Dave Leboeuf, product manager at Fowler High Precision, emphasizes the importance of strict manufacturing specifications for handheld gages. Each gage is built to very strict specifications to ensure accurate measurements, and higher-end gages are often accompanied by setting masters. These masters help both calibration and the accuracy of measured readings. Regular, thorough inspections and calibration of these gages are needed to maintain their accuracy over time, Leboeuf says.

Whether it’s a standard yearly check, an adjustment based on usage, or integrating shift-level practices, calibration schedules should be flexible yet systematic, experts say.