The 10-inch gauge is long enough to handle most contouring needs. With its simple design, durable build, and high degree of precision, this contour gauge is an excellent option for both DIYers and professionals. Some offer additional helpful features, such as locking mechanisms and tension adjusters. These gauges are made with durable materials and create high-resolution duplications. The following list of contour gauges are among the top picks on the market. All of the contour gauges we selected are made of either durable stainless steel or high-grade plastic with aluminum cores. Our list includes single-gauge kits as well as those that come with short and long contour gauges, which offer greater versatility. Length is also key, so we chose gauges with at least 10 inches of depth. Accuracy is key when using a contour gauge, so we chose models that use narrow pins to create more precise shapes than those with thicker pins.Ī good contour gauge tool should also provide enough depth to handle a variety of jobs, so we stuck mainly with models that have a max contour depth of at least 2 inches. We used several criteria and extensive research to come up with our list of the top contour gauge tools on the market. Photo: How We Chose the Best Contour Gauges ALSO CONSIDER: Pakkyng Contour Gauge Profile Tool.BEST WITH LOCK: RAK Contour Gauge Shape Duplicator.BEST WITH MAGNETS: Cullaby Contour Gauge with Lock, 10 Inch and 5 Inch.BEST IN STAINLESS STEEL: General Tools 837 6-Inch Contour Gauge.BEST LARGE: Jorest Connectable Profile Gauge.UPGRADE PICK: Saker Contour Gauge (10-Inch Lock) Profile Tool.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wolfcraft 6949000 Contour Gauge.RUNNER-UP: Varsk Contour Gauge Duplicator.BEST OVERALL: Luter Plastic Contour Gauge, 10-Inch Profile.The following list includes some of the best contour gauges for woodworking on the market. Those who need a contour gauge tool to help them work around irregular shapes in their next project will want to read on to learn about the features to consider when shopping for one of these handy tools. When pushed against an object, the pins conform to the object’s shape, creating a mold that can be used to trace cutlines on flooring, tile, and other material. These simple but invaluable tools resemble a comb with a long row of thin pins.

Rather than using a piece of paper and pencil to trace the shape, or applying an obscure equation from high school trigonometry, consider using a contour gauge.

Whether you’re installing flooring, siding, tile, or some other material, you may eventually run into a door frame, set of pipes, or odd-shaped trim that you’ll need to work around.

Saker scribe tool