Need a new caliper

DiRTY DOG

DiRTY DOG

Well-known member
My RCBS dial caliper seems to be inconsitent, it sometimes varies by several thousanths depending on how hard or how quickly I scroll the thumb wheel. If RCBS replaces it, that's cool, but I think I want a digital anyways.

Any recomendations for a GOOD digital caliper without getting crazy on the price?

(edited to say caliper instead of micrometer)
 
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for the price difference I would stick with the vernier "dial" type mic. I work in a machine shop and use them daily I prefer starrett tools but they can get pricey. check out the SPI brand on msc's website or zoro.com!
 
Mitutoyo for me. I have worked in a cabinet factory for over twenty years and use one daily. Previously as a machine operator and now as maintenance.

I like a dial caliper, I can see it move and feel if it is smooth or not.
 
If for comparison measuring(what we mostly do reloading) I purchased an iGaging absolute origin digital caliper. Had mine since Feb 2016 no issues, 39.95 Amazon. +-0.0005.
 
I've got to where I buy the cheap digital $15 model from Menards. I've had several different Mitutoyo that I use in my Automotive Machine Shop and they have now all quit. I'm tired of paying 100 hundred to $200 for them. If you need to measure closer than a thousands of an inch you should be using a micrometer anyway. I use them on a daily basis which means on occasion they make a trip to the concrete floor.
 
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LOL hard to blame it on Mitutoyo when you're dropping a precision measuring tool onto concrete.

If a set of calipers goes to the ground they should be chucked, or at the very least sent back for certification anyway.

Be more careful with your stuff. Must not be a very good machine shop if they aren't requiring you to use quality certified instruments.
 
Originally Posted By: spotstalkshootIf for comparison measuring(what we mostly do reloading) I purchased an iGaging absolute origin digital caliper. Had mine since Feb 2016 no issues, 39.95 Amazon. +-0.0005. Yep, I ordered one of those this morning.
 
I was a CNC machinist for about 6 years...you never really quit. Mititoyo are the best. Get carbide tips...
 
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Originally Posted By: Brad PhillipsCaliper and concrete, bad for sure. I am very careful, but I have wrecked one or two.

And the concrete doesn't care if it's a 15 dollar set, or 100 dollar set. I don't use digital calipers, I can push a little harder on the slide and see the numbers change. Dial calipers do just fine for their use, I don't spend over 20 bucks on them. I have GREAT micrometers for the real measuring!
 
The cheapest of cheap plastic Chicomm calipers would be totally fine for reloading purposes. If you need or want to measure closer than a thousandth calipers are just the wrong tool.

That said... Nobody really likes using crappy tools and nobody could be faulted for wanting quality especially in a measuring instrument.

Prefer the dials over digital, personally. At least in the cheap to mid priced stuff. Never used an expensive digital.

- DAA
 
Digital are the way to go for some tools as you can "zero" them for use with some tools from Sinclair.

Not required but nice.
 
Originally Posted By: GLShooterAny reason to go with a dial vs. electronic caliper?

Greg

Yep........dial = No need for batteries
 
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