Questions about digital calipers

[opposedtwin]

I’d like to get a decent digital calipers but don’t know much about them. Even on ebay alone, there are over 15,000 of them for sale. And the prices are all over the place ranging from $7 to $1500.

I’m just planning to use it in our hobby to measure thicknesses, lengths, depths, etc. I’m not planning on becoming a machinist.

Are there any major features that make better ones stand out? I’m looking to spend between 20 and 50 bucks. I really don’t want to buy a $7 cheapy and then wind up having to buy one in a year or so. Any particular brand names have a solid reputation?

Please let me know your thoughts. And THANKS!
Scott

[Boggs74]

Check out the Mitutoyo 500-196-20
Its a metric spec unit, but goes between both inches and mm with the push of a button. Its much cheaper than the Inch spec version.
By functuon, they work the same.
I have been using calipers of all types for 30 years. You cant go wrong with a ser of Mitutoyo’s and they will last. Elcheapos typically fail from the battery terminals disintegrating.
I believe there is a seller on Ebay that has them listed for 45$ with free shipping.
Good luck!

[frankr]

Presently, I have a Mitutoyo 6″ digital. In the past, I had a Mitutoyo dial caliper. Both have served me well, till I busted the dial one. I think I preferred the dial caliper. Maybe that’s just me. For one thing, if not used for long spells count on the battery being dead in the digital, just when you need it. Add that to the three batteries in my mill, plus multimeters, plus edge finder, etc……Grr.

[Marion Hansen]

Many years ago I purchased the least expensive digital caliper. It has three buttons of which two work excellently, and one that is a serious problem. The two that work are ZERO and METRIC/SAE. The third button is labeled ON/OFF, and now the fun begins . . . what does OFF really mean. For this caliper, it means that the digital display is no longer ON. However, this doesn’t imply that the caliper is OFF to the extent that it will not discharge the battery! Thus, when not in use for some time the battery needs to be removed. Now I’ve been using the same battery for years. This is an example where OFF means OFF TO SOME DEGREE.

[BROOK E. NEWCOMB]

I use calipers daily. Mitutoyo 500-196-30 has served me well.
I have the same model for my personal use out side of work.

I see them on Amazon for $109.72

Respectfully,

[Pondrocket]

Both of mine are Mitutoyo one is digital and one not , Digital is around $98 other was $110. If you buy used, ebay or Amazon be aware there are Chinese knock offs out there.

Travis

Travis
AOMCI VP Communications
AOMCI Webmaster
webmaster@aomci.org

[fifty20ne]

This is the one I currently own and use in the shop!
Good enough for FDA Medical work. I paid $150.00
For mine through work supplier on installment plan.

https://ecatalog.mitutoyo.com/ABSOLUTE-Digimatic-Caliper-Series-500-with-Exclusive-ABSOLUTE-Encode-Technology-C1381.aspx

AMAZON has it for $109.99 Great Deal.

https://www.amazon.com/Mitutoyo-500-196-30-Advanced-Measuring-Resolution/dp/B00IG46NL2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6+inch+caliper&qid=1613345367&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Mitutoyo-500-196-30-Advanced-Measuring-Resolution/dp/B00IG46NL2/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=6+inch+caliper&qid=1613345367&sr=8-3

• This reply was modified 4 years, 5 months ago by fifty20ne.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 5 months ago by fifty20ne.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 5 months ago by fifty20ne.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 5 months ago by fifty20ne.

[crosbyman]

I like the ones that give you fractions and thousands for oldies work

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[todd281]

Remember, if you need to measure to the thousandth , then you do not need something that is “close” it needs to be right on the money everytime. So IF that is your goal, Then do not go with a knock -off. Stay with Mitutoyo, or if you can a Starrett. As for me , I have a cheepie , to do knock around work , and a Starrett for the lathe and milling. Also know that a caliper is not the tool of choice for all precision measurements .A micrometer, snap guages , depth Mics , a good set of feeler guages , I could go on and on. I like stuff without a battery when possible , but the digital ones are easier on these old eyes. I guess the point of all this is they all have pluses and minuses .

[Patrick Brown]

I’m a retired machinist. Owned a few calipers in my life. I prefer dail over digital because they are easier to read at a quick glance. I still have my old ones. 1 in the basement shop, 1 in the garage shop and another in the kitchen junk drawer. Oh and also a 12 incher in the garage shop. All are Etalons or Browne & Sharps. If I had to buy a new one I’d go B & S for sure

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