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Which calipers you like?
- Thread starter mdmp5
- Start date
Re: Which calipers you like?
Mitutoyo 6" Digimatic. I broke the display on my last pair (user stupidity), and got a set of Starrett digital calipers (model 799 I think) which SUCK out loud. Next time I put together a Sinclair Int'l order I'm getting another set of Mitutoyos and the friggin' Starretts are going in the gun-show box...
Mitutoyo 6" Digimatic. I broke the display on my last pair (user stupidity), and got a set of Starrett digital calipers (model 799 I think) which SUCK out loud. Next time I put together a Sinclair Int'l order I'm getting another set of Mitutoyos and the friggin' Starretts are going in the gun-show box...
Re: Which calipers you like?
Get some from Harbor Freight. Yea, you may laugh but I have a set I paid $6 for and they still match my buddies $120 set.
Get some from Harbor Freight. Yea, you may laugh but I have a set I paid $6 for and they still match my buddies $120 set.
Re: Which calipers you like?
Im still using my first set, Frankford Arsenal from MidwayUSA. It has worked since day 1 without any problems. $20 I think.
Im still using my first set, Frankford Arsenal from MidwayUSA. It has worked since day 1 without any problems. $20 I think.
Re: Which calipers you like?
I usually prefer either Starrett or Mitutoyo. But the digital calipers I have now are made by Federal. The indicator people.
I usually prefer either Starrett or Mitutoyo. But the digital calipers I have now are made by Federal. The indicator people.
Re: Which calipers you like?
Mitutoyo are my favorite, I use the dial calipers so I don't have to remember to have extra batteries on hand.
Mitutoyo are my favorite, I use the dial calipers so I don't have to remember to have extra batteries on hand.
Re: Which calipers you like?
For regular measuring I use the dials mentioned above. But for bullet inspections where I'm using other tools mounted on the caliper jaws and need to rezero, I use the digital ones. Much less hassle rezeroing.
For regular measuring I use the dials mentioned above. But for bullet inspections where I'm using other tools mounted on the caliper jaws and need to rezero, I use the digital ones. Much less hassle rezeroing.
Re: Which calipers you like?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get some from Harbor Freight. Yea, you may laugh but I have a set I paid $6 for and they still match my buddies $120 set.</div></div>
+1
I got mine from HF and trust them. I checked it against my set of feeler gauges and it's right on.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get some from Harbor Freight. Yea, you may laugh but I have a set I paid $6 for and they still match my buddies $120 set.</div></div>
+1
I got mine from HF and trust them. I checked it against my set of feeler gauges and it's right on.
Re: Which calipers you like?
One thing to remember about calipers. Especially mechanical dial calipers. One drop from bench height onto a concrete floor and you have an expensive paperweight. I have been lucky enough to not drop any of my electronic ones. That might break my heart. Just another reason I always, ALWAYS carry them and place them back into their plastic padded case. If you brush into them while they're in their case they have a much better chance of surviving intact. Or at least with minimal damage.
One thing to remember about calipers. Especially mechanical dial calipers. One drop from bench height onto a concrete floor and you have an expensive paperweight. I have been lucky enough to not drop any of my electronic ones. That might break my heart. Just another reason I always, ALWAYS carry them and place them back into their plastic padded case. If you brush into them while they're in their case they have a much better chance of surviving intact. Or at least with minimal damage.
Re: Which calipers you like?
You know the tests saying to keep Alzheimers disease away, that says you need to keep your mind active? I like both Starett and Mitutoyo non-electric. They keep my mind working harder instead of reading a no-brainer digital.
You know the tests saying to keep Alzheimers disease away, that says you need to keep your mind active? I like both Starett and Mitutoyo non-electric. They keep my mind working harder instead of reading a no-brainer digital.
Re: Which calipers you like?
Mine are <span style="text-decoration: line-through">Dillon</span>, came with my Dillon RL550B when I bought it used in the early 1990's. No problems yet.
(Silly me, they say 'Lee' right there next to the dial.)
Mine are <span style="text-decoration: line-through">Dillon</span>, came with my Dillon RL550B when I bought it used in the early 1990's. No problems yet.
(Silly me, they say 'Lee' right there next to the dial.)
Re: Which calipers you like?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSSP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You know the tests saying to keep Alzheimers disease away, that says you need to keep your mind active? I like both Starett and Mitutoyo non-electric. They keep my mind working harder instead of reading a no-brainer digital.
</div></div>
I agree. But I have found several web sites for practicing math from grammer school to college level. Having used measuring devices since 1970, I prefer to keep things as simple as I can.
