What is the Best Caliper for the Money at $50?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for calipers priced around $50, focusing on various types such as electronic, dial, and vernier calipers. Participants share their preferences, experiences, and specific needs related to measuring cylinder diameters accurately.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a recommendation for the best-value caliper around $50 without prior experience in using one.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the type of caliper desired (electronic, vernier, or dial) and the size range needed.
  • A participant suggests a dial type caliper but questions the advantages of vernier and electronic types, particularly regarding accuracy and robustness in the specified price range.
  • Some participants propose that a low-cost general-purpose electronic caliper with a fractions display option would be suitable.
  • There is mention of the availability of mechanical vernier calipers that can read to 1/64 inches.
  • One participant recommends looking for used Mitutoyo calipers, citing their quality and durability.
  • Several participants discuss the existence of left-handed calipers and their potential benefits for left-handed users.
  • Concerns are raised about shipping restrictions for electronic products from the UK to the USA, prompting a search for suitable brands available domestically.
  • One participant shares a link to a digital caliper and mentions the importance of features like auto-off for battery conservation.
  • Another participant expresses dissatisfaction with the recent quality of Mitutoyo products compared to older models, while suggesting Insize as a rising brand.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the best type of caliper and brand to choose, with no clear consensus on a single recommendation. There are differing views on the advantages of different types of calipers and the reliability of specific brands.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific measurement needs and preferences, but there are unresolved questions regarding the accuracy and robustness of different caliper types within the specified price range. Additionally, shipping limitations for certain products complicate the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking affordable calipers for general measurement tasks, particularly those interested in mechanical engineering, DIY projects, or precision measurement in various applications.

nweissma
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apologies to all if this post is considered inappropriate: i do not know a mechanical engineer nor have i ever needed to own a caliper.

i seek a recommendation for a caliper of any design strategy that costs ≈$50 (±) and is the best-value-for-the-dollar.
 
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Electronic , vernier or dial type and what size range ?

If you don't know for certain then just tell us what you want to use it for .
 
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size range ≤ ½"

i guess dial type; is there an advantage to vernier type? is digital in this price range less accurate or less robust ?

i need to measure cylinder diameters to the nearest 1/64" .. likely less than 15/32"
 
You can buy a mechanical vernier with 1/64 readings but best option would be a low cost general purpose electronic caliper with fractions display option .

Google the actual words ' electronic caliper with fractions ' .

There are very expensive ones and very cheap ones but you should find something of satisfactory quality within your price range .
 
As for size range : 150mm/6inch is a good choice for general purpose use .
 
Nidum said:
You can buy a mechanical vernier with 1/64 readings but best option would be a low cost general purpose electronic caliper with fractions display option .

Google the actual words ' electronic caliper with fractions ' .

There are very expensive ones and very cheap ones but you should find something of satisfactory quality within your price range .
can you identify a particular brand and model because I'm a stranger in a strange land.
would i realize an advantage by using the mechanical vernier ?

what do you think of these three:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLEAN-BROWN-SHARPE-TESA-METRIC-DIAL-CALIPERS-W-CASE-SWISS-MADE-02MM-579-10-/231938341008?hash=item36009a3890:g:W10AAOSwQNRXLN-4http://www.ebay.com/itm/BROWN-SHARPE-NO-579-6-PRECISION-DIAL-CALIPER-001-SWISS-MADE-W-CASE-/351728586513?hash=item51e4a84f11:g:ZPYAAOSwKfVXLN9r http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-STARRETT-USA-OUTSIDE-4-INCH-CALIPER-TOOL-VERY-GOOD-CONDITION-/272211383337?hash=item3f61101429:g:UsYAAOSwu1VW2Kjq
 
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Any auto parts store ought to carry them.. Cheap ones can be had for $15, some are plastic, but still measure to within .005", Metal ones will be accurate to .001", some will have fractional display options to 1/128th or at least 1/64th... the one I have is branded "Storm".. handy thing to have in your pocket, and cheap enough to replace.. If you want a GOOD brand, I would look for a used Mitutoyo,.. they're among the best out there, and I had one I bought used 10 years ago and it's been really good for me
 
One of these is what I had in mind :

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Measurement/Calipers/Digital-Vernier-Calipers---150mm-300mm-6-12

They are available under different brand names in most countries .
 
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If you're left handed I'd recommend getting left handed calipers, it's worth the extra $$ for the ease of use.
 
  • #10
@ billy_joule

Yes indeed - though most people think that they don't exist ...

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Measurement/Calipers/Left-Hand-Digital-Vernier-Calipers---Not-just-for-Lefties

You can get left handed micrometers as well .
 
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  • #11
Nidum said:
@ billy_joule

Yes indeed - though most people think that they don't exist ...
I'd had RH calipers for almost 10 years before I found out LH ones existed, it was quite a revelation! I hate going back to my RH ones now.
 
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  • #12
Reminds me of all those workshop pranks where the old hands sent raw apprentices to the stores for a left handed screw driver and a long weight ...
 
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  • #13
I'm a southpaw, and I've NEVER seen left handed calipers.. I'm at least somewhat ambidextrous so I do alright with standard calipers..

Now measuring tapes, I'd love to see them in left handed models!
 
  • #15
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  • #16
Nidum said:
One of these is what I had in mind :

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Measurement/Calipers/Digital-Vernier-Calipers---150mm-300mm-6-12

They are available under different brand names in most countries .
follows is arceurotrade company's response to my request to purchase ...

Dear Mr. Weissman,

Many thanks for your email.

Unfortunately, due to our product liability insurance we are not permitted to ship any electrical based products to the USA.

We are more than happy to consider orders for mechanical based products for delivery to the USA.

Little Machine Shop may be able to assist you with your purchase requirements.

Kind Regards
Your Enquiries Team at
Arc Euro Trade Ltd.

​
• I'm now back to square-1: what are the brands that i should buy - in the ≈ $50 (±) price-range - used or new - in the u.s. that offer precision, durability, and value-for-the-dollar?

• i seek your opinion of this - i mention again that my purpose is to measure cylinder diameters to 1/64" -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Browne-Sharpe-Caliper-in-Original-Box-/351731402722?hash=item51e4d347e2:g:S-MAAOSwInxXM3oS
 
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  • #18
I'm a tool and die maker by day, so use my vernier constantly. IMO mitutoyo verniers' have gone down in quality in the past 5-10 years, I have some from the '80's that are in better shape than my new ones. If your dial (mitutoyo) has a little hole in the back of the face to re-set the indicator its a good one! Hang on to it!

Insize is a good up and coming brand it digital and dial, were using a lot more of their stuff.

For the OP, If it were me and you need it just for odds and ends stuff I would be hitting amazon.com and picking up one for 20 bucks with free shipping.
If you get a digital make sure it either has a button to turn it off or an auto off. I have a couple brown and sharpe ones that stay on constantly and battery life sucks.

1800 reviews say its pretty good for the price, at 18bucks its not much of a gamble
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GSLKIW/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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