digital caliper

Anyone have recommendations when buying a digital caliper? I do not want to buy high end, but do not want to buy junk. Manufacture, model cost etc.

 

Starrett and Mitutoyu are good, but they're high end and cost more. Maybe buy good ones and buy them once?

 

Get a Midway reloading catalog, you can buy a decent steel digital for $30 or so. Will do all you need it to do.
http://www.midwayusa.com/find?newcategorydimensionid=12793

 

Moved to fab forum as its not restoration.


Sent from my iPhone

 

I picked up one at Harbor Freight. I checked several against each other and they all read the same within a thousands. Later I checked mine against my work neighbor who does all the custom car work and had an expensive one. It was still accurate to within a couple of thousands or so. But it is not a quality piece. I have to be very careful to not damage it.

 

Did some research, this looks like a good inexpensive choice:

Neiko 01407A Stanless Steel 6-Inch Digital Caliper with Extra-Large LCD Screen and Instant SAE-Metric Conversion

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01407A-...d=1353887836&sr=8-1&keywords=digital+calipers

 

I prefer an analog caliper, easy to see trends when measuring, such as taper and out-of-round.
Also for something I use seldom, no battery to die or corrode.

 

http://www1.mscdirect.com/cgi/NNSRIT2?PMAKA=74040239&PMPXNO=17311087&cm_re=ItemDetail-_-ResultListing-_-SearchResults

I have used one of these in the garage quite a bit, Its good enough for most home shop use.

 

Dont by from Lows, its plastic and sticks.I thought 30 would by a better one than HF but not.
I have the HF but could not find it so i bought Lows (Close to the house)
I have used Mitutoyu, these are very good but you will pay upwards of 100.
What ever you chose have fun,

 

How about Fowler brand?

http://www.sears.com/fowler-shockpr...0920023000P?prdNo=17&blockNo=17&blockType=G17


Found these http://york.craigslist.org/tls/3418881480.html locally but, can I measure ID with them?

 

Yes

 

OK. What am I missing? I don't see what part would be used to measure ID but, it also doesn't make sense to have both sides (jaws) used for OD measurement. Fair price?

googling how to use one of these things now...................................................................Oh. Duh. Now I see. Never owned/used one. Forgive my ignorance.

 

Found this very helpful:

http://www.stefanelli.eng.br/en/dial-caliper-pachymeter-calliper-simulator-inch-one-thousandth.html

 

Dave:

The two small jaws above the dial would measure ID and the large Jaws below would measure OD..........................

 

I have a Chicago brand, from a local tool house. cost about $50 came with a case and spare battery, really good for hobby stuff. it is consistent I've been taking it with me on parts runs, measure this or check that.

 

I prefer the ones I have from RCBS - analog...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/630852/rcbs-dial-caliper-6-stainless-steel

$49.

Got to dig 'em out of the cupboard -> jeep stuff on my bench right now, not reloading stuff.

d

 

personally I'm not a fan of digitals.. I like to be able to see the dial sweep for ensuring I have the caliper lined up properly but that's just a personal preference.. Cruise the local pawn shops.. I find a lot of precision tools hiding out there.. Just watch out.. I'm sure a lot of them will say "GE" on them living where you do.. haha..

BUBBA

 

You mean dial calipers? Brown and Sharpe is great stuff.. Very high quality...

 

I have the Harbor Freight digital caliper, and find many uses for it.

Its main issue is batteries. I keep a few extras in the tool chest, and a whole sheet of them I bought for a few dollars from Amazon, in the refrigerator.