Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set Review

Let’s Talk About Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve come to appreciate the value of precision tools in various applications, from firearms maintenance to intricate gear repairs. That’s why I recently acquired the Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set, a seemingly simple collection of hardened steel bars that promises to enhance accuracy and efficiency in countless tasks. These parallels, manufactured by Grizzly Industrial, aren’t exactly glamorous, but their potential impact on precision work is undeniable.

My need for this set arose from a recurring challenge in modifying and customizing firearms. Achieving perfect alignment when milling a new sight dovetail, bedding an action, or fitting custom parts requires consistent and reliable shimming. I’d been making do with makeshift solutions for years, but the inconsistencies were starting to impact the quality of my work.

Upon unboxing the Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set, my initial impression was one of understated quality. The parallels arrived neatly organized in a protective case, each piece exhibiting a clean, ground finish. The steel felt dense and substantial, hinting at the hardness and precision promised in the product description.

I considered several other options before settling on the Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set. Cheaper sets often suffer from poor tolerances and inconsistent thicknesses, rendering them practically useless. Higher-end sets from brands like Starrett command a premium price, which, while justified for professional machinists, felt excessive for my needs. The Grizzly Industrial offering seemed to strike a good balance between price and quality.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The set appeared well-made, but the true test would come with practical application. I was eager to put these parallels to work and see if they could live up to their potential.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set to the Test

First Use Experience

My first use of the Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set was during the installation of an adjustable cheek riser on a precision rifle stock. The task required precise alignment and consistent spacing between the riser hardware and the stock itself. I decided to use these parallels as shims to elevate the hardware so I could drill the pilot holes in the stock.

The Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set performed admirably. The consistent 1/8″ thickness of the parallels allowed me to achieve perfect alignment, and the hardened steel construction provided a stable and rigid base for drilling. Even under the pressure of the drill bit, the parallels showed no signs of flexing or deformation. The stock aligned on the first try and the cheek riser was properly secured.

The parallels were simple to use. The dimensions were accurately cut and the surface was finished smooth. I experienced no surprises or issues using these parallels.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of frequent use, the Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set has proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my toolkit. I’ve used them for everything from leveling workpieces in my vise to setting precise gaps when fitting custom knife scales. They have quickly become my go-to shims for various applications.

The parallels have held up exceptionally well. Despite regular handling and exposure to various oils and solvents, there are no signs of rust or corrosion. The dimensions remain consistent, and the surfaces are still flat and true. Clean up is easy.

Compared to my previous attempts at makeshift shimming, the Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set offers a significant improvement in both precision and efficiency. What used to be a time-consuming and frustrating process is now quick and straightforward. The parallel set has outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set

Specifications

The Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set consists of ten matched pairs of parallels, each measuring 6 inches in length and 1/8 inch in thickness. The widths range from 1/2 inch to 1-5/8 inches in 1/8-inch increments. The parallels are constructed from hardened and ground steel and come in a protective case.

These specifications are critical for their intended purpose. The 1/8-inch thickness allows for fine adjustments and precise shimming. The hardened steel ensures durability and resistance to wear and deformation. The range of widths provides versatility for various applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set performs its job exceptionally well. The parallels are accurate, reliable, and easy to use. They provide a stable and consistent platform for achieving precise alignment and spacing. The hardened steel will not bend or deform.

The set’s main strength lies in its precision and versatility. The consistent thickness and range of widths make it suitable for a wide range of applications. The main weakness is the lack of finer increments.

The Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set meets and exceeds my expectations. The set provides a level of accuracy and consistency that I simply couldn’t achieve with my previous makeshift shimming methods. The quality of the set is high.

Design & Ergonomics

The Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set features a simple and functional design. The parallels are rectangular bars with smooth, ground surfaces. The set is easy to handle and manipulate.

The build quality is excellent. The parallels are made from high-quality materials, and the grinding is precise and consistent. The weight feels substantial, conveying a sense of durability and quality. The set is user friendly and requires no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set is built to last. The hardened steel construction ensures resistance to wear, corrosion, and deformation. The parallels should provide years of reliable service with proper care.

Maintenance is simple. After each use, I wipe the parallels clean with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust and corrosion. If necessary, I may use a mild abrasive cleaner to remove any stubborn dirt or residue. A rust inhibitor can be applied after cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set comes with a protective case for storage and organization. There are no additional accessories included, and customization options are limited.

These parallels are compatible with various measuring tools, vises, and workholding devices. No other accessories are necessary for the proper use of the set.

Pros and Cons of Grizzly Industrial Thin Parallel Set