Digital Calipers
- Thread starter HunztheMighty
- Start date
THIS.
I can't stand digital calibers. Friggen hate them. The dial is simple and straight forward to use.
The one advantage that the digital does have is the ability to work in two systems (Metric and Imperial) with one caliper. This was very handy working in a Japanese auto parts plant, with machinery from all over the world.
As do I. Probably changed the LR44 batteries twice in ten years or so.
- Location
- Brockville, ON
I've never been drawn to digital calipers. I always assumed I'd have to pay more than I'm willing. I've had two Lyman's, one fell on the floor (rip), and now also have an Accusize with metric and imperial indicators on the dial which is very handy. I've checked them on gauge blocks and against each other and they've never faltered.
Close to 20 years I’ve had a Mastercraft set which just keep working. I’ve checked them against other more expensive sets and they read the same. Batteries least over a year. Princess auto cheapo packs is what I buy.
- Location
- Western Manitoba
I liked your lower picture - is similar to the one that I use - a vernier scale. For measuring to 0.0001", I use a Mitotuyo micrometer, but, alas, it has been more than a decade that the Mitutoyo was on a "standard". So, for what I do, the vernier calliper is "good enough". Back in the day, most micrometers came with a "standard" - I used my neighbour's to check mine when I got it used - it came without a "standard". I have never seen similar with any calliper. I have several callipers from NAPA store - digital displays - when I check, they are always "off" - have to be reset to read correctly - even between measurements - I do not "trust" any of them. Much confusion about "accuracy" of those things - the box says accurate to plus or minus 0.001", even though the display reads four numbers after the decimal point.
And, yes, I was the "geek" in High School - 60 years ago - who used a slide rule.
I use cantire digital and mititoyo dial calipers. I remove the battery from the digital unit when it's not in use. I use a Vernier scale micrometer for more precision if needed. I don't have a problem reading the scale on mine but some are not so eddy to read.
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Cocked&Locked
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- S. Ontario
I used calipers among a ton of other precision tools to make a living.
This is a subject I do know a lot about.
Dial calipers, even the cheapest Chinese ones are excellent. Never need batteries, low upfront cost. long life and excellent accuracy.
This is what I would highly recommend to you.
Vernier's are also low cost and accurate from just about any maker, but you will get mighty sick of trying to make out the fine graduations once you get to be much over your 40's years old. So don't consider those.
Now digital calipers are entirely different. You get what you pay for. Don't ever buy the garbage sold at Canadian Tire, or what the reloading companies market (Frankford Arsenal, Lyman, RCBS, Hornady etc. as these are the same as the garbage digital calipers at Canadian Tire). The lower cost may tempt the ignorant, but short electronics life and fast battery drain are the downsides.
If you really want digital, Look at an industrial supply catalog. Mitutoyo and a number of others are excellent, and at sale prices aren't too expensive either. These will last your lifetime and are a joy to use, no cursing required, with very long battery life.
This is a subject I do know a lot about.
Dial calipers, even the cheapest Chinese ones are excellent. Never need batteries, low upfront cost. long life and excellent accuracy.
This is what I would highly recommend to you.
Vernier's are also low cost and accurate from just about any maker, but you will get mighty sick of trying to make out the fine graduations once you get to be much over your 40's years old. So don't consider those.
Now digital calipers are entirely different. You get what you pay for. Don't ever buy the garbage sold at Canadian Tire, or what the reloading companies market (Frankford Arsenal, Lyman, RCBS, Hornady etc. as these are the same as the garbage digital calipers at Canadian Tire). The lower cost may tempt the ignorant, but short electronics life and fast battery drain are the downsides.
If you really want digital, Look at an industrial supply catalog. Mitutoyo and a number of others are excellent, and at sale prices aren't too expensive either. These will last your lifetime and are a joy to use, no cursing required, with very long battery life.
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Cmon guys ,recommending mastercraft, you must not do much reloading.
Do a product search and see how well mastercraft rates.
If you reload 100 rounds per year and don’t mind changing batteries every month ,then maybe,
Do a product search and see how well mastercraft rates.
If you reload 100 rounds per year and don’t mind changing batteries every month ,then maybe,
- Location
- Brockville, ON
For what its worth the new ones were just delievered. They are very different than any of the cheaper ones I purchased. Much more heavy duty feel and much smoother sliding. Does that mean they will last? Were about to find out. I am impressed that they come with a battery installed and 2 more batteries in the package. The Battery isnt the little puny one but the Cr2032 like you have in an illuminated scope. So thats good. I narrowed it down to Neiken and Kynup and went with the Kynup. I watched a cool review video and based my choice on the data the guy supplie and availabilioty in my area. I hope that they last and I dont have to buy Mitutoyo but thats my next step if they dont.
I’ve always been happy with the FOWLER brand through KBC Tools.
Digital for me.
Price is reasonable and they stand up to regular use.
Maybe they’re like 75-80 bucks now.
They used to be 40 or so.
Not sure about their accuracy, if it’s calibrated true, but they are consistent.
**I say this because they always read my pin gauges as -1 thou in diameter, which is greater than the amount of offset that the pins are supposed to have….I think, anyways, not a machinist here.
But hey they do it consistently, and different pairs of calipers obtain the same readings on the same pin, so….
They measure what I need them to.
Maybe I’m on my 3rd set now…..
Digital for me.
Price is reasonable and they stand up to regular use.
Maybe they’re like 75-80 bucks now.
They used to be 40 or so.
Not sure about their accuracy, if it’s calibrated true, but they are consistent.
**I say this because they always read my pin gauges as -1 thou in diameter, which is greater than the amount of offset that the pins are supposed to have….I think, anyways, not a machinist here.
But hey they do it consistently, and different pairs of calipers obtain the same readings on the same pin, so….
They measure what I need them to.
Maybe I’m on my 3rd set now…..
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For $20.00 they are disposable...
No problem or worries if guys spend $$$$ on the latest from J A Pan though...
Guys can spend their money on what ever they like in the end it is just bragging rights imo.
Tight Groups and Close Tolerances.
Rob
