A Hi-Lo gauge is primarily used to do what?

A Hi-Lo gauge is primarily utilized to check for pipe joint misalignment, making it essential in various piping systems and construction contexts. This tool helps ensure that the joints of pipes are properly aligned and fit securely, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of piping systems, especially under pressure or in dynamic environments. Misalignment can lead to stress on the joints, potential leaks, and failures, so using a Hi-Lo gauge to measure and correct such alignment issues contributes significantly to the overall quality and safety of the installation.

While measuring pipe length, inspecting wall thickness, and determining temperature are also important tasks in pipelining and boilermaking, they are not the primary function of a Hi-Lo gauge. Other specialized tools exist for those tasks, such as tape measures for length, calipers or ultrasonic thickness gauges for wall thickness, and thermometers or thermocouples for temperature assessment. The specificity of the Hi-Lo gauge makes it particularly valuable for ensuring that joints fit together correctly, avoiding future mechanical problems.