caliper question

[Ivanhoe]

My cheapo Harbor freight digital calipers died on me and was considering upgrading. I only use them occasionally and not for any "real" machine work. I was looking at the "plastic" 6" mitutoyos at about $49 online. Doubt I'd spring for the stainless version. Any thoughts?

[Rule .308]

I have never used their plastic ones, I have the stainless ones in inch and metric and they have served me very well for near 20 years.

[Maltese Falcon]

Midway has a sale right now for Frankford Arsenal stainless digital for something like $19.95, If I remember correctly.

Oops, sorry wrong price.. $16.99!!

Here is link: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=604242

[Jonathan Doe]

Use a good one. I use a Mitutoyo digital caliper, and I like it a lot.

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

Use a good one. I use a Mitutoyo digital caliper, and I like it a lot.

heck ya they are the best out there. we use them in our locksmith shop and one of my teachers in aerospace welding uses them. compared to my Kobalt ones from lowes you can really see a difference in quality.

[Chach]

Cry once and do it right, buy a proper Mitutoyo. They're excellent quality and it'll last you forever.

[Seesm]

STAY AWAY from the plastic ones... Even cheap metal ones are pretty good.

[Ivanhoe]

thanks folks for the feedback!

[Fjold]

I use the plastic ones to measure group sizes.

[xxdabroxx]

Why digital? Go analog. Has to be cheaper, and easily just as accurate.

[HKROB]

Dont buy crap tools if you dont want to spend the money on new stuff you buy used you could try your local pawn shop. I see Starrett & Mitutoyo dial calipers all the time for $35-$75 at my local shops.

[kombat_unit]

The starret I bought was 20 bucks more than the mitutoyo. So far, I'm very pleased.

[Ivanhoe]

Dont buy crap tools if you dont want to spend the money on new stuff you buy used you could try your local pawn shop. I see Starrett & Mitutoyo dial calipers all the time for $35-$75 at my local shops.

I agree- I usually don't skimp on tools but was in HF and decided to try the inexpensive caliper knowing it might crap out at any time. I have decided to get a stainless Mitutoyo either new or bid on one on fleabay. Leaning towards new though. Forgot about the pawn shop option.

[22popnsplat]

I bought starret dial calipers off ebay , good price and as stated before they will last forever.

[phish]

My only gripe about Mitutoyo is there's no auto-off feature, went through a couple of 357 batteries before I wised up.