Calipers - recommendations for affordable but decent quality digital calipers

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richms

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#3031349 3-Feb-2023 16:21

If you ever need to use barbarian measurements, a dial caliper will be no use, only digital of vernier have both scales available.

Richard rich.ms

jonathan18

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#3031412 3-Feb-2023 17:06

richms:

If you ever need to use barbarian measurements, a dial caliper will be no use, only digital of vernier have both scales available.

Yeah, I didn't think that's likely to be a particularly common scenario, but it would be a 'nice to have'.

Were you able to comment on the different battery types used, ie the relative merits/downsides of the 1.5 vs 3v options? (copied below) Thanks if possible!

jonathan18:

I see that some models use CR2032 3V batteries instead of LR44 1.5V, eg this one here. Will this make any difference, eg in terms of longevity? (@richms, you may have some thoughts on this!)

richms

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#3031415 3-Feb-2023 17:14

jonathan18:

Yeah, I didn't think that's likely to be a particularly common scenario, but it would be a 'nice to have'.

Were you able to comment on the different battery types used, ie the relative merits/downsides of the 1.5 vs 3v options? (copied below) Thanks if possible!

No idea. My mitutoyo takes a SR44 and I think I have changed it twice over 5+ years.

Richard rich.ms

k1w1k1d

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#3031457 3-Feb-2023 19:16

I have a set of these at home.

M738 - DCE-6 Digital Caliper | Machineryhouse

jonathan18

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#3031461 3-Feb-2023 19:19

k1w1k1d:

I have a set of these at home.

M738 - DCE-6 Digital Caliper | Machineryhouse

That's a pretty decent price for an NZ retailer. I've ended up ordering some from AE - went with the 'IP54' set from this retailer, primarily as it seems like battery replacement is easier (looks like no screws to undo) plus it uses CR2032 batteries which I have on hand for other products.

Thanks for everyone's input.

mdf

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#3031484 3-Feb-2023 20:45

Would appreciate a report back on quality and accuracy if and when you had a chance. I check mine by measuring a large diameter drill bit but there are probably better ways.

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neb

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#3031735 4-Feb-2023 13:49

jonathan18:

Those are the universal digital calipers that pretty much everyone sells and any number of different manufacturers make, so a review of one doesn't say anything about the performance of another. I've got a pair that I got maybe ten years ago that are still going strong, and perfectly accurate for what I need, usually sizing drill and bolt holes.

If you're worried, either get them from somewhere like Banggood which is a more curated version of Aliexpress, or somewhere like Bunnings with a no-questions-asked replacement policy if anything goes wrong.

If you really, really need serious accuracy, look for a used set of Mitutoyo calipers on TM or eBay (you can't afford the new ones).

neb

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#3031736 4-Feb-2023 13:51

richms:
Also be aware of the difference between an LR44 and SR44 cells. Many need the silver oxide but if you use the alkaline you will have terrible battery life on them as theyre a lower voltage. Not helped by all the places selling the LR44 as an equivalent to the SR44 because it will fit.

I always remove the batteries after use, I use them infrequently and it means I never have problems with battery drain. As mentioned above, I must have had these for at least ten years on the same set of batteries.

Edited to add: Mine have a sliding battery compartment so it only takes a few seconds to do.

afe66

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#3031795 4-Feb-2023 16:59

richms:
If you ever need to use barbarian measurements, a dial caliper will be no use, only digital of vernier have both scales available.

Lots of clock stuff and model engineering links to UK and USA especially if you source old books or build kits still use barbarian units although I try to use metric screws thread bolts.... There like 3-4 screw thread arrangements in the UK alone.

bluey

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#3032053 5-Feb-2023 11:44

Manual/analog is definitely my preference. Buy a good quality set and it will last a lifetime. I still have my originals from when I started my apprenticeship 37 years ago.

I do need glasses now to read more accurately than .1mm though which is an advantage of the digital ones.

1101

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#3032454 6-Feb-2023 12:57

neb:
jonathan18:

Those are the universal digital calipers that pretty much everyone sells and any number of different manufacturers make, so a review of one doesn't say anything about the performance of another..

I bought mine from aliexpress .
The tip had been slightly ground , so will never have any accuracy at the tip :-(

batt in mine lasts a very long time .
batts are so cheap, just keep a spare , I dont bother removing the batt, its a non issue .

I still have my old school (non digital) calipers from 30+ years ago. Thats what I have to use if I need accuracy.
one day I'll replace my crappy digital ones .

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