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Get to Know Your Hand Tools The B and S Gauge

by Helen I. Driggs
The B+S gauge is also known as the American Standard wire gauge, meaning it gauges wire and metal sheet using the Brown & Sharpe system of measurement. It is important not to confuse this wire gauge with the British version, otherwise known as the Standard Wire Gauge, as the two measuring tools differ drastically.

Typical B+S Gauges can measure from size 1 to 36 gauge (0.30 -7.92mm) wire, and are usually made of very thick steel. Though they seem expensive, you will use your gauge for a lifetime, so protect it from drops, dents or scratches by storing it in a safe place in your bench or toolbox to protect your investment.
Instructions
What to know about the B+S Gauge

A quality B+S gauge has tolerances of plus or minus 0.003 inches and usually lists gauge decimal equivalents on the reverse side.

Gauging wire can be tricky because the wire is round.

The B+S gauge features slotted openings that end in round holes.

You might assume the wire fits into the round holes to measure it, but surprisingly, those round openings are not used for measuring round wire at all!
Tips for using
Pro Tip: To use the gauge for wire, slide the chosen wire well into the slot. When the wire diameter just fits in a slot, that is the proper gauge — look at the corresponding number next to the slot to find it.
Pro Tip: Test the gauge slot that is the next smaller size, too, just to verify you have chosen correctly before you commit to a gauge.
Pro Tip: For measuring metal sheet, be sure to slide the sheet all the way into the slot until it touches the wall of the round opening. The reason for this is because sheet that has been cut with a metal shear will be compressed at the edge. To get a true read, you must measure the metal well past where it may have become compressed.
HELEN I. DRIGGS is an experienced metalsmith, lapidary and studio jewelry instructor and has appeared in 6 instructional jewelry technique videos.

Her book, The Jewelry Maker's Field Guide was published in 2013.

Materials

Wire by Gauge
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Tools

Pocket Wire Gauge, 3-5/16 inches by 1 Inch
GAU-144.10
  • GAU-144.10
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $15.90
  • Gold Club Price: $11.93
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  • Category: Tools
  • Technique(s): Wrapping

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