Hayes Feel'r Gauge Disc Brake Pad and Rotor Alignment Tool [Rider Review]

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We all hate it when our rotors rub and create that horrid screeching sound. Hayes Feel'r Gauge helps resolve this issue. Our Friend, William, just added the tool to their toolbox. See what they think! 

Overview

Over the last few years, I've found myself changing my brakes a number of times looking for just the right mix of power, modulation, lever feel, and reliability. I've changed out the entire brake system on my bike 4 times during that period, as well as having changed out rotors and pads to get the feel I want.

One thing that remains an utter frustration with most brake systems is alignment of the caliper to eliminate rubbing of the pads on the rotors. It's not just the drag on the wheel, but that scraping sound as well as the potential extra wear on your rotor. Some systems advocate squeezing the lever like you're going max speed and trying to stop before a wall. Other systems indicate that you should carefully align the caliper by eye. Neither has been an easy exercise in my experiences, as the caliper usually moves a tad during tightening leaving me with at least a small amount of pad rub during my initial riding. Sure there are always the new Hayes Dominion with their fancy caliper alignment set screws. However, having just spent a small mint on my latest brake system change (Magura MT7's with their boat anchor like power and awesome lever feel-once properly bled), I really don't plan to change again unless there's a major system failure that I cannot correct.

One thing with the Magura brakes is their 2mm thick rotors. Aside from being thicker and potentially stronger, I've found them a bit more fiddly to get centered on the rotor and eliminate the rub.

Enter the Hayes Feel'r tool. I bought this after reading a couple of simple reviews on other sites indicating how much easier it makes positioning your caliper for proper alignment during tightening. It also states that it will provide a small gap for proper pad positioning after the pads are retracted. I decided that I should grab one of these bad boys and see just what was up with it.

I placed my order with WWC and a few days later, I had this simple purple tool in my hands. It's not overly complex to be honest....it's a metal blade roughly the thickness of a rotor with 2 small metal blades that remind me of feeler gauges used in automotive work. First thought was "What will this REALLY do?". My answer was actually a whole lot.

It took less than 5 minutes to get both my front and rear brakes properly positioned and spaced with no pad rub.

It's very easy to use. First step is to loosen the caliper bolts enough to allow the caliper to move side to side. Second, slide the "blades" into the back side of the rotor with the curve following that of the rotor. Third, pull your brake lever and hold it down (either with your hand, a band of some sort, or have a buddy hold it) while you tighten the bolts of your caliper. Then it's just remove the tool from the caliper and you're ready to go. 

Final Thoughts

This is a great tool to have in your shop if you do your own brake work. It makes getting your brakes dialed in a breeze.