Avoid touching the lapped surfaced of the block any more than necessary. When lifting a block from its case, gasp by the non-gaging surface. When cleaning, wringing to another block, or taking measurements, hold at front and back. Never drop or strike the lapped surface and avoid scratching or rubbing it against the work while gaging. Always clean and coat with petroleum or oil after using.

Wringing

How does the wringing action occur?
Gage blocks "wring" together for two reasons. First, there is an adhesive action because of an ultra-thin film of oil or moisture between the blocks. Second, there is a molecular attraction, or bonding, between the blocks because of the very flat and parallel mating surfaces.

How to wring your Gage Blocks

1. Make certain the surfaces are clean and demagnetized before wringing.
2. Prepare the gage blocks. Blocks should be clean and free from nicks or burrs. Wipe the blocks on a soft, lint-free cloth or chamois that has been slightly moistened with light oil or mineral spirits. wipe again on a clean, dry portion of the cloth or chamois.
3. Holding the blocks by the ends, if small, or by front and back, if large, they are brought together at right angles to each other, making their first contact at the centers of the prepared surfaces.
4. Slide the gage block with light pressure onto another clean gage block.
5. Follow a slightly sliding, circular motion when, if properly prepared, the surfaces will cling(wring) together almost instantly.
6. Wring the block half out of engagement and then back into the matched position in circular motion.
7. Still using the same sliding motion, the blocks are further rotated until their surfaces are in contact.

Disassemble

1. Turn them first at right angles, then slide one off the other.
2. Blocks should not remain wrung together overnight, or separation maybe difficult.
3. Once apart, clean, oil, and return to the case.

Holders and clamps

Gage block holders and clamps are designed to help the user handle gage block build-ups. They are not a substitute for wringing.

Are wringing long blocks a problem?

Apply a spot of rust inhibiting oil or grease to a clean, small optical flat.
Take the two cleaned gaging surfaces and slide the flat onto the gage block. Next, wipe gaging surfaces and flat with a lint free tissue until the grease film disappears. Now slide the optical flat back onto gaging surfaces of each block and then break, not slide, the block away from the flat. Next, bring the two gaging surfaces in direct contact and the will immediately wring firmly unless dust has lodged between them