In need of Vanier Calipers that are not China made

[Lee Whitsel]

My first one was made in Japan in 71 it worked so well then 1 day it fell apart. Made the mistake of buy Lyman china made. Lasted no time at all and had to be reset to zero all the time. I need to buy a better one. I see so many China made copies of good brands like Starrett. Where can I buy a good brand at a fair price that for sure is not a China copy?

 

[Chris Edmondson]

I've had good results with Mitutoyo instruments. The problem these days is knowing if the tool purchased is genuine or a knockoff. If you don't mind used, trolling the local pawnshops sometimes results in a nice find. For new, it's best to buy from a "real" dealer or distributor in order to avoid the above-mentioned knockoffs.

Here's a nice unit: https://www.judgetool.com/products/...hNhgHpT0z-pGoE1Abjqf5xwpyQgEqsAfFIJnvm9ybZZIJ

 

[hoz53]

My first one was made in Japan in 71 it worked so well then 1 day it fell apart. Made the mistake of buy Lyman china made. Lasted no time at all and had to be reset to zero all the time. I need to buy a better one. I see so many China made copies of good brands like Starrett. Where can I buy a good brand at a fair price that for sure is not a China copy?

you meen vernier calipers? id check Ebay first. i think some. are still being made- do a google search.

 

[Rank Amateur]

Fair price is the hitch, Lee. Mitutoyo or Starrett will run you over a hundred for decent vernier or dial calipers, and most would consider that fair for that quality. Would suggest going directly to the Mitutoyo site and finding a local distributor - that’ll assure you’re getting the real deal.

 

[Shooter13]

Good brand does not equal "fair price" unless >$200 is fair. Good luck and let us know what you find that is good and not made in China!

 

[Krogen]

I suggest you buy Mititoyo from MSC. They’re an authorized Mitutoyo distributor with the best prices I’ve seen. Also look on Youtube for tips on spotting counterfeits if you decide to buy from another source.

 

[kenhwind]

Just about all of them are made in China.
The Kuhnhausen Service Manuals recommended Fowler. I researched Fowler and the internet had no idea where they are made. I did buy they as they weren't expensive. They are pretty good smooth not as gritty as the Lyman/Chinese that I bought too.

I have the LED ones from Harbor Freight same one's midway sells, they're okay. I mainly use them if I need to measure in mm.

I do have a Mitutoyo that I used for years that a friend sold me, a beginner machinist set. Obviously an inexpensive vernier. the rack isn't covered and dumping gun powder on them locked them up no problem I managed to take them apart and get them back together and zeroed at 12 O'clock. But what I don't like about these is the double 0-100 dial.

I actually was using the sliding verniers that were a Christmas present, used but functional.

I think Starrett still has a USA made vernier but very expensive.

 

[6.5 forever]

I've had good results with Mitutoyo instruments. The problem these days is knowing if the tool purchased is genuine or a knockoff. If you don't mind used, trolling the local pawnshops sometimes results in a nice find. For new, it's best to buy from a "real" dealer or distributor in order to avoid the above-mentioned knockoffs.

Here's a nice unit: https://www.judgetool.com/products/mitutoyo-vernier-calipers-w-thumb-clamp-series-531/48242|48250_531-128/?srsltid=AfmBOopxxGmhNhgHpT0z-pGoE1Abjqf5xwpyQgEqsAfFIJnvm9ybZZIJ

My feelings also

 

[SKWERLZ]

Mitu’s from a known source like MSC

 

[hdskip]

As a retired tool and die maker, the amount of money I have invested in quality measuring tools would astound most folks.....

 

[kenhwind]

As a retired tool and die maker, the amount of money I have invested in quality measuring tools would astound most folks.....

I have a toolbox drawer full of Starrett layout tools, combination squares, dividers, trammel points.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

facebook marketplace can be ok. if it looks old enough, there is pretty good chance it is not counterfeit. I have an old mauser vernier caliper. very high quality, I need a mag glass to read it.

 

[6MMsteve]

I have used Mitutoyo digital calipers for sale that are the real deal, ""just used"" cost 660 new smooth as glass send me a pm

 

[Richard Jones]

facebook marketplace can be ok. if it looks old enough, there is pretty good chance it is not counterfeit. I have an old mauser vernier caliper. very high quality, I need a mag glass to read it.

I have one of those as well, inherited from my father. Still have the leather case for it. Age is old to unknown.........

 

[kenhwind]

According to Midway these are the only USA made calipers.

Starret Dial Caliper

The Starrett 120 Series Dial Calipers are the only American made dial calipers. These calipers are used by mechanics and tool-makers everywhere....

www.midwayusa.com

This doesn't seem like a bad price, when I looked, they were like $600

 

[dhagerty40]

if you want the best, that will be Mitutoyo or Starrett, as long as they are not knockoffs.

For a little lower quality, I have had good luck with Fowler Precision tools.

 

[Rank Amateur]

According to Midway these are the only USA made calipers.

Starret Dial Caliper

The Starrett 120 Series Dial Calipers are the only American made dial calipers. These calipers are used by mechanics and tool-makers everywhere....

www.midwayusa.com

This doesn't seem like a bad price, when I looked, they were like $600

6” Mitutoyo dial calipers are going for about $150.

 

[Fast14riot]

The top set I don't use hardly ever anymore, I'd be willing to let them go.

 

[hdskip]

In the " industry" there are several calipers made in Europe , usually Swiss. TESA being one. None are inexpensive but with care will last 2 lifetimes. I taught my students and apprentices 3 things: never leave them open on the bench, try best to not leave on top of lathe and never lend out any measuring tool. Last is difficult in a work environment but those are what you make your living with.

 

[Kittitas George]

You might check with a local machine shop as to whom they use as a vendor. My calipers are Japanese manufacture, dial, and as good today as when I got them 50 years ago. Used carefully they will last. If my memory is good I think they were about $40. I recently used my Mitutoyo micrometer, I forgot how nice they are built, what a pleasure to use. Check Craigslist, for retired machinist, you may need to drive a ways or maybe USPS M.O. and mail like so many of us do on this sight.