12 replies to this topic

[Steam]

Does anyone else have trouble keeping batteries in these. Mine needs a new battery every 12 months or so?

[stoneface]

I find the cheap ones are terrible. The bateries don't last long.

The batteries in my Mitutoyo calipers last much longer.

[Chris1992]

For a second there I had forgotten about calipers as in the measuring tool, and assumed you were talking about brake calipers!.. Thought you were on the wind up!   

[beardylondon]

I bought a cheap one off eBay, and it was 2-3mm out on the digital read out, total rubbish. 

[Gaz66]

When i put mine back in its case it turns on and flattens the battery so when it goes back in the case now the battery gets taken out.

[Cooper Mac]

I have a Moore & Wright one, which I use about 10 times a week. In 23 years of owning it, it's on it's 3rd battery.....

[nicklouse]

Lock the slider. Most seem to have an auto wake up if moved.

[Ethel]

They do use some power all the time, just to remember the zero setting. Try and remember to take the battery out when you're done with them, or pay more for quality.

 

I don't think accuracy matters as much as repeatability.

[bpirie1000]

Could always put alittle bit of plastic under the battery and then whip it out when needed. Like they come from the manufacturers with..

[Tornado99]

I've found the foam inside the carrying case can actually press the power button during storage. So, you can cut away the offending foam near the button as a solution.

[aksman]

When I have finished using it I pull the sliding battery carrier 1/4 of the way out, to stop it using the battery while not in use. Works well for me.

[Spider]

I have a pair of no name / brand 6" that I've had for about 15 years, they have an IP56 Rating and given what these are, they do have a surprisingly very nice feel about them and in their action. I found them remarkably accurate and repeatable but only on outside measurements. Depth and inside they are hopelessly out. The battery in these seems to last about 12 - 18 months, but I try and seek out Eveready Energizers, I found the Duracell and Panasonic Batteries pretty poor for life.

 

About 2 years back, I was given an 8" set of Starretts, it took me a little while to ween myself off old faithfuls, the original battery in these only lasted about 1 or 2 months, I was hoping that these weren't going to be battery eaters. Since changing that one to an Energiser, I haven't touched the battery cover since.

 

I find I tend to pick up the calipers probably a dozen or more times a day, just about every day, so having these in a lazy digital type running on a battery I feel is kinda justified. The other bits of measuring kit I have are either Vernier Scale, Micrometer Barrel or Dial, so no battery to go flat in these.

[Steam]

Thanks all for advice, these are a cheaper set, I originally had a better set which died just out of warranty

I will try your suggestions.

I am back to the vernier dial calipers, the only problem being they are imperial, doesn't matter for most things though.

Edited by Steam, 08 February 2022 - 09:21 PM.