Everyone should have a caliper in their tool box. Cheap ones at HF for a buck usually

[Mosquito13]

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-utility-caliper-7914.html
If you havn't used one before Sam here shows you how use one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooPY34-HaFE

 

[Guest]

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-utility-caliper-7914.html
If you havn't used one before Sam here shows you how use one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooPY34-HaFE

Paying the extra $$$ for a digital caliper with a depth bar is worth it. it not only allows you to measure hole depths it is better to use the depth bar for measuring valve and clutch spring free play length, than squeezing them between the jaws which might compress the spring giving you a false reading.

It also allows for a change from metric to SAE and some have a fractional option like my Blue Point.

 

[Nessism]

I bought a couple pairs of those cheap calipers but can't recommend them because the electronics are very battery hungry. I'd spend a little more and look for something name brand. Fowler's are decent and a good value. Beware of counterfeit Mitutoyo's. They are all over ebay.

 

[Hinermad]

I bought a couple pairs of those cheap calipers but can't recommend them because the electronics are very battery hungry.

I saw a video where a guy measured the current draw on a cheap HF digital caliper, and it was pretty much the same whether the unit was turned on or off. But I get a couple of years out af a 3-pack of batteries so I'll just keep banging around with this one.

 

[Mosquito13]

I am in no advocating HF stuff. for 2.99 or less they are complete caliper with depth bar... measures to 128th of a inch takes no batteries. See a lot of post asking for sizes lengths ect ... I bought a dial Mitutoyo for work like 20 years ago , but have a half doz. of HF plastic one laying around handy.

 

[bikemtn]

I have the same caliper and it has come in handy is so many situations. I do however remove the battery after every use. My battery has lasted me 4 years so far.

 

[Nessism]

For what it's worth...

I've got a set of Mitutoyo 700-113-10 calipers that are about 5 years old and they still have the original battery. These calipers cost about $100 though. I know they are not the best value for guys that don't use them much, but I don't care. Quality tools are COOL!

 

[Vmass]

Paying the extra $$$ for a digital caliper with a depth bar is worth it. it not only allows you to measure hole depths it is better to use the depth bar for measuring valve and clutch spring free play length, than squeezing them between the jaws which might compress the spring giving you a false reading.

It also allows for a change from metric to SAE and some have a fractional option like my Blue Point.

This is the one I have had for years, no issues. I forget the brand but if any one needs to know I will pull it out and look.

 

[BigD_83]

For what it's worth...

I've got a set of Mitutoyo 700-113-10 calipers that are about 5 years old and they still have the original battery. These calipers cost about $100 though. I know they are not the best value for guys that don't use them much, but I don't care. Quality tools are COOL!

That is one sweet caliper. I'd love to have one at home, if I could be guaranteed it wasn't a knock-off.

 

[1978GS750E]

I used to sell a brand called Insize. They make a very good quality precision tool. Iirc, their 6" digital calipers were around $55.00. Made in China but with a one-year warranty. I think some of the L.S. Starrett employees started this company, so the quality is spot-on. They are sold on-line by a couple of companies.

 

[aclaytonb]

I've got the HF calipers and they work fine. Have to keep em' in the box and you have to crank down the locking screw each time you're done using them or any vibration turns them on and kills the battery. Same crap for the buttons on the front of it. If it's not in the box, the lightest touch turns it on and drains the battery. Once I figured this out, I've had the same battery in em' for 5 years.

 

[Guest]

Vernier, dial or digital...don't leave home without them.

 

[BigD_83]

I've got the HF calipers and they work fine. Have to keep em' in the box and you have to crank down the locking screw each time you're done using them or any vibration turns them on and kills the battery. Same crap for the buttons on the front of it. If it's not in the box, the lightest touch turns it on and drains the battery. Once I figured this out, I've had the same battery in em' for 5 years.

That's a great tip. I never thought about it that way. I store my cheapo Powerfist caliper (from Princess Auto, our version of HF) which looks just like the one GSRick posted above in it's box, and the battery is always dead the next time I go to use it.

 

[Guest]

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-utility-caliper-7914.html
If you havn't used one before Sam here shows you how use one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooPY34-HaFE

I picked up one like that, but not at HF, just to keep in my toolbox. You're right, for under 3 bucks, it doesn't hurt to have one handy.

 

[JJ]

I have 0"-6" Starrett and a 0"- 8" Mitutoyo calipers. Not digital, so no battery life to worry about. Same goes for my set of 0" to 6" Starrett OD micrometers, and 0"-6" ID micrometers. Nothing digital.