Hydraulic piston-type gauge - Range 0 to 2000 lbs.

Turn welding equipment "Weld - No Weld" switch to "No Weld." This switch is located on the operator's station of a multi-electrode installation or the terminal box of a portable gun installation, or on the welding control panel of both.

Set pressure regulator to approximate pressure setting to produce desired welding force. This can be approximated by dividing the desired welding force by the area of the cylinder.

Energize the welding equipment controls; place the equipment in welding position, and actuate the gun or guns two or three times to assure that the gun or guns are functioning correctly and the electrodes are properly aligned. This can generally be done by energizing the "gun" button at the operator's station on a multi-electrode installation or initiating the operator's run button on the handle of a portable gun.

Rest gauge on stationary electrode in line with movable electrode stroke. The gauge must be centered with the electrodes in order to obtain an accurate reading.

Caution: Make certain that your hands are clear of the electrodes or other moving parts of the equipment.

Open valve on gun solenoid to get gun stroke and hold it in until the gauge indicator has made its maximum deflection. (Energizing run button on a portable gun or the gun button on a multi-electrode installation does not provide sufficient time for gauge hand to stabilize). If a multi-electrode installation operator's station has a "guns-in" – "guns-out" switch, then it will not be necessary to use gun valve solenoid.

Caution: If gun valve is not clearly marked and/or you are not quite certain which valve performs the guns-in function, try the valve before you conduct this test.

After gauge indicator has reached maximum deflection, and before the electrodes are released, rotate gauge approximately 20° several times before reading is taken. If there has been no change in position of indicator, record reading, release solenoid or energize "gun-out" switch and remove gauge.

Handle this instrument with care. Although they are made for shop use, their continuous reliability depends on the treatment they receive.

Have the instrument laboratory checked periodically.

This instrument reads static pounds of force. It does not indicate momentary or instantaneous changes of force resulting from lagging or decaying pressure.

This instrument should be used in preference to calculations because (a) of friction losses within the pressure system (b) malfunctioning of the pressure system or its components and/or (3) other potential faults.