Top - rating of thickness gauges for car paintwork in 2022

In recent years, the used car market has grown rapidly. In this regard, there was a need for a more thorough check of the condition of the body. Most often, sellers, praising their car, hide the true picture and do not tell potential buyers that the car was beaten and possibly more than once. Just in such cases, thickness gauges come to the rescue - special devices that are designed to measure the size of the paintwork.

Such devices make it possible to detect even the smallest deviations from the norm - this indicates that the car was completely or partially painted. Of course, thickness gauges have found their application in other industries, where sometimes human life depends on surfaces and their quality. Given the importance of this device, in our article a rating of high-quality and popular thickness gauges on the market. We hope that our advice will be useful to both sellers and buyers.

We chose devices that meet the following requirements:

1. Price and quality are favorable for the buyer;
2. Feedback and opinions from the use of experts in the field;
3. Strength and durability of the product;
4. functionality of the device.

All models presented in our article deserve your attention.

Rating of popular LKP thickness gauges 2022

ETERI-111

The first place in our rating goes to ETERI-111 - such an acquisition allows you to measure the thickness of the painted coating on any surface. All measurements are visible on the 4 inch screen. The speed of diagnosis is simply amazing.

By attaching the device to the car, you will see the result of the study in a second.

In the kit, along with the device, two batteries are sold, which last for 20 hours of continuous operation. The device is very compact and easy to carry around. The price is 7-8 thousand rubles.

• Pros - measurements are displayed on the screen very quickly and accurately;
• Cons - not durable and freezes in the cold.

Comparative analysis of the device in operation and recommendations for working with the device - in the video clip:

DELTA T 615

We boldly give the second place to the DELTA T 615 device. This device is equipped with a USB device that helps to save the necessary information and view it on a computer. The body of the thickness gauge is so tiny that it can even be carried in a pocket.

For this model, it will not be difficult to recognize colors of any complexity. Measurements are displayed on the screen in a few seconds. The device is not afraid of wet weather and frost. Comes with two batteries that last a very long time. Such models are very popular among owners of car services and markets. The price is from 5 to 9 thousand rubles.

• Pluses compact, does not require calibration;
• Cons - low memory level.

ETARI ET-444

The third place is deservedly received by the ETARI ET-444 device, with automatic calibration mode. Control is exercised by means of three buttons located on the case under the screen. The instrument is fast and displays measurements in microns or micro inches. The built-in backlight helps to work even in the dark, which is a huge plus. Portability and high quality can not but rejoice. The price is from 5 to 6500 thousand rubles.

• Pluses — excellent accuracy of measurements;
• Cons - no serious complaints found.

RICHMETERS GY910

The fourth on our list is RICHMETERS GY910 - it is one of the most compact among its relatives. Perfectly copes with the tasks. Accuracy in the calibrated state, only one micrometer. This model has gained great popularity precisely in the markets for sales of used cars.

In large industries, it is not used so often. Easy to use and reliable in surface inspection. It is attractive for its low price and excellent characteristics, which compares favorably with its competitors. Country of origin China. The price is approximately 4500 thousand rubles.

• Pros — compactness, good price;
• Cons - a slight error in measurements.

Atakom

Honorary fifth place - Atakom - this domestic thickness gauge combines two control functions: eddy, which is used for color coatings and magnetic for use on ferrous metals. Such a device is very often used by car mechanics and mechanics in car maintenance services. Very rarely used in the home. It can work continuously and once.

ATAKOM is a serious device for large car services.

• The advantages of this device are affordable price, internal memory, good measurement accuracy.
• But there were some drawbacks - magnetic fields can interfere with the accuracy of the measurement. The price for a simple consumer is quite high, but for the hyped markets for the sale of used cars it is quite acceptable: from 25 to 40 thousand rubles.

CHY-115

The sixth place and far from the last went to a thickness gauge originally from Taiwan - CHY-115 is used not only for diagnosing car paintwork, but also in the chemical and shipbuilding industries. The optimum ratio of price and quality. The trigger thickness gauge, which allows you to take measurements on the surfaces of metal and magnetic structures, automatically determines the main material of the coating.

The memory of the device is designed for 255 tests, which can be transferred to a personal computer using a USB device. Automatically turns off after 15 seconds of rest. High precision in work, compact size and built-in memory, made this device very popular among buyers.

• Pluses - high measurement accuracy, built-in memory;
• Cons - the interface is not translated into Russian, which complicates testing.

Price from 4000 rubles and above.

MEGEON 19220

On the seventh step - MEGEON 19220, manufacturer - Russia. This model provides accurate measurements on magnetic surfaces. However, the device is very sensitive to electromagnetic emissions from other devices, which makes testing somewhat difficult. The results may not be correct.

Protection from extraneous influence increases the demand for the device, but not in this case. The advantage of this thickness gauge is its illumination, which makes it possible to work even at night. The set includes a small case for storing the device, which makes it very convenient for frequent movements.

• Pluses - I want to notice its accuracy in diagnostics, compactness.
• Cons - the rather high cost of the device, makes it not affordable for many consumers. The cost of the device is 25 - 28 thousand rubles.

TEMP-UT1

Eighth place - TEMP-UT1 - is called one of the best in terms of functionality and reliability in the segment of ultrasonic thickness gauges. TEMP-UT1 perfectly copes with measurements of metal, alloy, cast iron, plastic and rubber parts.

Lovers of a beautiful design will hardly like this device, as it looks rather rough, but for true professionals, such a thickness gauge will become a real assistant in accurate diagnosis. The measuring system of the device works smoothly and does not fail. One set of rechargeable batteries is enough for a year, which indicates its efficiency. The interface is very simple and accessible even for home use.