Here's one of the free ones. You don't have to log in. Our youngest daughter is a teacher. She uses this site to prepare tests for her "kids".
http://www.thatquiz.org/
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GSSP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You know the tests saying to keep Alzheimers disease away, that says you need to keep your mind active? I like both Starett and Mitutoyo non-electric. They keep my mind working harder instead of reading a no-brainer digital.
I agree. But I have found several web sites for practicing math from grammer school to college level. Having used measuring devices since 1970, I prefer to keep things as simple as I can.
Here's one of the free ones. You don't have to log in. Our youngest daughter is a teacher. She uses this site to prepare tests for her "kids".
http://www.thatquiz.org/
Re: Which calipers you like?
I asked this question several months ago. Based on the advice of Victor and others I "ebayed" a Starrett 6". I am very happy with the Starrett and appreciate the advice I received.
To each his own, but if you want to do quality work you must have quality tools....
CT
I asked this question several months ago. Based on the advice of Victor and others I "ebayed" a Starrett 6". I am very happy with the Starrett and appreciate the advice I received.
To each his own, but if you want to do quality work you must have quality tools....
CT
Re: Which calipers you like?
I like Starrett tools.
However, I have a cheap dial caliper that I bought for reloading purposes. I can read it to a resolution of at least .0005 inches, which means it's better than most digital calipers.
I grew up, before digital calculators, with a slide rule, which means I have an appreciation for significant digits which younger people lack. It's a useful mindset.
I like Starrett tools.
However, I have a cheap dial caliper that I bought for reloading purposes. I can read it to a resolution of at least .0005 inches, which means it's better than most digital calipers.
I grew up, before digital calculators, with a slide rule, which means I have an appreciation for significant digits which younger people lack. It's a useful mindset.
Re: Which calipers you like?
Thanks for the input guys. I wouldn't have questioned the one I have from Dillon, but after comparing neck tension measurements with my Lyman micrometer, they have me doubting their precision and repeatability.
Thanks for the input guys. I wouldn't have questioned the one I have from Dillon, but after comparing neck tension measurements with my Lyman micrometer, they have me doubting their precision and repeatability.
Re: Which calipers you like?
You don't have to guess. You can measure both precision and repeatability, if you're inclined to. I did.
But we might have different standards.
You don't have to guess. You can measure both precision and repeatability, if you're inclined to. I did.
But we might have different standards.
Re: Which calipers you like?
Like myself and others have stated several times here in the past. In the field of precision tools, you USUALLY get what you pay for. If I would inventory my tool chests the numbers would show something like this:
Mitutoyo
Starrett
Browne & Sharp
Fowler
One place I used to work had a couple of tool trucks that came by on a regular basis. The boss would let us buy tools and he would take the money out over several paychecks. That was before the internet. I bought what was available.
When we lived in Houston I prowled the pawn shops on a pretty regular basis. I bought some unknown name Polish mics. It was a full set from 0 to 6" with standards in a chest. They did me really well.
Lindy, I still have 2 slide rules. A pocket size and a full size. I doubt if I can remember how to read them. But they are still put in the top of one of my boxes.
Like myself and others have stated several times here in the past. In the field of precision tools, you USUALLY get what you pay for. If I would inventory my tool chests the numbers would show something like this:
Mitutoyo
Starrett
Browne & Sharp
Fowler
One place I used to work had a couple of tool trucks that came by on a regular basis. The boss would let us buy tools and he would take the money out over several paychecks. That was before the internet. I bought what was available.
When we lived in Houston I prowled the pawn shops on a pretty regular basis. I bought some unknown name Polish mics. It was a full set from 0 to 6" with standards in a chest. They did me really well.
Lindy, I still have 2 slide rules. A pocket size and a full size. I doubt if I can remember how to read them. But they are still put in the top of one of my boxes.
Re: Which calipers you like?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get some from Harbor Freight. Yea, you may laugh but I have a set I paid $6 for and they still match my buddies $120 set. </div></div>
+2
I would not trust the electronic ones, but the dial set that I have have been very consistent. I plan to keep using them. I can't see that spending the extra money is going to give me anything more.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get some from Harbor Freight. Yea, you may laugh but I have a set I paid $6 for and they still match my buddies $120 set. </div></div>
+2
I would not trust the electronic ones, but the dial set that I have have been very consistent. I plan to keep using them. I can't see that spending the extra money is going to give me anything more.
Re: Which calipers you like?
I had a set of Mitutoyo in my tool box for years that I used. When I started to reload they came home and now I have a 20 dollar set at work...which are total junk that I hate using. Once you use a quality tool it is hard to use junk.
I had a set of Mitutoyo in my tool box for years that I used. When I started to reload they came home and now I have a 20 dollar set at work...which are total junk that I hate using. Once you use a quality tool it is hard to use junk.
Re: Which calipers you like?
