Steel Gauges For BBQs

steel gauges for bbq's

Steel is a crucial component in building a BBQ. But what are steel gauges, and why are they so important? 

Steel gauges help manufacturers measure the thickness of metal. Accurately measuring the thickness of steel is a crucial part of the manufacturing process. But how do you measure steel thickness and what should you look at when buying a BBQ?

What type of gauges are used? And why are accurate steel thickness measurements so important?

“The higher the gauge number the thicker the steel is.”

Origin Of Gauge As A Form Of Measurement

Measuring in gauges originated when standard and metric systems for measuring thickness were non-existent. The unit was coined from a French word and is reported to have started sometime in the 19th-century British wire industries. It came about from the need to measure wire during production, and the sizes were based on the metal’s iron content or lack thereof.

However, by the time other standard measurement units had been adopted, there was a push to scrap the gauge system of measurement, which ultimately did not pull through. This is likely because it was a more convenient means of measurement for its user, like construction workers.

In most cases, like with inch measurements or millimeters (mm) and the rest, measurements increase as the value increases. 2 mm is more petite than 7mm.

What are Steel Gauges Used For?

Steel Gauges are a tool for getting accurate and exact measurements of metal thickness for construction purposes. Its measurements accommodate even one-thousandth of an inch. Although it is not one of the standard metric measurement systems, various tables have been created to aid simple conversion from a gauge (ga) to a millimeter or an inch.

Typically different metal gauges are used for measurements. For instance, a 16-gauge steel sheet would have a different measurement from a 16-gauge iron sheet.

Occasionally the metal gauges are grouped into ferrous and non-ferrous metal gauges because they typically have different thicknesses. However, that is more used for stainless steel gauges.

Why Is It Necessary To Get The Right Gauge Measurements For Steel?

Knowing the thickness of the metal sheets anyone intends to use for any kind of work, from roofing to metal works fabrication, cannot be overemphasized for a lot of reasons, including:

  • It is necessary to prevent structural malfunctions. Putting up a structure like a building or a metal fabrication with inconsistent metals of different sizes or thinner sizes than what is required will ultimately lead to a malfunction. This problem can be avoided if the proper measurements are known.
  • Knowing the gauge measurement of steel or any other metal sheet helps anyone to make proper decisions on which sheets are best for different functions based on the thickness.
  • Knowing the thickness of the metal sheet required for any fabrication process can help prevent unnecessary financial losses. Imagine acquiring thicker metal sheets than the ideally required thickness at a higher cost when knowing the correct measurement could have prevented that unnecessary loss.
  • Even experts with a Keen eye could make mistakes in estimating metal sheet thickness, which could lead to avoidable errors. Using the appropriate metal gauges to obtain accurate results will eliminate unnecessary hazards.
  • If the goal is creating lasting metalwork, then you ought to know that this can be influenced by something as tiny as using a suitable steel (metal) gauge. Getting the right thickness measurement will go a long way in ensuring that suitable material for long-standing work is used.
welder working on steel

How To Measure Using A Steel Gauge

Before using any metal gauge wheel, you must know what type of metal sheet you are working with (i.e., ferrous or non-ferrous). Metal gauge wheels are usually made for ferrous metals like steel, in this case, and for non-ferrous metals like copper. Steel sheets have a standard gauge specified by manufacturers. Every thickness is measured with a weight of 41.82 for every square foot inch.

To Measure individual sheets of steel and get accurate sizes after using the proper gauge type;

  • Put your steel sheet in the gap where it fits in correctly. Use the thin gap on top and not the circular gap underneath. Check the number it coincides with.
  • Use your steel gauge chart to make the appropriate conversations necessary.

Metal Gauges – Conclusion And My Opinion

In general when buying a grill lately the used measurements are the thickness of the metal.

The thicker the metal the better it will hold the temperature. But thicker also means more expensive.

Although using steel (metal) gauges for measurements may be considered outdated, it’s still very relevant in today’s metal industry. Even with the emergence of other precision tools, its convenience keeps it relevant. A metal gauge chart at specific positions will help with easy and accurate conversions. Using the right charts and gauge type is vital to avoid making wrong estimations.

Robert Chill

Robert Chill loves to cook on BBQs and grills and uses all types of recipes and techniques to cook some awesome food. With his experience, he can share many reviews, tips, and ideas on how to use any grill. You can read more about himĀ here

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