What are people's thoughts on the best feeler gauge for valve clearance checks? I can't find one online with the right ranges (0.12mm-0.18mm and 0.21mm-0.28mm I think).

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255216

whats wrong with this?

My slight concern about combined Metric and Imperial is that one of the measurements would surely be a compromise?

Halfrauds also do a fully Metric set

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255216

I think they do an Imperial only set too.

As for not finding the right range, I would be surprised if you found a set that went up in one thou increments. Sets are made up so that you can combine gauges to get the thickness you require, ie for 13 thou you might need to combine, say, 8 and 5 thou gauges. Most sets give you enough different increments to be able to make just about anything from a few thou upwards.

I don't understand the question. The ranges you give are the gap tolerances you hope you are within. You don't buy a feeler gauge to match the gap, you've got to measure it by combining different sized feeler gauges out of the set. Then write down what you get. You will probably be able to move some shims around to save buying as many but make sure know where they're from and where they going especially if from front to rear cylinders. Bit of a logistical nightmare but can be done.

Neosophist wrote:http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255216

whats wrong with this?

I purchased this set and used them recently for my valve shim job. i had no problems combining them and using this set to figure out all my gap tolerances.

speedy231278 wrote:My slight concern about combined Metric and Imperial is that one of the measurements would surely be a compromise?

no.

this set is marked in metric and imperial sizes... there isnt any comprimise.. just matching sizez.. i.e you cant call somethign 0.15 when it isnt.

for example 0.15inch is 0.38mm so the feller gauges are makred in both, you dont get a big selection but enough to do the clearances

I use this set as some of my old bikes give the clearnaces for points etc in imperial and it saves having to convert.

and yes, combine gauges to get the size you want

Thanks guys. I hadn't thought of combining them, seems obvious when you're told but I just never thought of it, derrrpp. And good to know that people are using the Halfords ones and they're fine. Cheers!

AdrenalineJunky wrote:Thanks guys. I hadn't thought of combining them, seems obvious when you're told but I just never thought of it, derrrpp. And good to know that people are using the Halfords ones and they're fine. Cheers!

Why wouldn't they be fine? Do you think they would sell feeler gauges that were miles out? Halfords seem to get a right load of shite thrown at them, not aside from the stupid name-changes - HALFRAUDS for example - which they absolutely don't deserve.

Sure, they are the outlet of choice for ICE and LED for Barry and his fucked-up 205, and the majority of the staff who work there don't have a single fucking clue about anything, BUT, assuming you know what you're after (and let's be honest - if you are going to be fettling your own bike you're not going to be needing their advice anyway), Halfords sell some real quality kit. My 3/8 socket set is 25 years old now, and is Halfords branded. Believe me when I say this set has seen some work.

Another example of their stuff - I recently changed the oil in my R6, used Putoline semi-synth as recommended by local Yamaha dealer. Gear-changes were fucking awful - clunky and noisy. Someone suggested Halfords semi-synthetic in the silver bottle. Gave it a go and the gearbox is like new now, smooth and slick, just like my girlfriend's pu... well, we'll leave it there. £10 cheaper than the rest too.

Moral of the story? Don't slag off Halfords! Quality stuff at good prices.

Hey Malc,

I agree mostly with what your saying, it does seem to be popualr to rip on halfords.

It has gone down hill a lot since it first opened, the staff are now usually young sales peopel who know nothign about the stuff they are selling and the range of stuff has gone right down, but this is generally a shift in the market from do it yourself to get a garage to do it, cars being more reliable etc.

As well as selling some right chavvy crap they still do sell the odd good thing and some half decent tools if you buy the good sort.

It is what it is at the end of the day, if you dont like it dont use it.

I dont rate it so I give the local bike shop / tool shop my support as they know what they are selling and like to have conversation about the stuff but if it was late and i was stuck id still call in to see if they have what i have.

last time i went there though they were selling boxes of chiense made copper washers, they were infact copper plated steel washers, needless to say i returned them.

Chill out Malc, I didn't slag Halfords off. My question was about feeler gauges with the right sizes for the NC30 valve clearances, the Halford's ones wouldn't have been "fine" if they didn't have the right sizes, that's all. Like you I use their 50-piece socket set quite happily, I even bought a new one when my first one got stolen. I also use their torque wrench, and I'm occaissionally very grateful that they're open on Sundays and Bank Holidays when I need something and all the other automotive/bicycle shops are closed. I think the only reason people call it a rip-off is because now we're used to getting stuff much cheaper online.