which calipers do you guys use? I was using Hornady digital but just had it not wanting to zero, not sure if it is a battery problem yet or not. but wanting to go to a good set of dial and not digital.
Calipers...
- Thread starter Ryanlilb83
- Start date
I have a cheap Lyman mechanical that is as accurate as my Mitutoyo mechanical. If you learn how to read the mechanical and keep them clean and zero'd, they are fine and much less money. I also have a Mitutoyo digital and see no real benefit in it, maybe a little quicker to read. Most calipers have an accuracy rating of +/- .001".
I am a 50 year user of calipers and I prefer the Mitutoyo 8" dial caliper when purchased by my employer.
However at home I have been using the 6" Chinese imports sold by Midway and many others. The Chinese calipers have had extensive use for about 20 years and they are just as functional as the Mitutoyos at work.
However at home I have been using the 6" Chinese imports sold by Midway and many others. The Chinese calipers have had extensive use for about 20 years and they are just as functional as the Mitutoyos at work.
I mostly use micrometers in the shop, but if I have to use a caliper, I have a couple IP67 Mitutoyo. For reloading and truck calipers when loading on the range I use the Igaging IP54. Plenty good for everyday use. Find rhe cheapest you can find, even Walmart offers them with free 2 day shipping.
http://www.igaging.com/page14.html
http://www.igaging.com/page14.html
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
To me, there is a big difference in feel between a quality caliper and a cheap set.
The ones I enjoy using the most are a couple of Starrett 6" dial calipers. There were made many years ago, and were well used when I bought them.
The one I use the most is a Mitutoyo 4" Absolute Digimatic. Again bought them well used, and this is the pair I will probably drop some day, but they are in constant use.
I also have a new Mitutoyo 6" Absolute Digimatic, that doesn't get so much use, but when I need the digital 6", I break it out.
And yes, I have a few pair of the RCBS, Lyman, iGaging, etc. They all will give you a measurement, but they don't have the same feel - if that is important to you.
hoz53
Gold $$ Contributor
i am jealous of these guys who say the imports hold up and are just as accurate. id like to buy 10 sets of them if thats true to have around the shop. i get starrett or mitutoyo. i have tried the chicom and they havent held up to well for me
I too have used calipers both at work and for reloading for years and like hoz53 said I wish I could get the cheap calipers to work but I can’t. After buying several sets of the Lyman and no names I decided to buy a good set off Ebay and spent just a little more on a good set of Mitutoyo dial than what I’ve spent on the others combined but they work and give me good readings. We use Mitutoyo digital at work and they’ve been used hard and put away wet but keep being repeatable.
I bought the igaging origincal calipers and im very happy
Mitutoy is of course a Japanese import
Starrett also outsources some tools to China (1202 & 799) are of Chinese manufacture.The iGauging Origin have been very good calipers for me. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another or recommend them to a friend.
I double checked the Hornady Digital calipers and they will not work for me. Changed out the battery and if you slide it back and fourth a few times and back to zero it can be off as much as .2 at zero lol garbage bound. I would like a dial caliper that will last a long time, maybe around the $120 mark if possible.
the mitu 6" dial fits your bill, check amazon but check the seller too..there have been clones.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Wonder how much a made in usa red face 6” starrett new in the case is worth?
rwj
Gold $$ Contributor
hoz53
Gold $$ Contributor
well i paid 125.00 for my starrett 120's in 1975. so they havent increased in cost nearly as much as many things in that 40 some years. still in nice shape and working well to. that said i wouldnt want to pay 250.00 for several sets. those mitutoyo dials for about 100 look pretty good to me. i think ill try a set.
hoz53
Gold $$ Contributor
thanks for the info about igaging. ive heard alot of good reports about them. mabie i will try a set. ive known for quite awhile starrett sells some chinese made tools. i wont buy any of them. My starretts are all us made. im a little gunshy about china calipers cause ive had trouble with all of them ive had. Even the Mitutoyo set i have. the caliper and mic on the bottom of the pic i purchased in 1975.Mitutoy is of course a Japanese import
The iGauging Origin have been very good calipers for me. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another or recommend them to a friend.
topclass2017
Gold $$ Contributor
I use a 50 year-old Starret that was gifted to me by my metal shop teacher when I graduated high school
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