Gages

Devices for determining the relative size or shape of objects. The function of gages is to determine whether parts are within or outside of the specified tolerances, which are expressed in a linear unit of measurement. Gages are the most widely used production tools for controlling linear dimensions during manufacture and for assuring interchangeability of finished parts. A gage may be an indicating type that measures the amount of deviation from a mean or basic dimension, or it may be a fixed type that simply accepts parts within tolerance and rejects parts outside tolerance. See also Tolerance.