic thickness gauge provides accurate data when measuring paint or polymer coating on ferrous or magnetic surfaces. Not suitable for measuring the thickness of paintwork on aluminum parts. In this case, diagnostics are carried out almost instantly. The maximum measurement thickness is 1000 µm, and the measurement error is about 3%. The presence of the continuous measurement function allows obtaining data in real time by moving the tester along the car body.
Advantages:
- good equipment;
- the possibility of continuous measurement;
- clear, large screen;
- fast calibration.
Disadvantages:
- cannot be used on non-magnetic surfaces;
- does not work at low temperatures and high humidity.
7. Auto Case 40623
This thickness gauge works on the ultrasound principle. Testing of the layer thickness of any coating on non-ferrous and ferrous metals is available. The range of measured thickness is in the range from 100 to 2000 microns. The measurement error is 2%. Auto shut off and audible alarm options are available.
This device can be recommended for use in a home workshop, because it is capable of performing all the basic functions that one might need.
Advantages:
- application with almost any surface;
- high measurement accuracy;
- low cost.
Disadvantages:
- high sensitivity to temperature and humidity.
How to choose a thickness gauge for paintwork
The choice of the best thickness gauge must be carried out based on your own needs and focusing on the following parameters:
- Principle of operation. The accuracy of the device and its cost depends on this. In this case, the best performance belongs to electromagnetic and ultrasonic thickness gauges.
- Dimensions. Too large devices are not very convenient to use, but they have a large margin of autonomy. Therefore, it is necessary to find a middle ground based on the intensity of exploitation.
- Terms of Use. Many thickness gages are very sensitive to humidity and temperature conditions. Therefore, it is best to choose a device that has good tightness.
- Accuracy of layer thickness measurement. This parameter is specified in the instructions and is determined by the quality and power of the sensors, as well as the design of the device.
Which thickness gauge is better to buy
It is desirable that the device for the diagnosis of paintwork have a self-calibration function and be equipped with a special plate. It is also undesirable to buy a thickness gauge with a measurement step of more than 10 microns.
All other parameters can be left to the discretion of the user. The main thing in the question of which thickness gauge is better is to determine the scope of its use. You can choose the device based on reviews on the Internet or based on this review.
