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Inspection Equipment

Inspection Equipment FAQs

Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing and using weld inspection tools.

What is visual inspection of a weld and why does it matter?icon-minus-redicon-plus-red

Visual inspection means looking carefully at a weld, before, during and after welding, to see whether it meets the standard or specification for the job. It is the first and most widely used check, and is quick and requires no complicated equipment.

Many faults can be found by eye, including cracks, undercut, poor shape and size, spatter and surface porosity. It does not show internal defects, but catching problems early saves rework and can prevent a failure later.

What hand tools are used for weld inspection?icon-minus-redicon-plus-red

Common tools include weld gauges for measuring weld size and shape, fillet gauges for checking the leg length and throat, inspection mirrors for seeing places the eye cannot reach, a good torch or lamp, a magnifier, and a ruler or tape. A thermometer is used to check preheat and interpass temperatures.

Which you need depends on the work and the standard you follow. A small basic kit covers most workshop checks.

How does a fillet weld gauge work?icon-minus-redicon-plus-red

A fillet gauge has a set of notched blades or profiles of different sizes. You select the blade for the stated weld size and set it against the plates to see whether the weld matches or exceeds that size. Some gauges also check the throat or the convexity of the weld.

Hold it square to the joint and check at several places along the weld. A gauge in good condition gives a quick pass or fail check against the size on the drawing.

What is a cam-type welding gauge used for?icon-minus-redicon-plus-red

A cam gauge is a multi-purpose tool for measuring several features of a weld, such as the leg length of a fillet, the reinforcement of a butt weld, the depth of undercut and the bevel angle. A moving cam and scale give the reading.

It is a useful all-round gauge for checking a weld against the drawing or specification. Learn its scales and technique before relying on it, and keep it clean, because a damaged gauge gives wrong readings.

What is an inspection mirror and when do I need one?icon-minus-redicon-plus-red

An inspection mirror is a small mirror on a handle or arm, often with a magnet or a built-in light, that lets you see parts of a weld that are hidden from direct view, such as the back of a joint, inside a pipe or behind a corner.

It is useful for checking the root of a weld, hard-to-reach joints and the inside of fabrications. A lit mirror helps in dark spaces. Keep the glass clean and avoid scratching it.

Why do gauges come in metric and imperial versions?icon-minus-redicon-plus-red

Drawings and specifications are written in either metric or imperial units, depending on the industry, the age of the design and the country. A gauge with the right scale lets you read the size you need directly, without converting.

Some gauges have both scales on them. Choose the one that matches the drawings you work to, and check that markings are clear and not worn.