Calipers - Cheap or High End

[Phil3]

I need a set of digital calipers for ammo reloading work. I can buy a cheap set for $20 or spend a lot more for Mitutoyo, Starrett, etc. All measure to the same accuracy that I can see. What does a $100+ set of calipers get me that a $20 set does not offer. I am sure it is something, but what?

- Phil

[phish]

precision, yes, they're about the same, accuracy and repeatability *buzz*

I'm still scratching my head as to why Sinclair sells that $30 Chicom special. If Brownells wants to sling that stuff, it should be kept in their catalog, not Sinclair's.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

In the last 24yrs I went through 4 sets of the ElCheapo $20 calipers.... then got smart and bought the Mitutoyo digital calipers 4yrs ago and never looked back......

[freonr22]

the frankford arsenals from midway are ok, @ 12.95 or whatever, my brother has some nice cheap ones and they can read in fractions if you choose. some times a nice feature 3/64's etc

[kmca]

How come nobody recommends using micrometers? I think they're much easier to use than calipers.

[JTecalo]

I have the luxury of both a mic and caliper.

My Dad was a 50+ yr machinist and I got some of his tools when he passed.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Harbor Freight has them on sale with a coupon...I got them for 12.99.

They are made by the same manufacturer as RCBS.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?itemnumber=98563&Submit=Go

[Dirtbiker]

The chicom measuring tools are a good choice for home use. If you were a professional US, German, or Japanese is the way to go.

[CSACANNONEER]

Digital ones can have electronic problems like a dead battery when you need it most. Although I have a couple digital sets, I will always keep a good set with a dial indicator on hand. My eyes are starting to get old enough that reading verniers is not the easiest thing anymore.

[Jonathan Doe]

I use Mitutoyo dial caliper at home and use Mitutoyo digital one at the office. They are very reliable units at a reasonable price.

Good thing about digital one is that it can convert from US to metric system at the push of a button. It comes in handy sometimes.

[Black_Talon]

How come nobody recommends using micrometers? I think they're much easier to use than calipers.

For reloading at least, 6" calipers are more versatile than mics. Most reloading-related measuring calls for something that measures over one inch, and doesn't require accuracy down to tenths.

The vast majority of mics out there are the standard one inch versions, which are perfect for measuring bullet and case diameters with very good accuracy, but little else.

[Noobert]

got a cheap set off of travers for around 20, works great

[Turbinator]

I'm doing just fine with my Midway branded set I bought years ago. Never seems to need recalibration. These are stainless steel, made in China, and are dial calipers.

Turby

[RedRocket]

[Rob454]

Cheap calipers tend to lose their accuracy with use. I had a set of tools that someone gave me for my B day. it was a complete set of electrician tools made by Commerciall Electric ( chinese home depot brand) I have klines for my work tools. not bragging but kinles are better tools. The CE tools had a set of lineman pliers. About the same size as the klines. I couldnt cut a bolt with them. I took my Klines and pop the bolt cut easy. I kept the tools and ended up giving them to my helper cause he didnt have enough money to get tools ( young kid) as time wore on I gave him my hand me down kline tools as I got new ones and told him to send them in and get new Klines from the factory
I simply dont see the advantage of purchasing cheap tools. I do have a set of cheapoo tools in my truck. those are the ones that stay in the truck when i go camping to the river hunting etc. if I lose a socket its not a big deal cause can get another for a buck or a whole set for 7$. My home tools are Craftsman. It really pays to have better tools. not only do better tools last longer you actually save money. if you had to buy 4 pairs of cheap say pliers and they were 5$ a piece vs buying a good set for 20$ you saved all those trips and possible down time to get the tool and the good set will last a lot longer. I had my Kline pliers for 5 years now and never lost their edge
Dont get me wrong cheap tools have their place. hell i cant count the times I lost cheap pliers and sockets etc and I didnt cry about it.