Electronic Paint gauges...Necessary or Un-necessary?

[Jngrbrdman]

$50 is a magnetic gauge and not worth it for me, it's like buying Costco MF. If you call yourself a pro, you better have a Paint Gauge.

I disagree with that entirely. For one, I think you can call yourself a pro and not use a paint gauge. A pro should be smart enough to know what he can and cannot use on a car based on the condition. Also, you can't really compare a professional tool (even though it isn't a high priced electronic gadget, it still works) to cheap towels at Costco. This may be old school technology, but it is still a scientifically tuned coating measuring device. Don't discount it just because it is inexpensive. It doesn't have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars in order to work.

 

[Mindflux]

$50 is a magnetic gauge and not worth it for me, it's like buying Costco MF. If you call yourself a pro, you better have a Paint Gauge.

So, what precisely did folks do before EPG's were invented? Was there not a solitary Pro detailer in existence?

:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl:rofl

 

[Mindflux]

I wanted to bump this post.. I found a few folks talking about this PTG at HF. Linky to topic.

Paint Thickness Gauge, Cheapo Harbor Freight First Test Results. - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

 

[CharlesW]

Good find Mindflux. :bigups
Here's a direct link to the HF EPTG.
Harbor Freight Paint Thickness Gauge

 

[Mindflux]

The instructions mentions an included calibration plate. I guess as long as you kept it calibrated it couldn't be +- a few percent?

 

[Jngrbrdman]

BlueZero has that same model. I wonder if he will find this thread and post his thoughts on it after having played with it for a few months. On the Meguiar's forum he posted on back in January he said it was pretty accurate.