• Pros - simple and reliable case

Like all devices, this model has not only pluses, but also minuses:

• the high cost of the device scares off many and the second minus, before each measurement, the device needs additional calibration.But the good thing is that the calibration process is quite simple. Factory price 24000 rubles.

HORSTEK TC015

In ninth place is the German-made HORSTEK TC 015 thickness gauge. Its very big plus is its affordable price, only about 2000 rubles. Measures thickness on iron and aluminum surfaces. This device detects painted and puttied parts of the car, but unfortunately, it cannot determine if the part, for example, has been completely replaced and painted.

Before use, no additional calibrations and settings are required. In cases with used cars, it copes with its functions by 85-90%. A very inexpensive model from 1500 thousand rubles, but recently, this device is hard to find on sale.

• Pros - good quality and affordable price;
• Cons - hard to find on sale.

Comparative video test of the device with a more budget model from Aliexpress:

Budget and inexpensive paintwork models with Aliexpress

Recently, a lot of people have resorted to shopping on the Internet, in particular, the popular online store Aliexpress is used. A putty tester on various surfaces is very inexpensive, at about 1,500 thousand rubles, including delivery. Delivery time depends on the region from 10 to 30 days.

• Model EM 2271 from Allsun (China) is considered very affordable and of high quality. The size of a matchbox, convenient functionality, makes this device very convenient to use. Measurements are taken in millimeters and microinches. The instructions warn that in microinches, more accurate calculations are obtained. Of the minuses of this model - suitable only for domestic purposes. It is not used on an industrial scale; video review of the model:
  
• СEM DT - 156 - such a model, despite its cheapness, is recommended even by professionals. Very compact, slightly smaller than a smartphone. Weight 110 grams;
• Richmeters RM 660 is easy to use, but calibration is required before each procedure. Portable, lightweight.
• Outest GS320 - can be used not only in everyday life, but also on an industrial scale. Compact, easily fits in the palm of your hand, not afraid of temperature changes.
• SNDWay is a laser thickness gauge. Wide measurement range, accuracy, speed. Auto power off, 15 seconds after operation.

Which model is better to choose

First you need to decide which device you need and by what principle of operation, purpose, measurement methods they are divided:

• Ultrasonic;
• Magnetic;
• Eddy current (electromagnetic);
• Combined;
• Universal;
• Mechanical.

The review was prepared based on real feedback from buyers and users of devices. The operation of an ultrasonic device is based on the passage of a sound signal through the coating. The error in testing is plus or minus 3%. Thickness gauges of the following manufacturers are on the market:

• Megeon (Russia);
• TESTBOY (Germany);
• LLC ITs Fizpribor (Russia);
• "Acoustic Control Systems" (Russia);
• OOO TechnotestMarket (Russia).

The action of a magnetic thickness gauge lies in the property of magnets. Testing is carried out by changing the force of attraction between the magnetic surface and the instrument. Such thickness gauges are provided by the following manufacturers:

• Megeon (Russia);
• ETARY (Taiwan);
• AUTO-MAG (Poland);
• Allsun (China);
• Blue Technology (Poland).

The eddy current thickness gauge is designed to measure areas on decorative, paintwork and other coatings.Such a device works only on conductive bases - ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as alloys. Eddy current models are represented by four countries:

• ETARY (Taiwan);
• Megeon (Russia);
• KEEPER (China);
• Horstek (Germany);
• OOO Control. Measurement. Diagnostics".

Combined thickness gauges work in two ways: eddy current and magnetic diagnostic principle. This feature makes it possible to conduct research on magnetic and non-magnetic surfaces. The device will automatically type the material of the controlled product. Combined thickness gauges are produced by many countries:

• CEM (China);
• ETARY (Taiwan);
• ADA (Hong Kong);
• Condtrol (Russia);
• Megeon (Russia).

Universal thickness gauges are perhaps the most popular among buyers. The average price of such devices is 7-8 thousand rubles. The advantages of such models are that they are applied to all types of bases - for ferrous metals, glass, concrete, wood, etc. The thickness of various coatings is determined: from dielectrics, magnetic, conductive surfaces. High quality products are produced by which companies:

• Gradient (Russia);
• TIME Group Inc (Russia);
• Constant (Russia);
• Elcomet (Great Britain);
• DeFelsko (USA).

The method of mechanical research is used in many areas of industry: mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, plumbing, metalworking. Mechanical thickness gauges are represented by such brands:

• ZUBR (Russia);
• Fit (Canada);
• Matrix (Germany).

Ease of use of the thickness gauge

Modern models allow you to work in two modes:

• In number display mode;
• in graphics mode.

Thanks to the graphic display function, false readings can be eliminated almost to a minimum.The results can be stored in the memory of the device and later transferred to a computer. The advantages of using such devices when examining any surfaces:

• Wide range of materials suitable for research;
• Self calibration function;
• Accuracy;
• Up to 10 measurements are stored in the device memory (depending on the model);
• Up to 10,000 thousand performed operations;
• Multiple measurement speeds.

If you are going to buy a used car, then you should consider buying your own feeler gauge. Selection criteria depend on your desires and capabilities. This miniature device will help you determine in a few minutes:

• Broken and straightened parts of the machine;
• Where and how many layers of putty on the surfaces;
• What parts have been painted and how many times.

If you buy a car without checking it, it will be much more expensive than buying a thickness gauge. With such an acquisition, it will be difficult for the seller to hide the shortcomings of the car.

Today, more and more people are buying and then selling cars. The market is oversaturated. There are a lot of cars and, unfortunately, there are also a lot of accidents. How not to get into trouble, how to choose and not throw money away? How to prevent being scammed when buying a used car? In such a situation, the thickness gauge is an indispensable assistant at any time of the day or night and in any weather.