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I am trying to find a set of feeler gauges that go from .0015 to at least .050. I want to set valves, points, AND HEI gapped spark plugs. The gap ranges for HEI would be from .040,045,050. Maybe higher, but no telling without feeler gauges. How accurate is stacking feeler gauges together?

Seems there should be a master set available somewhere. Can't seem to find one.

Usually a feeler gauge for spark plugs is the wire type

Wire gauges check spark plug gaps, and straight blades check other clearances, such as mechanical lifter valve lash.

I know, but all these years I just use the flat gauges. Not sure why the wire ones are desirable really, but if I can get the higher gauges that way, I'm good with that I guess. Not excited about it since I use feeler gauges to gap metal when I am making stuff, etc. and the flat ones are more universal. But I have searched and can't seem to find the set I am looking for.

Starrett makes a combination wire (for plugs) and flat set but I couldn't figure out what wire gauges were available. More research is needed, but I wanted to see what you all do.

The wire ones for used spark plugs, new ones and most other task flat ones work quite well.
No problem stacking the feelers, just try to use as few as possible, check with a micrometer if you're curious how well it works.

What set/sizes of wire gauges are you looking for, Deve?

What is more universal about flat gauges?

Don't remember the biggest size but I just bought a set of "Go-No-Go gauges from Auto Zone on a tip from a bolter here. They were hanging on the help isle. May want to check them out Deve?

When you are doing flat metal and need calibrated space in between, a wire gauge simply wouldn't be the right tool for the job. But I've been using flat ones all my life for spark plugs, so it would be nice to just have a set that went a little further than .035. I already have safety wire in .040 and .045, but using wire to gap things with just isn't natural for me.

How do you bend the tab down on the spark plug with any precision with a wire one? With the flat ones, you put it in between, tap it with a small hammer, it's done. I guess I am not as coordinated as everyone else.

Thanks for the tips! I went to Auto Zones site and all the other main ones, Grainger, Starrett, McMaster-Carr. A Starrett will cost you close to $100! I can stack the feelers and save alot of money at that rate! Thanks all!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#feeler-gauge-stock/=y2xg7l

looks like you can get these 12 inch pieces and cut them down to size. That is alot of material when all you need is one 4-1/2 inch by 1/2 inch piece.

Here is one that looks very close to something I would buy, but I wish I could get .050. For $80, I should get exactly what I want!

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/p...rds/111506-Thickness-Gages/572A#Features

Why not just get the Craftsman model Sears sells?
Jon

Deve;

If you do have problems with wire type gauges for spark plugs, you could always go to the pliers type adjuster. Spark Plug Pliers

SimS

I think a $3-$5 Gear Wrench "coin" set will do what I need for spark plugs.

SimS, that is a pretty nice tool! But there is only one problem. Nobody has them in stock! Every site in Google's search says Unavailable or Out of Stock. $32 or so is the pricing.

JonG do you have a part number for the Sears one that you like?

The problem is when you want to set them for .045 or .050. It isn't life or death or anything, but when I get an idea I need a better tool for a job, it's hard to let go.

Deve;

Autozone online has them. Autozone Online

But it is pricey!

There's some on a popular auction site. Here's one. Spark Plug Gap Pliers
Be sure to check the bottom of the listing to other pliers being auctioned too.

If I was changing a lot of plugs (think Ferrari, Cadillac or Lincoln) it would be a neat tool. I'm happy with the "coin" type gapping tool. It's pretty foolproof.

SimS

I have used this style plug tool when I need to go wider than .040"

Tim, it PAINS me to say this but THANK YOU! I have one of those that I forgot about. DAMMIT! Here I was thinking I could purchase a new useful tool. Now that illusion has evaporated! (thanks!)

Deve,

I had also forgotten that I had one, until I started searching for spark plug gap tools.

Here is the version I use the most: http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m3_nPDwxJat97HTL4VxEAyA.jpg

This looks cool: https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd....98059516889425_6359294746343195342_o.jpg

Mark what is cool about that is, I CAN MAKE IT MYSELF! very nice! But not really worth it with the coin style being right here in my toolbox DONALDS it.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-25-l...mp;kispla=00940804000P&mktRedirect=y

This is like the one I've used since the 1960s. I could be wrong, but I think I may have paid about the same amount (or close to that) for it back then. I have another one marketed by KD Tools, but it looks like the same thing with a different name stamped on it.
Jon

I have taken two thinner feeler gauges to give me the thickness that I have needed when I did not have the correct feeler gauge.

Example: I would combine together a .024 and a .026 feeler gauge to use as a substitute .050 feeler gauge.

Example: I have even used a .024 with a .025 for a .049 when I needed a .050 because that was the closest I could make do with what I had to get .050.

I have been using the coin type gauges for spark plugs for over 50 years and found them to be close enough. Champion used to give them away. I think wire are actually more accurate. A Blackhawk MT-1021 has the round gauges required for HEI. They are made in USA and cost around $10 For valves, I use BGS Werkgeug 12 blade gauges with a bent end. They are almost a must for Y-Blocks and handy for GMC. They are made in Germany and can be bought for about $10.