First Choice Equipment
The Feeler Gauge
Recommended for distances of:
Minimum: 0 mm
Maximum: 10 mm
Description:
Feeler gauges are ideal where the distance between the jack and bowls is very small. The gauges are a number of blades fixed at one end within a handle. The blades are different thicknesses and they can be used individually or in combination
When using feeler gauges:
- Make sure you follow the Common Procedures for conducting a measure described earlier.
- Choose a selection of gauges that seem appropriate to the measure to be made. Start with a selection that has a combined thickness less than the distance to be measured.
- Steady both hands on the green.
- Pass the gauges down between the first bowl to be measured and the jack using the bowl as a firm object and with the flat surface of the gauges facing the bowl and the jack. Do not slide the gauges down the jack. Do not force the gauges between the bowl and the jack. (Note: The gauges should be on an angle to allow for the nearest points of the jack and bowl being at different heights.)
- If the gauges do not pass between the bowl and the jack, remove them and reduce their thickness and try again.
- If the gauges pass between the bowl and the jack, remove them and increase their thickness and repeat the above steps until there is the minimum of contact with the bowl and jack.
- Without altering the setting of the gauges, move to the second bowl and try passing the gauges through the gap between bowl and jack.
- It is important when using both Feeler gauges and Callipers that there are sufficient blades within the Feeler gauge to cover the distance of the Callipers when in their minimum measuring distance. This should be checked by all umpires within their kits.
How to carry out a measure using a Feeler Gauge
Example of Feeler Gauge and white strips