A contour gauge, also known as a profile gauge, is widely used in woodwork, metalwork, and architectural projects. The tool is of immense use in measuring and recording the cross-section shape of any surface. It uses a set of pins that conform to a specific object's form and makes it easy to copy the object's profile on another surface.
That said, pins play a vital role in the efficiency of the contour gauge. There are those made of steel or metal for less sensitive areas and plastic pins that are the best for fragile objects.
Nonetheless, pins are not the only thing you should consider when looking for a contour gauge. And given that the market has a wide range of different contour gauges, our team of experts and professionals researched and tested five top-notch picks.
Here are our comprehensive review and our findings that could be of great help in helping you out in your journey at finding the perfect contour gauge for you. Once you have made your choice, just click the links below to get their best deals on Amazon.
Best Contour Gauges Comparison & Rating
Contour Gauges | Features |
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1. Viridi Contour 001 Contour Gauge
Brand | VIRIDI |
Sizes | 5" and 10" |
Color | Orange and Blue |
Material | ABS |
You do not need any trigonometry methods to do home improvements or DIY projects if you have this contour gauge. It makes you feel like a professional, and it brings out your projects to perfection. You can use it for your floor finishing, other woodworking, linoleum installations, and most construction jobs if you are a hobbyist or a craft worker. It is also easy to use the gauge since you copy the surface and securely lock it using the newest design double locks. You then trace and cut the duplicate with precise measurements thanks to the double locks and extended pins. Finally, install your shape where it was to be fixed. This is a tool that you cannot afford to miss in your toolbox.
2. Saker Contour Gauge
Brand | Saker |
Sizes | Available in 5" and 10" |
Color | Orange |
Material | ABS |
If you are looking for a contour gauge that you can use on extensive applications, Saker Contour Gauge is ideal. You can use it on any surface that needs measuring and duplication. It is easy to use in that you only need to press it on the object, trace it, and cut the exact shape. It also makes it easy for you to measure and cut accurate objects. Additionally, you can effectively use it on woodwork, on stainless steel, and even on auto metal sheets. It is a guarantee that you will get precise shape duplicates without hurting the surface of the object you are measuring. Most of all, it can work on wider and bigger objects so you can rely on it even in bigger projects.
3. YOLETO Contour Gauge
Brand | YOLETO |
Sizes | Available in 10" and 15" |
Color | Available in Blue, Green, and Red |
Material | ABS |
This tool will make your work more accessible and efficient. It is lightweight and weighs just 10.4 ounces. This feature will make it easy for you to carry it around when working if you are a craft worker. Everything about this contour gauge is pretty straightforward: no tightening or screw-turning needed. Just directly use it to copy measurements and shapes and transfer them. If you need a ready-to-go measurement tool, this is the one. It also makes it easy to store in your toolbox. The gauge comes in three attractive bright colors (green, red, and blue) making it easier for you to find it in your toolbox. Also, you should not worry about the contour gauge rusting or deforming since it is made with high-quality ABS plastic. It ensures that your tool is rustproof and will last for a longer time serving you effectively.
4. KEGOUU Contour Gauge
Brand | KEGOUU |
Sizes | Available in single 10" and a package of 10" and 5" |
Color | Available in Green, Gray, Red, and Orange |
Material | ABS |
This is undoubtedly the profile gauge that will efficiently deliver precise shape duplicates. It is ideal in carpentry woodworks and in other construction areas that need to measure and record a surface's cross-section shape. The gauge is also easy to use since you only press on the object you want to duplicate and track the contours. You then cut the duplicate, and you will have a clear and precise copy. It is made with a broader design that is 1.3 inches wider than regular gauges. This feature will come in handy when you want to duplicate wide surfaces like standard pipes. This is a fantastic tool for professional construction projects or just for your regular DIYs.
5. Balfer Contour Gauge
Brand | BALFER |
Sizes | 5" and 10" |
Color | Blue |
Material | ABS |
You can never go wrong with your measurements and shapes if you have Balfer Contour Gauge in your toolbox. They are equipped with a double locking mechanism which will ensure that you adjust the gauge to grip the object when you are tracing. This feature will enable you to get precise and accurate duplicates. It is made with a widened design to measure a wide surface, whether regular or irregular. The tool's versatility allows you to use a wide range of applications since it is made with ABS plastic, which is a sturdy material and is rustproof. This guarantees its durability. Besides, it is also easy to store since it comes with a storage bag and so as a pencil and a sharpener. Truly, a great bargain worth considering.
Best Contour Gauges - Buyer's Guide
Contour gauges can be used on different applications by both hobbyists or in construction areas by professionals. The ideal gauge should serve you at home with various applications. You can use the gauge in any repairing jobs, be it floor tiling or laminating. It would help if you considered the versatility of the gauge when purchasing.
The material of the pins is a factor you should put into consideration. The material used to make the pins should guarantee durability since you will use the gauge on different surfaces. You can use pins made of ABS plastic on any object, and they will last longer without deformation or cracking.
The adjustable tightness feature in a contour gauge allows you to set your tightness or looseness as you prefer when you are copying and tracing an object. If you are working with a regular object, you need to tighten the pins to duplicate them. On the other hand, if you are working with an irregular object, you will need to loosen the pins to get the entire duplicate precisely.
The length of the gauge is something that you should put into consideration. If you work with more extended objects, the ideal contour gauge should be long enough to copy the entire object effectively. The best contour gauge that can fit both long and short objects is the 10-inch contour gauge, which is also the standard length with most gauges in the market.
This is an essential factor since you don't want a contour gauge that will take most of your time when using it. The gauges are made to work effectively without taking much of your time. It would be best if you went for the gauge that is easy to adjust and the one that is not tight when trying to copy the objects. It will ensure that you use less time and energy.
Best Contour Gauges - FAQs
Yes, it is. The tools are made to be used in different shapes and even materials. The pins are made with a material that allows them to copy any form you need to duplicate. After the duplication, you only push it on a flat surface, and it returns to its original shape.
A contour gauge is essential in your toolbox, whether a hobbyist or a craft man. It will help you measure and record cross-sectional shapes of different surfaces where ordinary rulers cannot reach. You can then copy them easily on another surface.
You just need to press the contour gauge on the object you want to copy. Trace the shape using a pencil or a pen, and you can now transfer the trace to the surface you want to duplicate on. Finally, cut the shape and install where it's needed.
The best gauge should be versatile in that you can use it on different applications. It should also be of a standard length which you can use on almost all object sizes. If you are a crafts worker, it should be ideal for you to carry it easily.
