How to choose welding inspection gauges
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which welding inspection gauge you need: the dimension you must check (fillet size, weld profile, undercut, misalignment, bevel angle, gap, pit depth or wire diameter), the acceptance code your project works to, and whether you need single gauges or a kit. Answer those first.
Which gauge for which measurement?
| Measurement | Gauge | Typical in our range |
|---|---|---|
| Fillet weld size | Fillet weld gauge, or the skew-T fillet gauge | Fillet weld gauge; Skew-T welding gauge |
| Weld profile, reinforcement and undercut | Bridge cam gauge | Bridge cam welding gauge; WGU08 caliper-type bridge cam gauge |
| Misalignment (hi-lo) between plates or pipe sections | Hi-Lo gauge | Hi-Lo multi-purpose gauge; single-purpose Hi-Lo gauge |
| Bevel angle | Bevel gauge | Bevel welding gauge |
| Root gap and bevel together | Taper welding gauge | Taper gauge combo; taper gauge, 1–15 mm |
| Pit depth in pipe or plate | Pipe pit gauge | Pipe pit gauge |
| Filler wire diameter | Wire diameter gauge | Welding wire diameter gauge |
| General weld size and joint checks | Multi-purpose or joint gauge | Multi-purpose welding gauge; weld joint gauge; automatic weld size gauge |
Single gauges or a kit?
A single gauge is the right choice for one dimension on one type of job. A kit is cheaper per measurement when you check several dimensions on many jobs. Our kits are a 5-piece and a 13-piece set, and their contents differ, so check the list before you buy.
Using a gauge
Read the gauge against the weld itself, held square and steady, and check that it is clean and undamaged. Take more than one reading where the weld varies along its length, and record the lowest or highest reading the procedure requires. A gauge that has been dropped or bent should be replaced before further use.
The acceptance code decides the limits
The code or specification your project works to sets the acceptable limits for size, undercut and misalignment. A gauge tells you the dimension; the code tells you whether it passes. Send us the code with your enquiry so we can match the gauge to the limits you must check.
Visual checks and surface flaws
Gauges are the first step in visual weld inspection. Cracks and other surface flaws need a surface method such as dye penetrant or magnetic particle testing, which are covered in our other guides. Our NDT standard flawed specimens kit is useful for training inspectors and proving a process.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: simple gauges from about R450; multi-purpose and joint gauges from about R650 to R950; kits from about R2,050 for the 5-piece set and about R6,550 for the 13-piece set. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the kit contents before ordering.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us the weld type and joint, the base metal and thickness, the dimensions you must check, the acceptance code or specification, whether you need single gauges or a kit, and the records you must keep. With that we can recommend a gauge and provide pricing.