Looking to replace my frankfor arsenal digital caliper. I have an older one i used for quite a number of years that died. I recently picked up a new one and it isnt doing as well as the old one. I have to zero it after nearly every measurement which makes me not trust it. I searched but the most recent thread i found was from 3 years ago so would like some more up to date reccomendations. Not looking to break the bank but dont mind paying more for something more reliable. Thanks in advance.
Digital caliper reccomendation
- Thread starter sksshooter
- Start date
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
Not what you asked... but advice I give folks who I like...
Have one that is out and running. The one you let the kids use. The inexpensive one you don't mind replacing... but....
Have the good one you only use when being careful and know you won't bang it up cause it will hurt. This one is the name brand that you put away so the kids won't find it and you only use it when you have your head on straight....
Cheap and disposable but work surprisingly well:
Not cheap or disposable and standard of the art:
YMMV
Have one that is out and running. The one you let the kids use. The inexpensive one you don't mind replacing... but....
Have the good one you only use when being careful and know you won't bang it up cause it will hurt. This one is the name brand that you put away so the kids won't find it and you only use it when you have your head on straight....
Cheap and disposable but work surprisingly well:
Not cheap or disposable and standard of the art:
YMMV
bozo699
Gold $$ Contributor
There was a sale on this site this morning, had I not already have a multitude of good and cheap calipers I would have bought it!..
Mitutoyo calipers, Mitutoyo digital tubing mic, Mitutoyo analog ball mic a less expensive mic a wheeler torque driver set and a machine gun wrench for $225
Wayne
P.S it all looked like it was well cared for so keep a eye on classifieds on here
Mitutoyo calipers, Mitutoyo digital tubing mic, Mitutoyo analog ball mic a less expensive mic a wheeler torque driver set and a machine gun wrench for $225
Wayne
P.S it all looked like it was well cared for so keep a eye on classifieds on here
Just my 2 cents but buy a decent middle of the road set of calipers and a top end micrometer. Calipers are what they are and even the best set is not intended to be used for critical measurements. That's what a good mic is for. Rule of thumb, +/- .001 is pushing the limits of the best calipers money can buy and that's in a lab environment, used by professionals who do it all day, every day. Just look at the spec sheet, don't take my word for it.
Most of what we do, a good caliper is fine for but not everything. Some things, a micrometer is the correct tool and even the best caliper...just never designed nor intended for. Forget resolution! It means notta. Measurements given in tenths(.0001) with a caliper simply tells me the user doesn't really know what he's doing. Just being honest here.
With today's technology, you don't need to spend a lot for +/- .001 accuracy but if you need better, a good mic is the correct tool.
So spend $50-$75 on a decent set of calipers and spend about double that, or more, for a really good micrometer for the critical measurements that you need to rely on being right.
I use calipers every day. I use them for convenience to rough something in but when it gets nut cutting time, I switch to a good mic.
Most of what we do, a good caliper is fine for but not everything. Some things, a micrometer is the correct tool and even the best caliper...just never designed nor intended for. Forget resolution! It means notta. Measurements given in tenths(.0001) with a caliper simply tells me the user doesn't really know what he's doing. Just being honest here.
With today's technology, you don't need to spend a lot for +/- .001 accuracy but if you need better, a good mic is the correct tool.
So spend $50-$75 on a decent set of calipers and spend about double that, or more, for a really good micrometer for the critical measurements that you need to rely on being right.
I use calipers every day. I use them for convenience to rough something in but when it gets nut cutting time, I switch to a good mic.
Hey I don't know where you live or if you have FB marketplace but I just looked in my area in michigan and i couldn't believe the amount of people selling their Mitutoyo Calipers for $70-150 on there. Maybe that would be something you could look into.
The iGauging calipers seem pretty highly rated for a mid-range priced tool. Not Mitutoyo quality, but better than the low end calipers.
Make decisions when and where you need relative and not absolute measurements.
Like matching case length or BTO measurements.
Might even need check standards for accurate measurements to detect instrument wear.
Like matching case length or BTO measurements.
Might even need check standards for accurate measurements to detect instrument wear.
Last edited:
Im far from a benchrest shooter so my needs arent likely as great as some of you. Probavly should have put that in my original post. However i do prefer my tools to work when i need them. Was looking at the mitituyos before i asked the question and the prices were all over the place from 130 range up to 500 or more. Those that reccomend the mits are the 130-150 range pretty solid?
You know that a $30 set of calipers (dial for better feel) and a $80 set of Chinese gage blocks can be a Very accurate combination. Add in a set of pins and you are ready to go.
I have a Starrett dial and a cheapo dial and they COMPARE quite well.
I have a Starrett dial and a cheapo dial and they COMPARE quite well.
Last edited:
These have served me well for over 5 years now.Mine also have the fractions option, which have been handy too.
Spending decades in a NASA Metrology Lab we serviced, repaired, cleaned, calibrated and junked HUNDREDS of Starrett dial calipers. The shop floor pretty much abused them. But liked the dial for the 'Feel' when making measurements.
The QC areas tried using the early digital calipers but maintenance of the old style sensors, and other digital aspects, like data link was next to impossible, but when they worked, they worked well. Retired in 2010 and I understand the digital components have been improved in recent models.
Each shop area (a few thousands employees) had access to Grade B Jo-Blocks (calibrated by the Metrology lab) but the QC areas were REQUIRED to make cal checks against blocks each shift/use when making 'Contract' measurements.
Cal check standards, can really improve confidence in measurements.
The QC areas tried using the early digital calipers but maintenance of the old style sensors, and other digital aspects, like data link was next to impossible, but when they worked, they worked well. Retired in 2010 and I understand the digital components have been improved in recent models.
Each shop area (a few thousands employees) had access to Grade B Jo-Blocks (calibrated by the Metrology lab) but the QC areas were REQUIRED to make cal checks against blocks each shift/use when making 'Contract' measurements.
Cal check standards, can really improve confidence in measurements.
Last edited:
Krogen
Gold $$ Contributor
I'd go here:
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Series 500 ABSOLUTE Digimatic Caliper, 0 to 6" (0 to 150 mm), imperial/metric
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Series 500 ABSOLUTE Digimatic Caliper, 0 to 6" (0 to 150 mm), imperial/metric. Great savings PLUS Free Shipping when you buy now from GlobalTestSupply.com. In stock, fast shipping!
I bought from them before. Reputable company and good prices.
The black absolute mits are a very good. Much of the price difference is in the length. A six inch is all you need. Ask if they are made in Japan or China. Chinese copy is not as good.
HTSmith
Silver $$ Contributor
Like my two pair also. Compare as well as could be expected to my Starrett mike. Long battery life.
One of our fine members reached out and offered a 500-762-20 to me which i will be getting from him. This was a very helpful thread and hopefully helps someone else as well.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.