Dial caliper doesn't always return to zero

[hoz53]

With skillful use, these will get a more accurate dimension than the 1/2 thousandth reading, plus or minus 1 digital calipers. With good eyes, within five or less with a good 100ths scale.
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I have three pairs of US made starrett 120s- One i bought new when i was 18. They are my favorite calipers- i can get within .001 with them consistently. They are though very prone to jumping a gear. Ive fixed mine many times. Finally Ive decided to semi- retire them (i think). . Just ordered a set of Mitutoyo IP67sto try out - we shall see.

 

[BigBlueandGoldie]

I always just wipe the measuring surfaces with my fingers and they return to zero. My rule of thumb is calipers are good to .003"; anything beyond that gets a micrometer reading.

 

[K22]

I have two "Anytime" Tool dial calipers that I paid less than $40 each for on Amazon. I bought the first pair expecting the worse but the down size risk was low considering the cost so after reading the positive reviews I took the plunge.

I was amazed at the performance - always returns to "0" and accurate to advertised + / - .001" when I periodically check with length standards. I liked it so much I bought another pair for shop use.

Like some of the others have said, watch for tiny bits of debris on the jaws - clean regularly and keep in the storage case when not in use.

 

[Gil P.]

I think debris on the jaws might be the culprit. It happens intermittently. If it starts happening again and the jaws are clean, I'll send it somewhere to get fixed. From reading on how to maintain dial calipers, I think I'll probably end up breaking it if I opened it up.

 

[riflewoman]

Machinists don’t call them “very nears” without reason,

 

[durand mortenson]

A good Brown and Sharpe(swiss made) Calipers, Starrett, Mitutoyo mechanical calipers are tools you will cherish in your shop.

I have a nice set of Japanese calipers on my reloading bench and out in my shop area I have the Swiss made Brown and Sharpe. They are both on the money. I have checked against my 1and 2in. micrometer standards.
If you are in doubt use a micrometer.

Mort

 

[lotech]

I use only Brown & Sharpe and Starrett, no digitals. I've found cleaning not only the jaw faces but cleaning what you are measuring will help in getting accurate readings and an exact return to zero. If I measure a cast bullet with the slightest film of bullet lube on it, lube residue will be transferred to the jaw faces and will keep the caliper from returning to zero.

 

[lotech]

People like cheap calipers. They work very well and will last a long time if you only use them occasionally. If you give them a real workout like using them daily and taking multiple readings, they won't hold up like the good (and more expensive) ones. Same for micrometers, but I think these generally see less use than calipers.

 

[expiper]

don't forget the battery may be going bad--Roger