Description
Brown & Sharpe 587 Vernier Height Gage 12" 0-12" Range 0.001" Resolution
The Brown & Sharpe 587 is a classic 12-inch vernier height gage designed for precision layout and height measurement work on a surface plate. It reads directly to 0.001" using the vernier scale, with no battery or electronics required — just a finely graduated steel beam and a precision-ground cast base that sits flat on any reference surface.
Specifications & What's Included
- Make: Brown & Sharpe
- Model: 587
- Type: Vernier Height Gage
- Measuring range: 0 to 12 inches
- Resolution: 0.001 inch (vernier scale)
- Scale type: Imperial inch vernier (main scale + vernier window on carriage)
- Beam: Hardened and graduated steel, rectangular cross-section
- Carriage: Cast, teal-painted with vernier window (0–25 divisions visible in photos)
- Scriber arm: Adjustable angle scriber arm with flat scribing tip
- Locking: Two knurled thumbscrews on carriage for coarse lock and fine adjustment
- Base: Solid cast iron base with ground reference surface; teal painted finish
- Country of manufacture: USA
- Included: Height gage only — no case or accessories
Applications
Vernier height gages like the Brown & Sharpe 587 are standard tools in machine shops, toolrooms, and inspection departments for laying out workpieces on a surface plate, transferring heights, scribing parallel lines, and checking part dimensions against a reference datum. Brown & Sharpe was one of the foremost American precision tool manufacturers — based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island — and their vernier height gages were workhorses of American manufacturing from the mid-20th century onward. The 587 model represents the traditional all-manual vernier design that predates digital and dial height gages; machinists and toolmakers who prefer analog instruments or need an affordable, reliable backup gage still actively use and seek out these classic B&S tools. They are equally at home on a granite surface plate in a quality control lab or on a cast iron plate in a job shop.
This Brown & Sharpe 587 Vernier Height Gage has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The beam shows light surface scratches on the face (visible in photos) but the graduation markings are fully legible and the vernier scale reads cleanly. The teal-painted cast carriage and base show normal wear consistent with shop use — some paint loss and surface marks on the base. The scriber arm, locking thumbscrews, and fine-adjustment mechanism all appear intact and functional. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Brown & Sharpe |
Model: |
587 |
MPN: |
587 |
Type: |
Vernier Height Gage |
SKU: |
42525 |
Measuring Range: |
0 to 12 in |
Resolution: |
0.001 in |
Scale Type: |
Vernier |
Measurement System: |
Imperial (Inches) |
Base Type: |
Cast Iron / Cast Base |
Scriber / Jaw Type: |
Fixed scriber with angle-adjustable arm |
Locking Mechanism: |
Knurled thumb screws on carriage |
Fine Adjustment: |
Yes — fine-feed thumbscrew on carriage |
Application: |
Surface plate layout, height measurement, scribing |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
USA |
Seller Notes: |
Height gage only — no case or accessories included. |
Condition Notes: |
This Brown & Sharpe 587 Vernier Height Gage is in good used condition. Beam has light surface scratches but markings are legible. Carriage and base show normal shop wear. Scriber arm and adjustment screws intact. Please contact us with any questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |