What is it when your valve shim has no Number?

[DGXSER]

Actually the one posted is digital and has a zero function to rezero it.

I used it when setting my swingarm back in to get the sides evened out. Set to one side and zero it out, measure the other side to get the difference. Very handy.

I also have found that occasionally it will not return to zero when closed and then when I take a shop towel and wipe the edges clean....it zeros.

[trbig]

It is fine when exact width or length is not crucial. I would not rely on it for something that as to be accurate less than 1/10th of a mm. It also has never returned to zero when I closed it, but it is usually within a few thousandths.

Patrick,

I'm thinking maybe you just got a bad one. I have used the HF digital caliper a lot, and it has always returned to zero when in use. I have found that when I turn it back on after an extended period, it may show a .001, but after zeroing it, it's good for the rest of the usage. It makes me wonder if it's a matter of metal expansion/contraction due to different temps of the last time I used it? BUT.. I have used it many many many times to measure shims and it works without fail for me.

As for marking the shims after measuring, not sure how you'd do that. I'm wondering if the steel would be too hard for even an engraver? Anyone tried it? I have quite a few un-marked shims in my stash. I need to get a little case with compartments like a whole kit has. No telling how many times I've had to measure them.. then put them back in the ziplock.. lol. I could even just use a sharpie on them for that...but I keep them oiled so they don't rust.


Tod

[Ivan]

Tod, you should be able to buy a metal etching marker, probably at harbor frieght. They have a strong acid based ink that etches the ink into the part.

Also an electric engraver, like a mini low amp arc welder could work using electricity to engrave the metal, but those are considerably more expensive.

[trbig]

They have a strong acid based ink

So... like... dude. Will it give me a buzz if I lick it?

Is that what the numbers are put on with innitially? It almost looks like it was applied with heat like your second option stated.


Tod

[Ivan]

So... like... dude. Will it give me a buzz if I lick it?

Is that what the numbers are put on with innitially? It almost looks like it was applied with heat like your second option stated.


Tod

Not sure about the buzz. But if you have a black tongue next time I see you, we'll know for sure.

I haven't seen the numbers on an XS11 shim in long enough to tell what they used. The time period would most likely indicate etching ink on a rubber stamp that marked them during manufacture. Most of the time the ink washes away but the etching is still legible.