I have a pretty nice stainless steel caliper that was given to me by a friend. I imagine he used it on hsi reloading bench for at least 30 years and I have had it for 10. Well, over the years it has gotten pretty gummed up with who knows what, probably gun oil or cleaning products mixed with dust. I keep it in a case but my friend apparently didnt. Its still accurate but it doest move smoothly along the teeth. I tried a soft toothbrush but I think it needs some sort of a degreaser or something to flush away the grime. Before I ruin it or destroy its accuracy, I thought I would ask here for suggestions. It has 2 tiny screws on the front next to the dial. Should I try taking it apart? Hose it down with brake cleaner? suggestions? Its not a japanese top of the line tool but it does have sentimental value so I would like to keep it in service versus just ordering a $49.99 repalcement on Amazon.
Cleaning a Dial Caliper?
- Thread starter 03psd
- Start date
I don't know the proper way to clean measuring tools but you might google Long Island Instrument and do some reading. They repair measuring tools and have an interesting web site.
90% Isopropyl soak just the rack.
Blow out with canned air not high pressure.
Unless you want a lot of spare parts do not open the slide
Once the rack is clean apply a little more Isopropyl to the rack and move the slide over the wet area.
Blow out again.
I have a Starett dial caliper from the '80s that still works fine.
Even missing the cover glass (plastic)
Blow out with canned air not high pressure.
Unless you want a lot of spare parts do not open the slide
Once the rack is clean apply a little more Isopropyl to the rack and move the slide over the wet area.
Blow out again.
I have a Starett dial caliper from the '80s that still works fine.
Even missing the cover glass (plastic)
90% Isopropyl soak just the rack.
Blow out with canned air not high pressure.
Unless you want a lot of spare parts do not open the slide
Once the rack is clean apply a little more Isopropyl to the rack and move the slide over the wet area.
Blow out again.
I have a Starett dial caliper from the '80s that still works fine.
Even missing the cover glass (plastic)
Perfect. Working smooth again! Thank you.
I have an old Starrett that was getting pretty gummed up. I found a video online which showed me how to take it apart and clean. I did this and it has worked great. That Starrett will probably last a few generations.
washing it out with zippo lighter fluid ALSO works. On the rack and whatnot. Again, blowing it out with LOW pressure air.
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