Tool & Gauge Inspectors inspect, test, and adjust new and reworked tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges. To become a Tool and Gauge Inspector, you are likely already working as a Tool & Die Maker.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Reading and interpreting blueprints, charts, and schematics
- Computing angles, radii, and other dimensions using algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
- Verifying dimensions of machined parts or tooling; maintaining precision measuring and testing equipment
- Testing moving parts and mechanical functions and reporting specification and tolerance deviations to supervisors
- Maintaining accurate and complete inspection records
- Understanding and applying safety protocols
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Secondary school diploma with senior math and English credits
- May have experience as a Tool & Die Maker with an opportunity to specialize in the trade
- While not mandatory, completion of a 3,000-4,000 hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job training and in-school training
- Class sessions cover:
- Metallurgy
- Technical math
- Applied physics
- Quality assurance standards
- Precision measuring and checking technology
- Tooling fabrication; assembly and disassembly techniques
What's Your Future as a Tool & Gauge Inspector (239B)?
- Shift work is common; primarily indoor industrial settings
- Repetitive work with exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and confined spaces
- Employers include metal product manufacturers, primary steel producers, aircraft manufacturers, machine shops, vehicle manufacturers, and machinery and equipment manufacturers
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $30.00-$40.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Tool & Gauge Inspector (239B)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you enjoy working with your hands? | ||
| Are you comfortable working with numbers and performing calculations? | ||
| Do you enjoy working with a variety of tools and machinery? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Can you spot differences in size, shape and form? | ||
| Would you enjoy interacting with site supervisors, customers, suppliers, co-workers and other tradespeople to get the job done? | ||
| Can you read and interpret blueprints and schematics? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Tool & Gauge Inspector (239B) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- General Machinist
- Mould Maker
- Pattern Maker
- Construction Millwright/Industrial Mechanic
- Tool and Die Maker
- Tool/Tooling Maker
- Machine Fitter
- Machine Shop Inspector
Pattern Makers make wood, plastic, metal, plaster of paris, or polystyrene models to produce castings. Mould Makers then use use them to form a cavity in the sand, into which molten metal is poured to form a casting. Patternmaking is divided into two branches: wood patternmaking and metal patternmaking.
General Machinists are skilled craftspeople who set up and operate precision metal cutting and grinding machines including lathes, milling machines, drills, shapers, boring mills, and grinders. They may use equipment to manufacture, install, operate, adjust, and repair machine tools and other machines in common use.
Tool/Tooling Makers make repairs to specialized equipment, cutting tools, gauges, jigs, fixtures, prototypes, and mechanical devices used for testing parts. They also produce components to build machines and tooling used to create various industrial and consumer products.
Construction Millwrights install, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial machinery, mechanical equipment, and other automated and robotic systems. They primarily service the construction industry and often work closely with other tradespeople, such as pipefitters and electricians.
Metal Fabricators (Fitters) make and repair parts used in the construction of buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels, and other structures. They lay out, cut, and fabricate structural steel, plate, and different ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the manufacturing and construction industries.
Industrial Mechanic Millwrights install, maintain, repair, and remove stationary industrial machinery, mechanical equipment, and automated and robotic systems. They most often carry this work out in industrial plants and factories.
Tool & Die Makers are skilled craftspeople that make, repair, and modify custom-made, prototype, or special tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, and gauges to very specific and precise dimensions. The work involves the operation of lathes, grinders, and milling and boring machines.