I have been using Mitutoyo calipers since about 1977. I like the 8" .100/Rev mechanical versions for my personal use since it has enough room for large hands even when opened 3 or 4 inches They will last forever if well cared for. I have also handled and used Helios, Brown and Sharpe, Starrett, NSK and a number of others. Most of these other brands are not very durable in terms of decades of use. You only find that out by talking to the guy that runs the metrology lab and he used to work for me.
What Mitutoyo Model is Best...?
- Thread starter Herd_Bull
- Start date
I have or have had most of the models discussed here. I like Mitu for electronics and B&S for dial calipers. The Etalon micrometers are awesome so I can only assume their calipers are nice too. My experience with cheap digital calipers has not been good. I wouldn't own a digital caliper other than the Japanese made Mitutoyos or the $200 Sharpes.
The cheap dial calipers are plenty good enough for any reloading or standard gun stuff. They just don't have the same feel as a nice set. Kinda like deer hunting with a Savage Axis, it is plenty accurate and kills just as good as a fancy grade Cooper arms but the Cooper is so much more fun to carry.
The cheap dial calipers are plenty good enough for any reloading or standard gun stuff. They just don't have the same feel as a nice set. Kinda like deer hunting with a Savage Axis, it is plenty accurate and kills just as good as a fancy grade Cooper arms but the Cooper is so much more fun to carry.
The only advantage I see with the digital over a dial is it reads to a smaller point. I believe it is not needed in reloading. As far as zeroing a caliper all you have to do is turn the dial on a regular one to zero it. I also don't have to worry about batteries. The better quality ones are just smoother. Matt
Toolbreaker
Gold $$ Contributor
Dusty, you got it. Once you get a feel & learn to trust a measuring tool, it's awful hard to replace it.
The problem with all these testimonials from those who have used the world reknown brands for decades in their work is that virtually none of these brands are even close to the quality that they once were. That leaves you with buying these "proven" brands in the "used" marketplace......most often without a usable warranty.
Hard to beat for the $, buy it from Amazon and if you don't like it send it back.
Are the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 calipers on EBay from China for under $100, some under $50, real? I'm assuming not... how many people get scammed this way...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vernier-MIT...285348?hash=item3d02eff524:g:XCgAAOSwgQ9V1tcL
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vernier-MIT...285348?hash=item3d02eff524:g:XCgAAOSwgQ9V1tcL
Fakes.... Ask me how I know...
I have two of the iGAGING Digital Calipers and find them very accurate and repeatable. The only thing I wish they had is the automatic shutoff feature if they sit unused for a certain amount of time. Even though I have occasionally left the caliper on when I have finished using it I have yet had to change a battery in the 3 years that I have used them which is probably due to the large CR2032 battery that is installed. This video does a good job describing the iGAGING caliper.
Best place I've seen to get an up to date review of what's available today.
Don't forget to validate your knowledge of how to use a dial caliber properly.
AckleymanII
Gold $$ Contributor
I have older Starrett, Brown and Sharpe, and the electronic Mitutoyo. The older models in new condition are worth a premium, but never forget to reach for a mic to verify if the number is critical. The battery lasts a very long time in the Mitutoyo. I had some corrosion get on the contacts of the Mitutoyo... it was a bad day. I finally got all the green crud cleaned off, and we are back proper working condition once again. Batteries are about $1 on ebay for the electronic.
Older mechanicals are a joy to use and own, you get a warm fuzzy feeling every time you pick one up.
This is the one I bought, Mitutoyo 500-196-30://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IG46NL2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_t8oYwb2W5FRET
There is also a solar charge variant but there's a reason the battery model is better (can't recall why, maybe price).
For a tool you'll use more than any other in reloading you might as well buy the best you can. Sure a harbor freight will do but with that logic we'd all be driving Toyota Yaris'es
There is also a solar charge variant but there's a reason the battery model is better (can't recall why, maybe price).
For a tool you'll use more than any other in reloading you might as well buy the best you can. Sure a harbor freight will do but with that logic we'd all be driving Toyota Yaris'es
Deleted old_dood
funny, I just got the same one. I tried one of the Igaging ones but returned it due to poor contrast in the display. After thinking about if I'd ever want to sell it I figured I'd get more of my money back with the Mitutoyo.
I have some very old Brown ans Sharpe 6" dial calipers now that I wouldn't sell for any price. I went through a half dozen calipers before I got these. I had some Mitutoyos but lost them and they were good enough that I wouldn't have been in the market for another pair if they hadn't disappeared. I'll be buying Swiss measuring instruments from here on when I can. I have an Interapid dial indicator on the way now. I'm hoping I'm careful enough with it that I never need to replace it 
. Go dial if you want it to last a lifetime. Electronics always fail in time and batteries go dead at the most inconvenient time.
. Go dial if you want it to last a lifetime. Electronics always fail in time and batteries go dead at the most inconvenient time.
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