Autool TG501 | Paint thickness meter
Warranty directly via AsTools
Warranty directly via AsTools
We handle warranty cases ourselves, quickly and without involving the manufacturer. Thanks to our own parts inventory and technical expertise, we can usually assist you immediately. Only in exceptional cases do we still send the product to the supplier.
2 years warranty on all products
2 years warranty on all products
All our products come with a 2-year factory warranty. This ensures you long-lasting quality and service.
Easy returns
Easy returns
You can easily request your return through your account. We will send you the return label by email. Return shipping costs are your responsibility.
Professional customer service
Professional customer service
Our experts are ready to help you quickly and professionally, both online and in our physical store. Questions? Feel free to contact us!
The Autool TG501 is a paint thickness gauge. It measures the thickness of non-conductive coatings on a metal substrate using two measurement principles: magnetic induction for ferromagnetic substrates and the eddy current principle for non-ferromagnetic metals. The measurement range is 0 to 2000 micrometers, with a resolution of 0.1 micrometers to 100 micrometers and 1 micrometer above that; accuracy is 3 percent of the measured value plus 1 micrometer.
In AUTO mode, the instrument automatically selects which of the two principles applies; in MAG and EDDY mode, you set this manually. Galvanised steel substrates are identified separately, measuring from 3 to 500 micrometres. Measurement requires a flat measurement surface with a minimum diameter of 15 millimetres and a substrate of at least 0.30 millimetres steel or 0.05 millimetres non-ferrous metal. Readings are automatically logged during measurement, up to eighty records with sequential numbering.
KEY BENEFITS
POINTS TO NOTE
Application and functionality
Factory paintwork is applied in a controlled process and maintains consistent coating thickness across the entire body. Deviations from adjacent panels indicate repainting or repair work. The TG501 quantifies such deviation in micrometres; assessment is based on the difference between panels, not an absolute value.
The Autool TG501 supports the following measurement and readout functions:
- Ferrous measurement (Fe): Determines coating thickness on steel and other ferromagnetic surfaces using magnetic induction.
- Non-ferrous measurement (NFe): Measures coating thickness on aluminium, copper, zinc and alloys using the eddy current principle.
- Automatic mode detection: In AUTO mode it determines whether the surface is ferrous or non-ferrous; in MAG and EDDY you set that choice yourself.
- Measurement on galvanised sheet: Detects a galvanised iron substrate separately, from 3 to 500 micrometres.
- Unit switching: Toggles the display between micrometres, millimetres and mil.
- Zero calibration: Sets the zero point with the supplied calibration foils for steel and aluminium, initiated by holding down the probe mode button.
- Measurement storage: Stores up to eighty measurements, each with a sequence number on the display.
- Delete measurement: Deletes the last measurement, or all stored values at once.
What you see on the display
- Measurement value: The coating thickness, read to one tenth accuracy up to 100 micrometres and in whole micrometres above that.
- Selected unit: Micrometres, millimetres or mil.
- Probe mode: AUTO, MAG or EDDY, and with galvanised sheet a separate indicator.
- Sequence number: The counter for measurements stored in memory.
How to use it
- Insert the batteries: Three AAA batteries in the compartment on the rear.
- Choose the probe mode: AUTO lets the device choose; MAG and EDDY force steel or aluminium.
- Calibrate the zero point: Hold down the probe mode button; two beeps and the ZO message indicate it has started. On a rough surface, calibrate at multiple points.
- Place the probe squarely on the panel: The measurement surface must be at least fifteen millimetres in diameter and flat.
- Read and compare: Two measurements per second; work your way across the panels and watch the difference between values, not any single reading.
Special features and capabilities
Beyond the measurement itself, it includes features that make working on a car easier and help preserve battery life.
- Automatic screen rotation: The display adjusts to the device's orientation, keeping the measurement value readable when measuring under a door jamb or in a wheel arch.
- Measurement confirmation: A beep signals that a measurement is complete; during zero calibration initiation, it sounds twice with the ZO indicator displayed on screen.
- Power management: The screen dims after fifteen seconds of inactivity, and the device switches off after two minutes.
- Calibration foils in five values: 997, 500, 247, 102 and 50 micrometre, each with a tolerance of 1 per cent, for both steel and aluminium.
Where to use it
The gauge is deployed where the repair history of a body is in question and a measured reading carries more weight than a visual assessment.
- Pre-purchase inspection: Compare panel by panel to detect rework not documented on the history report.
- Valuation and trade-in: Record coating thickness per panel to support value determination.
- Inspection after damage repair: Confirm that the applied coating matches surrounding panels.
- Preparation for polishing: Determine how much coating thickness is available before material is removed.
Package contents
- 1x Autool TG501 paint thickness gauge
- 1x Calibration foil set for steel and aluminium
- 1x Wrist strap
- 1x User manual
Technical specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Autool |
| Model | TG501 |
| Type | Paint thickness gauge, ferrous and non-ferrous |
| Measurement principle | Magnetic induction for steel, eddy current for non-ferrous |
| Probe types | AUTO, MAG and EDDY |
| Measurement range | 0 to 2000 micrometres |
| Galvanised substrate | 3 to 500 micrometres, separately identified |
| Resolution | 0.1 micrometre to 100 micrometres; above that 1 micrometre |
| Accuracy | 3 percent of the measured value plus 1 micrometre |
| Measurement speed | Maximum two measurements per second |
| Minimum measurement area | 15 mm diameter |
| Minimum substrate thickness | 0.30 mm steel, 0.05 mm non-ferrous |
| Units | Micrometre, millimetre and mil |
| Memory | Up to eighty measurements, with sequential numbering |
| Calibration | Zero-point calibration using the supplied foils |
| Display | Backlit LCD with automatic screen rotation; dims after fifteen seconds |
| Auto shut-off | After two minutes without operation |
| Power supply | Three 1.5 V AAA batteries |
| Housing | ABS, protection rating IP40 |
| Operating conditions | −10 °C to +50 °C, 20 to 90 percent relative humidity |
| Dimensions | 130 × 58 × 28 mm |
| Article number | TG501 |
