What are straight leaves?
What are straight leaves? |
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Straight leaves may also be referred to as parallel leaves. The sides are parallel all the way from the locking screw to the tip.
The leaves have smooth rounded edges for comfort and safety when handling. |
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Advantages |
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Straight leaves are used to verify a wider clearance between surfaces which should be parallel.
For this reason, machinists and engineers often choose to use straight leaf gauges. |
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A straight blade design ensures, whilst measuring a clearance, that parts do not slide over the top of the gauge.
The consistent width prevents parts from sliding off the sides of the gauge. Therefore, the surfaces do not get closer at the tool’s edges. (Straight gauges are useful for setting wide parallel clearances). |
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Disadvantages |
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Straight leaves are sometimes too wide to fit precisely between parts, for example, between the rocker and the valve stem.
The measurement taken would be incorrect as it is equal to the feeler gauge plus wear depression. A tapered feeler gauge should be used for this measurement. |
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