Have used starretts for 40 years get a good tool will last a lifetime.
Have used starretts for 40 years get a good tool will last a lifetime.
Re: Which calipers you like?
+1 for Mitituyo. After using the Harbor Freight versions, I gave the Mitituyo's a try and haven't looked back. In fact, I use two now and all the Harbor Freights are not doing low level desk duty.
+1 for Mitituyo. After using the Harbor Freight versions, I gave the Mitituyo's a try and haven't looked back. In fact, I use two now and all the Harbor Freights are not doing low level desk duty.
Re: Which calipers you like?
I use a Mitotoyo 6" dial. I've had since I was in high school. I bought it at a mall US General Hardware store that was going out of business. Cost me $29 then in the 80's.
In the last couple years since hanging out here I picked up a Mitotoyo tubing micrometer and a used Starrett 1" micrometer.
I use a Mitotoyo 6" dial. I've had since I was in high school. I bought it at a mall US General Hardware store that was going out of business. Cost me $29 then in the 80's.
In the last couple years since hanging out here I picked up a Mitotoyo tubing micrometer and a used Starrett 1" micrometer.
Re: Which calipers you like?
I went with a Mitotoyo digital mic for now. I will stay with the calipers I have, but I think it is more important to have a reliable micrometer for those super small measurements. Maybe later I'll step to the plate and grab a matching set of calipers.
I went with a Mitotoyo digital mic for now. I will stay with the calipers I have, but I think it is more important to have a reliable micrometer for those super small measurements. Maybe later I'll step to the plate and grab a matching set of calipers.
Re: Which calipers you like?
For mics under 6" I prefer to spend the extra money and get the ones with a tenth venier around the thimble base. If you have the skill to read them REPEATABLY and accurately, they're worth the money.
For mics under 6" I prefer to spend the extra money and get the ones with a tenth venier around the thimble base. If you have the skill to read them REPEATABLY and accurately, they're worth the money.
Re: Which calipers you like?
starrett 1st mitutoyu second in my experience and id get a dial not vernier or digital....the verniers are a pita to read and the digitals i always doubt if theyre reading right.(old fashioned?)
starrett 1st mitutoyu second in my experience and id get a dial not vernier or digital....the verniers are a pita to read and the digitals i always doubt if theyre reading right.(old fashioned?)
Re: Which calipers you like?
after 20 + years of machining and precision sheetmetal. I can say the mitutoyos are at my top, a somewhat close second is starret. Fowlers have also done well by me. If you can learn to read them veniers are the way to go for accuracy. The onlt ones I will buy for work ( +/- .001 ) are mitutoyos or starret in a pinch.
after 20 + years of machining and precision sheetmetal. I can say the mitutoyos are at my top, a somewhat close second is starret. Fowlers have also done well by me. If you can learn to read them veniers are the way to go for accuracy. The onlt ones I will buy for work ( +/- .001 ) are mitutoyos or starret in a pinch.
Re: Which calipers you like?
I have and use Harbor Freight digital calipers. Buy them on sale. For the money they are a good deal. For light to moderate use they should suffice. For most precision measurments they will be close enough. For really dead on measuring you should use a mike.
I have and use Harbor Freight digital calipers. Buy them on sale. For the money they are a good deal. For light to moderate use they should suffice. For most precision measurments they will be close enough. For really dead on measuring you should use a mike.
Re: Which calipers you like?
I use a Mitutoyo digital caliper at work. When checked against gage blocks it is nearly right on. Good enough for a caliper. Like walt k mentioned above, if you need a true accurate reading, then a good micrometer is the tool to use. We also have Mitutoyo dial calipers, and Brown & Sharp dial calipers at the shop. Most of our micrometers are venier scale Starretts.
I use a Mitutoyo digital caliper at work. When checked against gage blocks it is nearly right on. Good enough for a caliper. Like walt k mentioned above, if you need a true accurate reading, then a good micrometer is the tool to use. We also have Mitutoyo dial calipers, and Brown & Sharp dial calipers at the shop. Most of our micrometers are venier scale Starretts.
Re: Which calipers you like?
Lindy and others don't you just really like the astonishment of younger people when you tell them that we used sticks to do math and algorithms , that precision instruments did not require batteries and writing script was required, it’s a wonder any thing worked or got done.
Dial calipers and a balance beam scales IMO are sure good to have around if for nothing else to check our gadgets.
Lindy and others don't you just really like the astonishment of younger people when you tell them that we used sticks to do math and algorithms , that precision instruments did not require batteries and writing script was required, it’s a wonder any thing worked or got done.
Dial calipers and a balance beam scales IMO are sure good to have around if for nothing else to check our gadgets.
Re: Which calipers you like?
"I have and use Harbor Freight digital calipers. Buy them on sale."
