Height gages have achieved a nearly universal presence in the quality control world. It is rare to see a QC department without at least one or two of these instruments. This commonality makes it easy to overlook just how accurate and flexible these devices are. They measure much more than the term “height gage” would imply.

On the surface, thickness seems like an easy measurement to take, as dimensional measurements go. You have two big, flat, parallel planes on which to plant your gage.

How deep does the rabbit hole go? Don’t ask Alice—consult a depth gage! Whether a hole is three microns deep or three meters, there are a variety of simple measuring options readily available.