Which thickness gauge to choose for measuring the car paintwork? Rating of the TOP 11 best models of 2022

Thickness gauge - a device that allows you to determine the thickness of a metallic or non-metallic material with high accuracy.

Compact electronic devices of this type will help to avoid problems when buying a car, will be useful at a construction site, when designing something.

What features of thickness gauges to pay attention to before purchasing, which model to choose for domestic and professional use, we will consider in this selection.

Thickness Gauge Selection Criteria

Modern equipment for measuring material thickness has a built-in/remote sensor, a digital display, and self-contained power supply.

When choosing a thickness gauge, you should pay attention to a number of important parameters:

• Measurement principle.
  There are several types of devices with different principles of operation.
  Electromagnetic thickness gauges work only with magnetic metal surfaces.
  Eddy current devices are able to determine the thickness of any (including non-ferrous) metal.
  Ultrasonic devices measure almost all materials, including metal, plastic and wood.
• Indication accuracy.
  This parameter determines the amount of error with which the measurement is made.
  An error of 1-2 percent provides sufficient measurement accuracy.
  Coarser instruments are used to roughly estimate the thickness of a material or coating.
• Measuring range.
  Modern electronic equipment allows you to work with materials up to 1800-3000 microns thick.
  This is sufficient to measure, for example, the paintwork of a car.
  The higher the value, the more versatile the device can be used.
• Calibration method.
  Instruments with auto-calibration are easy to use, the user does not need to perform any complex actions.
  Manual calibration is in demand by professionals - this is a rather long process using special films and entering the exact values ​​​​of the measured surfaces.
• Source of power.
  Modern portable thickness gauges can be powered by batteries or accumulators, some models support communication with mobile devices.
  Rechargeable devices require periodic recharging, equipment with batteries - replacement of dead energy sources.
• Additional features.
  Various useful options increase the functionality of the device. These are auto-off to save battery power, waterproof design to protect electronics from moisture, built-in memory to save measurement results, real-time coverage scanning and other features.

Best thickness gauges in price/quality ratio

Featured Devices equipped with a modern technological base, providing a sufficiently high accuracy of measurements.

TOP-3 rating of the best thickness gauges in terms of price and quality ratio.

CarSys DPM-816E Lite (Fe/nFe)

Model CarSys DPM-816E Lite (Fe/nFe) is a lightweight version of the popular thickness gauge with the Pro attachment, the device uses a combined measurement principle and provides high reading accuracy.

The device has a low error, stable when measured at one point.

The device can be used at low temperatures. Its response speed does not exceed 1 second, there is a stabilization of the sensor pressing force.

The thickness gauge provides measurement of coverings from 0 to 2 mm.

The option of auto-detection of the moment of measurement allows you to avoid false positives. The device is equipped with an automatic power off system, has two modes of operation.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - combined;
• testing accuracy - 2%;
• maximum thickness - 2000 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 104 × 43 × 29 mm;
• device weight - 50 g;
• features - auto-off, sound signal.

CarSys DPM-816 PRO (Fe/nFe)

Thickness gauge CarSys DPM-816 PRO (Fe/nFe) is a professional, low temperature resistant model for accurate and stable measurement of metal thickness.

The device has a low response speed - the value does not exceed 1 second.

The device is equipped with a soft backlight display. Its measurement range is 0-3mm.

The device is capable of operating at temperatures from -25 to 40 degrees.

The presented thickness gauge is able to automatically determine the base, recognizes galvanized surfaces, is provided with an audible signal and stabilization of the sensor pressure force.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - combined;
• testing accuracy - 1%;
• maximum thickness - 3000 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 104 × 43 × 29 mm;
• device weight - 50 g;
• features - auto-off, sound signal.

MEGEON 19200

The compact device MEGEON 19200, operating using the principle of magnetic induction, will provide fast and accurate measurement of the thickness of coatings on ferrous or non-ferrous metal surfaces.

The equipment is equipped with an informative LCD display with the output of current data, an ergonomic case made of high-quality plastic.

The thickness gauge has a fast response time - the value is only 0.15 seconds.

The device is characterized by a wide measurement range from 0 to 1.8 mm.

The product is supplemented with a screen backlight, equipped with AAA-type batteries and calibration films.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - magnetic-inductive;
• testing accuracy - 1%;
• maximum thickness - 1800 microns;
• instrument calibration — manual;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 62 × 105 × 31 mm;
• device weight - 64 g;
• features - continuous metering, auto-off, display backlight.

The best inexpensive models

Budget thickness gauges, which are entry-level devices, are best suited for domestic use.

Xiaomi Duka CH-1

The affordable Xiaomi Duka CH-1 ultrasonic thickness gauge, equipped with standard and additional functionality, will help you quickly and accurately determine the thickness of the vehicle's paintwork.

The device automatically determines the substrate material, is able to detect the thickness of paint, paper and film.

The device is characterized by ease of operation, small error, high reliability and stability. The low power LCD display provides a clear display of current data.

The ergonomic body of the device is made of high quality plastic. The product weighs 73 grams.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - ultrasonic;
• testing accuracy - 1%;
• maximum thickness - 1800 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 108 × 62 × 27 mm;
• device weight - 73 g;
• features - additional software options.

BENETECH GM200A

A universal electronic device with an LCD display BENETECH GM200A will measure the thickness of the paintwork, help to detect defects and traces of body repairs that are invisible during external inspection.

The thickness gauge does not require manual calibration, it works with magnetic and non-magnetic metals.

The model supports three modes of operation - single, constant and differential.

Its ergonomic body is made of high quality plastic.

