Draper39591 Expert Digital Tyre Tread Depth Gauge with Stainless Steel Body , Blue

Easy to read feels sturdy a lot better than the cheep one I bought before for £5

The Draper gauge operates on the same principles as digital caliper gauges but, in this case,you push the sliding beam through the body so that a round ended probe emerges from the wide end of the gauge. Before using it you need to extend the probe (which turns on the display), push down onto a flat surface until the probe is level with the end of the gauge and then press the zero button to set a datum point. The gauge will measure treads up to 25mm deep and the sliding beam is graduated in mm and thirty-seconds for approximate readings. There is a locking screw on top of the instrument which is useful for stopping the gauge from turning on in its case (if the beam moves slightly) and preventing battery flattening. The gauge is fairly robust and comes in its own protective hard case complete with a battery.

This is deceptively heavy, mainly due to the metal block obviously the plastic versions of this are lighter. Although the whole thing isn't metal as the title seems to suggest.I found it very easy to use, although I have been warned by a friend of mine to watch out for battery drain. It's very easy for the gauge to get knocked and start measuring when in the box, make sure you tighten the screw when in the null position to stop this.Seems quite accurate, well enough for the intended use anyway, but be sure to zero it first on a proper flat surface otherwise you'll get spurious readings.

I purchased this as a short depth vernier, not as a tyre depth gauge, but it's original use would be good. I have used this for checking depths on my Myford lathe, where a standard 6" vernier won't reach and it works fine. Being St. Stl. it doesn't mind the coolant to much.

Quality bit of kit but over engineered for its purpose, that said won’t need to buy anymore.

I'm not a tyre professional, but my desire was to buy something to last longer and to be accurate in readings. Since now I have no comment on reliability on long term but the brand "Draper" and Stainless Steel built have to say something on this matter. From my research all digital tyre gauge looks the same -seems to be made on the same Chinese factory except this one made (from/for?) Draper which is made from metal. Also I appreciate the ruler on the other side - you can use in case it's happened to remain without battery.

Frankly speaking, bought this purely as a back-up plan or to double check with more accuracy compared to the manual Tyre Tread Depth Gauge. Got motivated after reading all consistent positive reviews on this product.No doubt, it is pretty durable item made up of metal.Negative side is you need to keep on calibrating it before each measurement. I might need to understand it more thoroughly, may be. Digital facility obviously offers more accuracy.

If you love gadgets that are functional as well as well designed you like this. As far as I can tell, in the first few months of ownership, there is one small problem and that is the On/Off switch is located on the outer black face. This switch can be accidentally pushed when the unit is placed in the case provided which will inevitably drain the internal battery. I have taken to removing the battery before putting it in its case. It is solid, well made and extremely accurate, if you follow the simple instructions to reset the guage before use.