I was used to my Swiss made veriner caliper, very accurate, and reluctant to even try the "cheap" Harbor Freight Tools Chinese things, at least until I met a guy who owns a machine shop buying a dozen of them for his business!
When I asked why he was getting so many he said they are actually as accurate as his previous "prestige" brands (For greater accuracy we use a micrometer). Since NO calipers are any good after being dropped on concrete, the purchase prices had driven him to the HF versions with no real loss of accuracy. At the common HF sale price of $12-14 for the 6" models, including digitals, he could buy a dozen or more for the cost of ONE "pro" quality caliper that didn't do a thing the cheapies wouldn't do.
So - I bought one myself. Then another. Now I have three HF dials (two 6", one 12") and one 6" digital. They all read within a quarter thou at .33" and 1" on my Jo blocks; that's close enough for reloading and for most machine work too. They are so cheap I can afford to have one at each of the machines I use them with, plus one in my reloading room. The Chinese calipers from HF are EXACTLY the same as those sold with reloader company brands for $20 to $60!
I rarely use my Swiss vernier caliper anymore, the dials/digitals are MUCH easier for my old eyes to read!
"I have and use Harbor Freight digital calipers. Buy them on sale."
I was used to my Swiss made veriner caliper, very accurate, and reluctant to even try the "cheap" Harbor Freight Tools Chinese things, at least until I met a guy who owns a machine shop buying a dozen of them for his business!
When I asked why he was getting so many he said they are actually as accurate as his previous "prestige" brands (For greater accuracy we use a micrometer). Since NO calipers are any good after being dropped on concrete, the purchase prices had driven him to the HF versions with no real loss of accuracy. At the common HF sale price of $12-14 for the 6" models, including digitals, he could buy a dozen or more for the cost of ONE "pro" quality caliper that didn't do a thing the cheapies wouldn't do.
So - I bought one myself. Then another. Now I have three HF dials (two 6", one 12") and one 6" digital. They all read within a quarter thou at .33" and 1" on my Jo blocks; that's close enough for reloading and for most machine work too. They are so cheap I can afford to have one at each of the machines I use them with, plus one in my reloading room. The Chinese calipers from HF are EXACTLY the same as those sold with reloader company brands for $20 to $60!
I rarely use my Swiss vernier caliper anymore, the dials/digitals are MUCH easier for my old eyes to read!
Re: Which calipers you like?
I have a 6" stainless Starrett that has served me will for many years.
I have a 6" stainless Starrett that has served me will for many years.
Re: Which calipers you like?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unsichtbar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lindy and others don't you just really like the astonishment of younger people when you tell them that we used sticks to do math and algorithms , that precision instruments did not require batteries and writing script was required, it’s a wonder any thing worked or got done.
Dial calipers and a balance beam scales IMO are sure good to have around if for nothing else to check our gadgets.
</div></div>
Our youngest daughter is actually a high school level teacher. She found my slide rule one day several years ago while looking through my desk. She asked "what's this used to measure?" I had to try to remember hard to show her how it worked. I ended up finding the manual that came with it. She took it to class and showed it to her "kids".
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unsichtbar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Lindy and others don't you just really like the astonishment of younger people when you tell them that we used sticks to do math and algorithms , that precision instruments did not require batteries and writing script was required, it’s a wonder any thing worked or got done.
Dial calipers and a balance beam scales IMO are sure good to have around if for nothing else to check our gadgets.
</div></div>
Our youngest daughter is actually a high school level teacher. She found my slide rule one day several years ago while looking through my desk. She asked "what's this used to measure?" I had to try to remember hard to show her how it worked. I ended up finding the manual that came with it. She took it to class and showed it to her "kids".
Re: Which calipers you like?
I paid $450.00 for a set of Fowler calipers and a 1" mic in a set. Both digital. I have a set of RCBS and Mac Tools dial calipers that were about $40.00 and a chinses made dial caliper from a swap meet that so far has been just as accurate. I would have thought the chinese would have died by now but its hanging in there.
I paid $450.00 for a set of Fowler calipers and a 1" mic in a set. Both digital. I have a set of RCBS and Mac Tools dial calipers that were about $40.00 and a chinses made dial caliper from a swap meet that so far has been just as accurate. I would have thought the chinese would have died by now but its hanging in there.
Re: Which calipers you like?
I like Anyi calipers, they are very trustworthy, abd you will be very confident with their quality.If you know little about Anyi calipers, please take a look at their site: www.aylj.com, or www.anyimeasuring.com.
I like Anyi calipers, they are very trustworthy, abd you will be very confident with their quality.If you know little about Anyi calipers, please take a look at their site: www.aylj.com, or www.anyimeasuring.com.
