14 replies to this topic

[Pete649]

I can't believe I have got to where I am today by not owning either a vernier caliper or micrometer. I don't mind spending up to £50 -75 for each of them if they are going to last. Has anyone got any recommendations?I know Mitutoyo used to be a good make but I am not sure if they still are?

 

I know digital verniers are easier to read but I was told (back in the day) that they weren't as good as a traditional one because they do not have a zero check, in case the jaws get bent. Is this correct?

 

1 thou (inch) accuracy, or better, would be good.

 

Just looking for some pointers really. Thanks.

[sonikk4]

I use both types digital and standard type. The mitytoyo are still about, the digital ones I bought off EBay and check out well.

It's like anything you need to look after them, both of mine are in cases and checked yearly.

And as for the zero check / calibration on the digital type I have never had a problem. Used just recently on a shim pack that measures exactly 1 mm and there was no discrepancy.

[Tamworthbay]

I have mitutoyo and the quality is very good, but I recently bought a load for work from MSC supplies (12 vernier and twelve micrometers) for less than £200 and the quality is surprisingly good. I have checked them against our gauges and they are spot on.

[Fast Ivan]

I've not had an issue with digital verniers, the one I use the 0 datum is set and remembered when first set up so if some damage did happen it would show up.

I have mitutoyo and Moore & Wright mics and both work well with no issues.

The critical thing with precision measuring equipment such as micrometers is the calibration; regular checking against a known standard.

[AlexMozza]

I use a good Bluepoint vernier, Digital. Was about £40. However they should only be used for measuring things were a degree of inaccuracy is allowed. For example, a Micrometer would be used for measuring Crank Diameter etc, no point skimping out on these when the tolerances are important. My one is a digital one, and was the best part of £120!

[rids]

I have a 30 year old moore and wright 0-1 mic with a vernier scale on the barrel allowing you to read 10th of a thou. Still passes calibration every year. I find them more accurate than verniers. I do have a mitoyoto vernier for general work, measuring drills etc

[Fast Ivan]

vernier = verynear

[Mini 360]

Lidl £7.  Never failed me in 2yrs of use.  Brilliant!  Not vernier callipers but a good set of callipers non the less!

Edited by Mini 360, 05 February 2014 - 10:17 PM.

[Alex_B]

Maplins do a digi micrometer with a 0 reset so no issues with bending anything a little bit, £10 I believe and work perfectly imo 

[miniman267]

I have spi digital vernier, digital micrometer, tdi gauge and digital level all new for £110 posted

[Cooperman]

Always use a proper micrometer for accurately measuring crank journals. Digital verniers are good for establishing basic bore sizes, crank basic sizes, crank end float, establishing TDC and checking metal thickness, etc.

[Pete649]

Thanks for all the advice. It was most useful. I'll probably get a digital vernier for general measuring and consider the options for a mic.

[nollyd]

been a precision engineer for 25 years,moore and wright all the way.

[MiniGrin]

Im a precision engineer, i use a non digital "Oxford" V - calliper and a mitutoyo micrometer. Both great precision and good quality. :)

[dow62]

Think the digital verniers back on at Aldi (or Lidl) for £8.99. Not saying they are the best but for the price, for general measuring ok. Micrometer everytime for accurate measuring.