There is a possibility of continuous measurement (scan mode). The auto-off feature conserves battery power.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - combined;
• testing accuracy - 0.5%;
• maximum thickness - 2000 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 105 × 60 × 27 mm;
• device weight - 58 g;
• features - continuous measurement, auto power off, charge indicator.

Yunombo YNB-100

Yunombo YNB-100 is an inexpensive automatic model with a combined principle of operation, designed to measure the thickness of the paint coating on magnetic and non-magnetic metals such as steel, aluminum and copper.

The thickness gauge has basic functionality. The device supports automatic calibration mode, its error does not exceed 1 percent.

The device provides a conclusion of indications to the informative display with illumination.

The measurement range in this model is 0-1.8 mm.

The product is assembled in a compact and ergonomic plastic case, equipped with everything necessary for work.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - combined;
• testing accuracy - 1%;
• maximum thickness - 1800 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - CR2032 elements;
• overall dimensions - 35 × 83 × 22 mm;
• device weight - 64 g;
• features - auto power off, display backlight.

The best professional devices

Advanced Models of Thickness Gauges allow you to work with materials and coatings with increased comfort and precision.

Etari ET 555

The Etari ET 555 Combined Type Thickness Gauge is a professional model with an ergonomic body, automatic calibration, a powerful processor and a UV flashlight.

The presented device can be used at ambient temperatures from -25 to 50 degrees.

The device is characterized by stability, good autonomy, a wide range of measurements.

The device allows you to take measurements of materials with a thickness of 0-2 mm, the product is equipped with an informative 4-inch display with backlight and automatic shutdown.

The advanced electronic filling provides high-speed data processing and low power consumption of equipment.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - combined;
• testing accuracy - 5%;
• maximum thickness - 2000 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 120 × 52 × 25 mm;
• device weight - 100 g;
• features — display backlight, auto power off, LED/UV flashlight.

RGKTM-17

Eddy current high-precision measuring device RGK TM-17 will help to determine the thickness of the coating on various materials with recording the results of measurements in the built-in memory.

The thickness gauge remembers up to 30 values.

The received data is displayed on a 2-inch LCD display with the option of spatial orientation - the image on the screen can be rotated depending on the position of the device.

The equipment is equipped with a sound sensor that is activated when the minimum or maximum values ​​that can be set by the user are exceeded.

The manual calibration option allows you to fine-tune the instrument. The measurement range of the presented device is 0-1.7 mm.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - eddy current;
• testing accuracy - 2.5%;
• maximum thickness - 1700 microns;
• instrument calibration — manual;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 52 × 120 × 26 mm;
• device weight - 500 g;
• features - continuous measurement, sound signal, auto power off, memory for 30 readings.

Smart Test T-500

Smart Test T-500 is a compact, professional grade device that is a state-of-the-art thickness gauge for ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as iron, aluminum and zinc.

The equipment is provided with a wear-resistant metal measuring sensor.

Calibration plates and washers allow you to manually adjust the device with high accuracy.

Convenient complete fabric case is useful for carrying and storing the device.

The product operates on two AAA-type batteries, has a low error, is complemented by an audible alarm and a UV lamp for checking VIN.

Also included are calibration films for 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 microns.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - eddy current;
• testing accuracy - 3%;
• maximum thickness - 1500 microns;
• instrument calibration — manual;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 53x26x112mm;
• device weight - 102 g;
• features - continuous metering, sound signal, UV lamp.

rDevice RD-1000 Pro (Fe/nFe), Ruby Sensor, Cases, 2mm

The rDevice RD-1000 Pro (Fe/nFe) model, equipped with a ruby ​​sensor and equipped with two cases, will allow you to measure the thickness of materials up to 2 mm with high accuracy and speed.

The equipment provides stable readings at ambient temperatures from -15 to 50 degrees.

Short-term use of the device at -25 degrees is allowed.

The device allows you to take up to 120 measurements per minute with an error of 2 percent, supports self-calibration, its display is equipped with a bright backlight.

The onboard ruby ​​sensor shows virtually no wear and tear over time.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - electromagnetic;
• testing accuracy - 2%;
• maximum thickness - 2000 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 103 × 62 × 27mm;
• device weight - 83 g;
• features - continuous metering, beep, auto power off, ruby ​​sensor, display backlight.

Etari ET 600

The Etari ET 600 combo model is a professional grade thickness gauge that provides fast and accurate measurement of the paint layer on ferrous and non-ferrous surfaces.

The equipment is equipped with automatic calibration, a large LCD display with auto-backlight, a built-in memory chip for saving and further viewing at any time the measurement results.

With such a serious filling, the thickness gauge weighs only 75 g, and with two AAA-format batteries - about 100 g.

The product functions reliably and stably in a wide range of ambient temperatures from -20 to 50 degrees.

Specifications:

• measurement principle - combined;
• testing accuracy - 3%;
• maximum thickness - 1500 microns;
• instrument calibration - automatic;
• power supply - AAA batteries;
• overall dimensions - 120 × 52 × 25 mm;
• device weight - 75 g;
• features - memory for 20 readings, auto-illumination of the display.

Reviews

Useful video

From this video you will learn which thickness gauge is better to choose:

Conclusion

• A thickness gauge is a device for determining the thickness of metallic or non-metallic materials with high precision, such as measuring the paintwork of a car.
• When choosing a thickness gauge, it is necessary to pay attention to the principle of measurement used by it, the accuracy of the readings, the measurement range, the calibration method, power supply and additional features.
• Inexpensive entry-level thickness gauges are best suited for domestic use, professional gauges allow you to work with many materials with increased accuracy.