Hopefully not too off topic... Need Caliper Recommendation

Redsnake1997

Redsnake1997

Joined
May 26, 2005
Messages
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OK... to keep this a little bit on track... I just got my new BA w/ Black/Blue Mag G10 handles... This thing rocks. Now I need a sheath for it...

I also wanted some recommendations on a caliper. This can be used for of course measuring the thickness of my Busse's... and general automotive use, etc.

I think I want digital for ease of reading, but dial might be ok as well. Whatever you recommend and what's best. Any brands to lay off? I know there are a bunch of digital calipers listed on that auction site for about $10... but that just sounds too cheap.

OK hogs... give me your opinions.

Thanks...

(OH... and when I get home I'll take some pics and post of the new Badger)
 
thanks. That looks like the ones I see over on eB@y... just wasn't sure if they were quality or very cheaply made.
 
My primary caliper is a digital one made by Mitutoyo in Japan. I paid over $100 for it. The one that Guyon suggested looks almost the same. I wanted a second caliper to throw in the range bag, for measuring groups at the rifle range. The $16.99 one fits the bill for that purpose, and may even be overkill. At that price, who cares?
 
Here was my post in the other thread. Assuming the Midway and Harbor Freight versions are the same (and I really think they are), then they're a good buy for the money. I generally stay away from Chinese-made tools, but I've been happy with my Harbor Freight set so far. Also, lots of folks have said good things about the Midway version. Check out the reviews.

Guyon said:

That Harbor Freight model, aside from the color, looks identical to the "Frankford Arsenal" 6" digital calipers sold at Midway USA. Even the button colors are the same. I would be very surprised if they're not coming from the same factory.

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You can read the Midway reviews, which are quite good. Just click on the 4.5 stars or on "Read the Reviews.": http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=604242&t=11082005

Midway puts them on sale for about $20 to $25 from time to time, but a lot less frequently than Harbor Freight sells its version for $16.
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Got mine at an estate sale, its a German made dial caliper. Helios is the brand. I'd like to pick up one of those digitals someday, the dial is rather hard to read at times.

Anyone know anything about Helios? I paid 12.00 so I guess I cant lose no matter. :)
 
leatherman said:
Got mine at an estate sale, its a German made dial caliper. Helios is the brand. I'd like to pick up one of those digitals someday, the dial is rather hard to read at times.

Anyone know anything about Helios? I paid 12.00 so I guess I cant lose no matter. :)
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I haven't heard of Helios, but the Germans don't usually play around when it comes to measurements and machine work.
 
Some people think micrometers are more accurate than vernier calipers. Mics do generally have a smaller range though, and lack the versatility of calipers (can't measure depth or inside). I've been led to believe that Starrett is a good brand. The Starrett tools I have (micrometer, angle finder, dial indicator) all seem very well built. If you can find one of those, go for it. (and they're still made in the USA, if you care about such things)
 
I have one of those Midway digital calipers. Works good and I've had no problems with it. I tend to perfer using a mechanical dial caliper myself though. I have 3 or 4 different calipers picked up from various places, and they all read the same on whatever I'm checking, so I go with what feels more comfortable in the hand. You really can't beat the Midway and Harbor Freight for the money.
 
mikeymoto said:
Some people think micrometers are more accurate than vernier calipers. Mics do generally have a smaller range though, and lack the versatility of calipers (can't measure depth or inside). I've been led to believe that Starrett is a good brand. The Starrett tools I have (micrometer, angle finder, dial indicator) all seem very well built. If you can find one of those, go for it. (and they're still made in the USA, if you care about such things)
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I'd like a good set pair of Starrett's or Mitotoyu's at some point. I don't reload (thought I plan to when I get more workspace), so the only thing I've really needed calipers for is measuring INFI. :p I don't hit Harbor Freight all that often, but I was in getting a set of small rubber tires, and I found the 6" digital calipers on sale. Like lunde, I figured they were worth a shot at that price.
 
I bought several Chinese vernier caliper from the clearance section at Rutland tool for about $4.00 each.

In the beginning I was double checking measurements against my nice Mitutoyo dial caliper and it was never off by more than 0.001"

In my experience, the chinese calipers are fine if they are stainless steel. I bought mine for less than a set of plastic calipers at the hardware store, they were a good value.

Like any precision tool, treat it gently and take care of it.
 
Quality is expensive, it depends on what you need. Starrett and Mitotoyu are top brands in fabrication work. I regretfully sold the last of my metal working tools just before I discovered INFI, so I'll have to buy a Starrett again someday.

Helios was at one time a high-end drafting and architecture tool company.
 
I suggest you go plastic.

I've got plastic (from Midway) as well as stainless models, and the plastic ones I have are very accurate when tested against the steel ones. Also, they have the advantage of not wanting to scratch up your uncoated knives (especially DC ones :o).
 
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