How many of you have gone to a digital caliper, either for accuracy or because it's so much easier to see?
I'm tired of squinting through reading glasses at a dirty scale. And I don't trust the numbers. But I'm not going to spend $250 on a precision machine shop tool I use now and then.
Suggestions?
Brands?
Cost range for good quality? A random Amazon search shows me some nice Mitutoyo brand. Then the next one down is $19...brand Z.
Thanks -
Digital Caliper Suggestions & Cost
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BlackBart
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Digital Caliper Suggestions & Cost
Last edited by BlackBart on 05 May 2023, 14:33, edited 1 time in total.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
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BlackBart
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This is 20 minutes long - sorry. But he's smart and makes sense. If you drop things all the time and need rough dimensions, get a HF. If you run a business where accuracy is important and customers will note your use of quality tools, get the good ones. But he says if you need real accuracy, you should be using a micrometer anyway. .01 or .02 mm is "pretty damn close" in anything I would be doing. I'm not rebuilding an engine with it.
I do need it to be accurate, and I do need to be able to see the numbers quickly.
I do need it to be accurate, and I do need to be able to see the numbers quickly.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
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volvolugnut
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Another route is used measuring tools of good brand names. I have a couple of these I trust. I also have several actual micrometers and gauge blocks for checking. However, all of these tools were purchased used - some at swap meets and others at pawn shops.
A very handy tool to measure a varying dimension is a dial indicator set up on a magnetic base. I have a couple of these.
volvolugnut
A very handy tool to measure a varying dimension is a dial indicator set up on a magnetic base. I have a couple of these.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
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Sveedy
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I'm always on the look out for Starrett tools. Very high quality.
Try to learn life's bad lessons vicariously through others.
1996 850 Turbo GLH ( Goes Like Hell )
1999 V70 GLT
1996 850 Turbo GLH ( Goes Like Hell )
1999 V70 GLT
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BlackBart
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Good idea lugnut - I checked my Craigslist and there were zero. But there are several pawn shops around to check.
That 6” Shars is about <EDIT, $35>, I’ll check on Starrett.
That 6” Shars is about <EDIT, $35>, I’ll check on Starrett.
Last edited by BlackBart on 07 May 2023, 22:00, edited 1 time in total.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
-
volvolugnut
- Posts: 6233
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Brown and Sharpe is another excellent US made brand. There are also great Japanese brands.
volvolugnut
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.
-
BlackBart
- Posts: 6501
- Joined: 10 December 2016
- Year and Model: 2004 XC70 BlackBetty
- Location: Over the far far mountains
- Has thanked: 927 times
- Been thanked: 884 times
I found some $500 Japanese calipers (!). Are they laser??
I have two of those old sheet metal calipers in the drawer with measuring tools. They’re darn good at telling you the difference between a 3/8” bolt and a 1/2” bolt. Which is often enough. When I get down to mm and I’m using a magnifying glass to count marks, I get frustrated.
I have two of those old sheet metal calipers in the drawer with measuring tools. They’re darn good at telling you the difference between a 3/8” bolt and a 1/2” bolt. Which is often enough. When I get down to mm and I’m using a magnifying glass to count marks, I get frustrated.
ex-1984 245T wagon
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty
1994 850T5 wagon
2004 XC70 wagon BlackBetty