Best Hole Gauges of 2025

Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Hole gauges are precision measuring tools used to measure the diameter of cylindrical objects. They are commonly used in manufacturing, engineering, and metalworking industries to ensure that parts are produced to the correct specifications. Hole gauges can be either fixed or adjustable and are typically made of high-quality materials like stainless steel or hardened tool steel. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including cylindrical, taper, and spherical, to accommodate different types of holes. Hole gauges are an essential tool for any professional who needs to ensure accurate measurements in their work.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1
QWORK Small Hole Gauge Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
#TOP 2
Yakamoz Taper Welding Gauge
ftb score rating icon 9.7
#TOP 3
QWORK Telescoping Bore Gauge Set
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hole Gauges

#TOP 1

QWORK Small Hole Gauge Set

WD3090
1/8" to 1/2"
QWORK Small Hole Gauge Set Telescoping Full Round Bore Gauge, 4 pcs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FTB Score

The QWORK small hole gauge set includes four gauges made of 65 manganese steel with heat treatment, ensuring long service life with no rust. The gages range from 1/8"-1/5" to 2/5"-1/2". The smooth, sensitive adjustment provides better feel and accuracy for measurements, and the gauges are suitable for gaging deep and shallow holes and slots. Additionally, the product comes with a one-month 100% satisfied service guarantee.

What We Like
Durable 65 manganese steel with heat treatment
Smooth and sensitive adjustment for accurate measurements
Includes four gauges with a fitted case
#TOP 2

Yakamoz Taper Welding Gauge

602701911342
Yakamoz Taper Gage 1/32-5/8 Inch 1-15mm Stainless Gap Hole Taper Welding Gauge Test Ulnar Inch & Metric
ftb score rating icon 9.7
FTB Score

The Yakamoz Taper Welding Gauge is a versatile tool designed for measuring cylindrical bores, hole sizes, and gap sizes in welding projects. This pocket-sized gauge features both metric and standard readings, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The accurate figures and increments are etched into the surface, ensuring easy readability. The polished, burr-free stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity. With its laser-engraved lines that won't rub off, the Yakamoz Taper Welding Gauge provides precise measurements every time. Its miniature and lightweight design make it convenient to carry around. Whether you're a professional welder or a DIY enthusiast, this gauge will greatly simplify your measuring tasks.

What We Like
Versatile
Precise measurements
Durable construction
#TOP 3

QWORK Telescoping Bore Gauge Set

WD30984
QWORK Stainless Steel Telescoping Bore Gauge Set - 1/8" to 1/2" Range and T Bore Hole Gauge Telescopic Gauge 6 Pcs 5/16" to 6"
ftb score rating icon 9.5
FTB Score

QWORK Bore Gauge Set is a precision tool for measuring bore holes from 1/8" to 1/2". The set offers a wide range of 5/16" to 6", suitable for various bore sizes. With a knurled locking knob and holding area, adjusting the gauge is effortless. Made of carbon steel and chrome plating, it ensures durability for accurate measurements. This professional-grade set is perfect for measuring holes, slits, and grooves with high precision in industrial applications.

What We Like
Precision Measurement
Wide Range
Durable Material
#TOP 4

Accusize 4 Pc Small Hole Gauge Set, Ball Type

EG04-5001
Under 3 Inches
Accusize Industrial Tools 4 Pc Small Hole Gauge Set, Ball Type, inch/mm, 1/8 to 1/5, 1/5 to 3/10, 3/10 to 2/5, 2/5 to 1/2, 3604-5001
ftb score rating icon 9.3
FTB Score

The Accusize Industrial Tools 4 Pc Small Hole Gauge Set is a durable and convenient tool for measuring small holes with a range of 1/8'' ~ 1/2''. The set is completely assembled with a handle and features a knurled lock to maintain the setting of the measuring arms. It is finished with a stain-chrome finish to ensure long-lasting use. The tool is useful in sizing with a micrometer or caliper.

What We Like
Durable and convenient tool for measuring small holes
Completely assembled with handle
Stain-chrome finished for long-lasting use
#TOP 5

Stainless Steel Drill Gauges

Weewooday-Drill Gauges-02
Silver
Weewooday Stainless Steel Drill Gauges for 1/16 Inch to 1/2 Inch Size Bits, 17/64-1/2 0.062-0.250 Bolt and Wire Diameter Index Gauge, 29-Hole Use for Accurate Measurement Equivalents(Silver)
ftb score rating icon 9.2
FTB Score

These stainless steel drill gauges come with 29-hole sizes for precision accuracy, and can measure drill sizes in both inches and decimal equivalents. Made of heavy gauge steel, it is durable and convenient to identify drill bit diameter. The hanging hole design allows for easy hanging and storage. It measures approx. 6.2 x 2.36 inches, making it easy to carry around.

What We Like
Precision accuracy with 29-hole sizes
Can measure drill sizes in both inches and decimal equivalents
Durable and convenient to identify drill bit diameter
Hanging hole design for easy hanging and storage
Compact size for easy carrying
#TOP 6

Accusize Industrial Tools Telescoping Gage Set

3602-5018
Silver
5/16'' - 6"
Accusize Industrial Tools Premium 5/16'' - 6", 6ps/Set Telescoping Gage Set, Satin Chrome Finished, 3602-5018
ftb score rating icon 9.2
FTB Score

Introducing the Accusize Industrial Tools Telescoping Gage Set, also known as the Accusize Gage Set. This premium set features 6 pieces, ranging from 5/16'' to 6'' in size. The contact points are made of hardened tool steel and precision ground, ensuring accuracy and durability. The satin chrome finish adds a touch of elegance to the gage set. With a rigid handle and self-centering system, it's easy to use and provides consistent spring tension. Plus, it comes with a fitted vinyl case for convenient storage. Whether you need to measure holes from 5/16" to 6", this Accusize Gage Set has got you covered. It's perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, offering precise measurements with ease.

