Calipers - Cheap or High End

[command_liner]

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

Consider getting them from Sears with one of their occasional coupon
deals.

Most people are too lazy to use good vernier calipers. I have digitals,
dials, 2 old steel verniers, a plastic vernier and a stainless vernier. I
use the stainless vernier -- from Harbor Freight no less -- 10x as often
as the rest of them combined.

But, OTOH, I have written and sent to the US Patent Office, quite a
bit of digital vernier software. Analog and digital verniers suit me very
well.

[Exiledviking]

Having calibrated well over 100 different sets of calipers, I have come to the conclusion that unless you want to spend the money to buy a set of Mitutoyos the cheap ones work 99% of the time.

[Seesm]

I am easy on tools and used bot great ones and junk ones... I have them both. And just grab what is near me at the time.

[bombadillo]

I've got a MAC tools $250 caliper and its amazing. I also have a dial manual caliper as well. The mac is really nice quality though and you pay for what you get with tools most times.

[asheron2]

mitutoyo for important measurements and elcheapos for scribing stuff like AK rail locations.

[joelogic]

Buy the harbor freight one and see if you suits your needs.

[Synergy]

I used a HF one and it lasted about 5 years, dont know how well it stayed accurate. I dont abuse my sensitive tools. I went with a Grainger brand, Westward for my new set. So far I am happy with them. I also use them for doing valve jobs on my Ducatis. So they get used a lot.



Item Electronic Digital Caliper
Type Dust, Water, Oil Resistant
Range (In./mm) 0 to 6/0 to 150
Resolution 0.0005"/0.0100mm
Accuracy 0.001"/0.02mm

Item# 2ZA60

[jumbopanda]

I've had a cheapo digital one for a long time and it has worked great, although the jaws started to wear down after a while and therefore lose accuracy, although the electronics were still in perfect shape. I bought a Mitutoyo one afterwards but I have not put it to nearly as much hard use as the last one.

[swerv512]

if measuring case dimension lengthwise i'd say the cheap ones will suffice (does not mean i endorse El Cheapo calipers though...) but if you're trying to measure something like case web or head expansion, i'd buy a nice set that will go .0001 increments- i'd get a mic that'll do the same too while you're at it...

[Super Spy]

I use Mitutoyo Digital calipers at home and at work. The ones I have at work are a bit fancier, 8" vs 6", etc. Keeping a spare battery on hand isn't a bad idea in case you forget to turn it off, then store it for a long time. I have forgot to turn mine off many times though and I'm still on the same set of batteries for a set of calipers used frequently and purchased over a year ago. Get the kind that has the thumb wheel as these are much better for precision work. Being able to punch a button to convert from mm to in is nice. If you buy a cheap set now you'll be buying a better one before too long. I hate cheap tools. Middle of the road is fine, If you buy quality you'll never regret it with tools.

[Decoligny]

Buy the best you can afford because it will last.

If you can only afford the cheapest, they may last you until you can afford better.

Look at it like a renting vs. buying a house. You rent until you can afford to buy. You buy because you want something good that will last a lifetime.

[slik556]

No you will die!

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.

If you use those you will probably get lead poisoning or some other funky illness

[CGT80]

I have a set of harbor freight digital calipers. They are fast and nice to use for reloading, but the damn display will start to flash to warn that the battery is low after using them only for an hour or two and then storing them for a week or so. They will continue to work for quite a while after they start to flash. It is very annoying. They were a gift, but I might just buy a pair of mitutoyo digital calipers. You pay for what you get.

[Rem222]

I've had a RCBS 87301 plastic dial caliper for years now, bought it for around $20, shows you how many years I've had it. My wife bought me a $$ digital caliper a few years ago but I never use it. I like the RCBS.

[Turbinator]

I've had a RCBS 87301 plastic dial caliper for years now, bought it for around $20, shows you how many years I've had it. My wife bought me a $$ digital caliper a few years ago but I never use it. I like the RCBS.

Excellent - per my post above, I also have had great luck with a $20-ish caliper from Midway. I really don't believe you have to spend tons of money, guys!

Turby