Top - rating of car paintwork thickness gauges in 2024

In recent years, the used car market has developed rapidly. In this regard, it became necessary to check the condition of the body more thoroughly. 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. It is in such cases that thickness gauges come to the rescue - special devices that are created to measure the size of the paintwork.

Such devices allow you to identify even the smallest deviations from the norm - this indicates that the car was painted in whole or in part. 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 the 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 paint thickness gauges 2024

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 surfaces. All measurements are visible on the 4 ”screen. The speed of diagnosis is simply amazing.

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

The set, along with the device, sells two batteries, which are enough for 20 hours of continuous operation. The device is very compact and easy to carry. 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 miniaturized that it can even be carried in a pocket.

For this model, it is not 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. Includes two batteries that last a very long time. Such models are very popular among car service owners and markets. The price is from 5 to 9 thousand rubles.

• Pros Compact, no calibration required;
• Cons - low memory level.

ETARI ET-444

The third place is deservedly received by the ETARI ET-444 device, with an automatic calibration mode.The control is carried out using three buttons located on the body under the screen. The instrument works quickly and displays measurements in microns or microinches. The built-in backlight helps you work even in the dark, which is a huge plus. Portability and high quality are good news. Price from 5 to 6500 thousand rubles.

• Pros - excellent measurement accuracy;
• Cons - no serious complaints were 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. Calibration error is only one micrometer. This model has gained great popularity in the markets for the sale of used cars.

It is not used so often in large-scale industries. Convenient to use and reliable in the process of 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 about 4500 thousand rubles.

• Pros - compactness, good price;
• Cons - slight measurement error.

Atakom

Honorable fifth place - Atakom - this domestic thickness gauge combines two control functions: vortex, which is used for colored coatings and magnetic for use on ferrous metals. Such a device is very often used by car mechanics and mechanics in car maintenance services. It is very rarely used in a domestic environment. 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 it was not without its drawbacks - magnetic fields can interfere with the measurement accuracy. The price for an ordinary consumer is quite high, but for the promoted 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 from Taiwan - CHY-115 is used not only for diagnostics of car paintwork, but also in the chemical and shipbuilding industries. The optimum ratio of price and quality. The hammer thickness gauge, which allows measurements on the surfaces of metal and magnetic structures, automatically determines the base material of the coating.

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

• Pros - 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 radiation from other devices, which complicates testing somewhat. Results may not be correct.

Protection from outside influences 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.

• Pros - I would like to notice its accuracy in diagnostics, compactness.
• Cons - the rather high cost of the device makes it unaffordable for many consumers. The cost of the device is 25 - 28 thousand rubles.

TEMP-UT1

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

Fans of beautiful design will hardly like this device, as it looks rather rude, but for real professionals such a thickness gauge will become a real assistant in accurate diagnostics. The measuring system of the device works smoothly and does not fail. One set of rechargeable batteries lasts for a year, which speaks of its economy. The interface is very simple and accessible even for everyday use.

• Pros - simple and reliable case

Like all devices, this model has not only advantages, but also disadvantages:

• the high cost of the device scares off many and the second minus, before each measurement the device needs additional calibration. But the good news is that the calibration process is quite simple. Factory price is 24,000 rubles.

HORSTEK TC 015

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

No additional calibrations and settings are required before use. In cases with used cars, it copes with its functions by 85-90%. A very inexpensive model from 1,500 thousand rubles, but recently, this device has been difficult to find on sale.

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

Comparative video test of a device with a more budgetary model with Aliexpress:

Budget and inexpensive LCP models from Aliexpress

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

• The 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 carried out in millimeters and microinches. The instructions warn that more accurate calculations are obtained in microinches. Of the minuses of this model, it is suitable only for household purposes. 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;
• The Richmeters RM 660 is easy to operate, 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 measuring range, accuracy, speed. Auto power off, 15 seconds after work.

Which company 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 testing margin is plus or minus 3%. There are thickness gages from the following manufacturers on the market:

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

The effect of a magnetic thickness gauge is the property of magnets. Testing is carried out by changing the force of attraction between the magnetic surface and the device. Such thickness gauges are represented 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, paint and varnish and other coatings. Such a device works only on conductive substrates - 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 diagnostics. This function makes it possible to conduct research on magnetic and non-magnetic surfaces. The device is automatically the type of material of the tested product. Combined thickness gauges are produced in 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 - on ferrous metals, glass, concrete, wood, etc. Determine the thickness of various coatings: from dielectrics, magnetic, conductive surfaces. High quality products are produced by which companies:

• Gradient (Russia);
• TIME Group Inc (Russia);
• Constanta (Russia);
• Elcometr (UK);
• 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 the following brands:

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

Ease of use of the thickness gauge

Modern models allow you to work in two modes:

• In numbers display mode;
• In graphics mode.

Thanks to the graphic display function, false readings can be eliminated to a minimum. The results can be entered into the device memory 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 transactions performed;
• Several speeds for measurements.

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

• Broken and straightened machine parts;
• Where and how many layers of putty on the surfaces;
• What parts were 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 flaws of the car.

Today, more and more people buy and then sell cars. The market is oversaturated. There are many cars and, unfortunately, there are also many accidents. How not to get into trouble, how to choose and not throw money down the drain? How to prevent being cheated 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.