A truncated set plug can be used on a solid ring to determine its acceptability but cannot establish excessive wear. It is made to nominal pitch diameter, unlike the go check and wear check plug that is made to nominal and high limit pitch diameters. A solid ring gage has a longer life than adjustable ring gages because of its design. When an adjustable ring is reset because of wear, it is no longer round but lobed because of the splits. The lobed condition of the adjustable ring contacts the product threads on a much smaller surface area, reducing wear life.
Solid rings remain round throughout their life, allowing for an even distribution of wear.
Weight is another factor, as adjustable ring gages have a significant increase in weight to accommodate the adjustment feature. Weight is the biggest factor in thread gage life. Excessive weight reduces gage life. Thread gages are rotated on product threads axially one thread at a time until full engagement is completed. This continuous rotation creates the wear.