What We Like
Precise measurements
Durable and accurate
Convenient storage case
#TOP 7

Dasqua 5921-0005 Full Ball Gage Set

Dasqua
5921-0005
Dasqua 5921-0005 4 Piece .125-.500" Small Hole Full Ball Gage Set
ftb score rating icon 9.0
FTB Score

Dasqua Ball Gage Set includes gages for measuring varying bore diameters. The gage surface is hardened for durability. It is designed for deep and shallow holes. The full ball design ensures accurate measurements.

What We Like
Versatile measuring ranges
Durable hardened surface
Accurate full ball design
#TOP 8

Shars Half Ball Small Hole Gage Set

Shars
303-4601-parent
Shars 1/8" to 1/2" Half Ball Small Hole Gage Set 4 PCS 303-4601 ![
ftb score rating icon 9.0
FTB Score

This Shars Half Ball Small Hole Gage Set includes 4 pieces with gauge ranges of 0.125-0.200", 0.200-0.300", 0.300-0.400", and 0.400-0.500". The overall length varies from 3-5/8" to 4-1/4", and the probe depth ranges from 0.880" to 1.600". It is a useful and precise tool for measuring small holes and is suitable for professionals in the field of engineering or manufacturing.

What We Like
Precise measurement
Compact and lightweight
Includes 4 different gauge ranges
#TOP 9

Beslands 6 Pc Telescoping Gage Set

BL-SSG-001
Beslands 6 Pc Telescoping Gage Set, 5/16" - 6" Range, T-Bore Hole Gauges w/Pouch, High Precision Telescopic Bore Gauge T-Gage Set (5/16" to 6")
ftb score rating icon 8.9
FTB Score

Beslands 6 Pc Telescoping Gage Set is a high precision T-bore hole gauge set with a range of 5/16" - 6" made of stainless steel. It comes with 6 sets and a vinyl case. The contact point is hardened tool steel and is finely ground. The spring tension is smooth and constant, and equipped with a knurled locking knob and fixing area. It can be used to expand in a hole to be measured, lock in place, and determine final hole size using a micrometer or calipers.

What We Like
High precision T-bore hole gauge set
Wide range from 5/16" - 6"
Comes with 6 sets and a vinyl case
Finely ground contact point made of hardened tool steel
Smooth and constant spring tension with knurled locking knob and fixing area
#TOP 10

Beslands Hole Gauge Set, 1/8" to 1/2" Range

BL-SSG-02
1/8" to 1/2"
Beslands Hole Gauge Set, 1/8" to 1/2" Range, Telescoping Bore Gauge, Ball Type Small Telescopic Gage, 4 Pcs Full Round, inch/mm, High Precision (1/8" to 1/2")
ftb score rating icon 8.9
FTB Score

The Beslands Hole Gauge Set is made of stainless steel construction with a range of 1/8" to 1/2". It is designed to measure small holes, slits, and grooves with high precision. The surface is smooth, nickel-plated, and has a long service life. To use, simply expand the hole gauge in a hole, lock it in place, and remove it to determine the final hole size with a micrometer or calipers. The set includes 4 pieces and comes with a vinyl case for easy storage and transportation.

What We Like
High precision
Smooth surface and good probe curvature
Wide range of applications
Includes 4 sets with vinyl case
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the three styles of small hole gauges?

There are two styles of small hole gauges: half-ball and full ball. These gauges are inserted into the bore and adjusted until a light pressure is felt. They are then removed and measured against a micrometer or caliper to determine the diameter.

2. Which gauge is used to measure hole diameter?

Plug gauges are used to measure hole diameter. They come in various shapes and sizes, including straight cylindrical, tapered, threaded square, and splined holes. Plug gauges have a 'GO' end, which is the minimum limit size, and a 'NOGO' end, which is the maximum limit size.

3. What is the difference between small hole gauge and telescoping gauge?

Small hole gauges are used for measuring holes ranging from 3mm to 13mm in diameter, typically for valve guides. On the other hand, telescoping gauges are used for larger holes, measuring from 8mm to 150mm in diameter, typically for cylinder bores.

4. What is the rule of thumb for gauges?

The rule of thumb for gauges is to ensure that the gage performance rating is at least ten times the tolerance. For example, if the tolerance is ±0.001 in., the gage should have a performance rating of at least ±0.0001 in. A gage GR&R (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility) study can help determine the gage performance.

5. What is the most common limit gauge used for inspecting the hole diameter?

The most common limit gauge used for inspecting the hole diameter is the plug gauge. It is widely used for checking the size of holes and comes in different sizes and shapes to accommodate various types of holes.

Editor's Notes

During our hole gauge research, we found 24 hole gauge products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,015 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hole gauges list. We found that most customers choose hole gauges with an average price of $19.51.

The hole gauges are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hole gauges, including QWORK, YAKAMOZ, Accusize Industrial Tools, Weewooday, Dasqua. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,347 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.