Digital Calipers -- Long overdue

[OnlyStihl]

My old Dial Calipers are almost 40 years old, and is strictly SAE. Still in great shape, but more and more is in Metric, so the calipers became a relic.

This arrived yesterday and far exceeded my expectations. And this was <20 $. Biggest difference, beyond the SAE/Digital/Fractions switching is the zero reset that allows measuring differences. No more writing down the first measurement, and subtracting it from the second measure. Totally unexpected and way cool.

Old Dial Calipers ->

New and improved Digital Calipers ->


Not until I looked over the instructions did I notice and realize that my old calipers also measured depth. Never noticed, never even thought of it, or maybe I forgot.

 

[old guy]

I cannot leave the battery in mine, it will drain even when shut off.

 

[OnlyStihl]

I cannot leave the battery in mine, it will drain even when shut off.

Yeah, they give two extra batteries with it. If the first goes bad fast, I'll remove the battery between uses. Thanks for the Info!

 

[Sloughfoot]

I keep one of each and the digital is definitely the most versatile. The dial is mostly a backup for when the digital's battery is dead or is being erratic.

 

[Ed Sybert]

What is the make of the new digital instrument, and where did you get it? Thanks, Ed

 

[OnlyStihl]

No. 1 best seller on Amazon. Not the cheapest nor the most expensive. Used it today to mount some equipment on my rolling drill press stand. I'm happy with it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF8FYLWS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Gone up $4 since I made my purchase/order.

 

[Junk Meister]

I keep one of each and the digital is definitely the most versatile. The dial is mostly a backup for when the digital's battery is dead or is being erratic.

My Mititoyo is digital and around 30 years old, When I pull it out of the case and it is acting "erratic" A battery change is the ticket.

 

[Sloughfoot]

My Mititoyo is digital and around 30 years old, When I pull it out of the case and it is acting "erratic" A battery change is the ticket.

My cheapo has other ways. A little screw on top comes loose and throws off the measurement. Probably doesn't help that it stays in grime 24/7.

 

[Coupe]

I have had one for around 30yrs and never given me a days problem.
Good and easy to read and put it up against my micrometer and reads the
same but still keep my old mititoyo to go back up incase of a flat battery.

 

[GMB74]

Like most inexpensive goods from China, the quality of these tools is erratic. I have two of these calipers. One has been great, consistent and accurate measurements, never given me a problem.
The other one not so much. Over time the battery compartment has loosened up and won't stay shut causing poor contacts. The result is erratic operation at times. I get different readings when measuring the same object at times, sometimes it won't return to zero and has to be rezero'ed. It still works, but I double check each reading to make sure it hasn't changed. The digital display gets wierd in cool weather, fading or freezing.
You get what you pay for.

 

[OnlyStihl]

Like most inexpensive goods from China, the quality of these tools is erratic. I have two of these calipers. One has been great, consistent and accurate measurements, never given me a problem.
The other one not so much. Over time the battery compartment has loosened up and won't stay shut causing poor contacts. The result is erratic operation at times. I get different readings when measuring the same object at times, sometimes it won't return to zero and has to be rezero'ed. It still works, but I double check each reading to make sure it hasn't changed. The digital display gets wierd in cool weather, fading or freezing.
You get what you pay for.

My 40 year old dial calibers were made in China. At least that's what is printed on the box. Maybe the box was made in China, who knows? I bought it when I was reloading a lot, and I think I remember paying something close to $50 from MidwayUSA.

As far as returning to zero. It is consistent once zero'd. It is a bit off after an On/Off cycling. But 1/1000th off is hardly something to get upset about. Switching from SAE to Metric and back is HUGE for me. I suppose I could spend $100 and save myself the 1/1000 problem but that is not a real problem. IMO

 

[Mammyrat]

I used a Fowler vernier until about 15 years ago when my eyes couldn't do it anymore. Now I have a Mititoyo digital.