Banana gauge

The banana gauge works on the principle of magnetic resistance,

by means of a small magnet and a tensioned spring. It can
therefore only be used on ferrous substrates. Calibration is
vitally important in order to gain accurate Dry Film Thickness
readings (DFT). The calibration should ideally be carried out on
a blasted surface with a profile similar to that of the painted
substrate.
The calibration process is detailed below:
 The banana gauge is placed firmly on the bare steel
surface, with the magnet end placed directly on a thin
plastic “shim” of a known thickness, which is measured in
microns. (Older shims have measurements in thousandths
of an inch).
 The tensioning wheel is then pushed slowly forward until
it can go no further. (The magnet can be clearly heard to
make contact with the surface)
 The gauge wheel is then (very slowly and carefully)
reversed; until such time that the magnet lifts from the
substrate. The gauge can then be read, giving a reading of
the DFT.

Should the reading differ from the known thickness of the shim,
the gauge should be rotated back to the zero point, and the scale
should be adjusted by holding the black wheel in position, and
simultaneously moving the thin steel calibration strip up or
down according to requirements. If the initial reading is less
than the shim thickness, the scale would have to be moved up.
Alternately, a reading greater than that of the shim would
require the scale to be moved down.
The calibration process should then be repeated as many times
as is required, until the correct thickness reading of the relevant
shim is achieved.