Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 9 hours ago
Strain Gages: The Cost of Doing It Right vs. The Cost of Doing It Twice
A properly installed strain gage delivers reliable data – but let’s be honest, getting there takes effort and expertise.
A poorly installed gage is just as expensive to install, but instead of good data, you get bad measurements, costly rework, and wasted time.
Before running a test, it is a good idea to always:
✅ Visually inspect each installation
✅ Check insulation resistance to ground
✅ Verify zero stability and zero return
Taking shortcuts in installation guarantees one thing: unreliable data.
In some cases, pre-cabled gages can reduce some of the intricate work, but for those challenging installations, the skill and knowledge of the installer are the difference between precision and frustration.
At the end of the day, a quality strain gage isn’t finished until it’s properly bonded, aligned, soldered, secured, cleaned, and coated. That’s the difference between a sensor and a measurement tool you can trust.
Would love to hear your thoughts—what’s the worst (or best) strain gage installation you’ve seen?
Strain Gages: The Cost of Doing It Right vs. The Cost of Doing It Twice
A properly installed strain gage delivers reliable data – but let’s be honest, getting there takes effort and expertise.
A poorly installed gage is just as expensive to install, but instead of good data, you get bad measurements, costly rework, and wasted time.
Before running a test, it is a good idea to always:
✅ Visually inspect each installation
✅ Check insulation resistance to ground
✅ Verify zero stability and zero return
Taking shortcuts in installation guarantees one thing: unreliable data.
In some cases, pre-cabled gages can reduce some of the intricate work, but for those challenging installations, the skill and knowledge of the installer are the difference between precision and frustration.
At the end of the day, a quality strain gage isn’t finished until it’s properly bonded, aligned, soldered, secured, cleaned, and coated. That’s the difference between a sensor and a measurement tool you can trust.
Would love to hear your thoughts—what’s the worst (or best) strain gage installation you’ve seen?
