Have a new set of digital calipers and am wondering whether it's worth the effort and money to pick up something to check them against from time to time. It doesn't seem that necessary to me--for handloading--but I could be wrong about that. What do you think? If this is a good idea, what do you suggest for this task?
Anyone Use Gauge Blocks. Gauge Pins, or Standards with Their Calipers or Micrometer?
- Thread starter South Pender
- Start date
My micrometer set came with standards 1-6". When I am doing anything I want to be closer than 0.005" I will use them to check whatever instrument I am using. That's a little above and beyond but it's a hobby to me. If I used the stuff every day I might not be so tedious about it.
There's a reason vernier sounds like very near.
There's a reason vernier sounds like very near.
Buy or borrow a decent vernier micrometer. Measure something with it. Then measure it with your digital caliper to find out just how bad they are. Bad being relative.
As others said.
You should get a decent micrometer also, to verify the caliper once in awhile.
Caliper get loose very easily with age. Clean the track.
Mitutoyo maintenance instructions:
https://www.mitutoyo.com/Images/E12024_Check_Points_for_Measuring_Instruments.pdf
You should get a decent micrometer also, to verify the caliper once in awhile.
Caliper get loose very easily with age. Clean the track.
Mitutoyo maintenance instructions:
https://www.mitutoyo.com/Images/E12024_Check_Points_for_Measuring_Instruments.pdf
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ALL measurement tools (time, distance, weight - whatever) should be calibrated from time to time in accordance with what level of accuracy you expect/require.
ALL measurement tools will also degrade after time losing resolution.
Keep in mind that a gauge block, is also a measurement tool
As mentioned, if you have picked up a decent caliper - it will come with a calibration gauge.
My experience with digital measurement tools is that once the battery starts to go, the reading is not reliable.
Well, it's definitely a decent caliper--Mitutoyo 500-196-30--but it didn't come with a calibration gauge. I'll follow Necro Monger's suggestion and just make sure it is reading 0 when completely closed.
