====== Why are feeler gauges a bad idea and in general just wooly thinking? ======
{{tag> faq}}

When setting the z offset what's bad about using feeler gauges? 

===== Answer: =====

Feeler gauges are a horrible idea for several reasons: 

  * metal feeler gauges thermally change dimension 
  * dangerous to use on hot plate
  * damage bedplate 
  * sets to arbitrary height

The gcode z offset needs set to achieve an affect, a squish, on the filament which must be observed rather than set to some arbitrary height we measure. 

Read more about [[understanding the gcode z offset]]