Help me pick out micrometers

I've gotten sick of always trying to track down the shop's set of mics, and now I'm looking to purchase a set for my toolbox. We do a small amount of machine work in our shop, and the usual checks of parts diameters during rebuilds, etc.

There seem to be a couple grades of mics for sale, and I'm not quite sure what to get for my occasional use.

The cheap route seems to be the sets flooding eBay with a 0-6" set for $50-75 or so, with brands like "Shars", and other assorted chinese made tools looking the same except for branding. The intermediate route seems to be purchasing a set from SPI, Fowler, or Central Tools. These seem to sell from $150 and up depending on the range of the set. And of course the high end route is picking up brands like Starett, Mitutoyo, B&S, or Lufkin.

I know I can go the high end route a bit cheaper by picking up individual mics on ebay, but then the set may be mixed between friction and ratcheting thimbles, which could be a pain switching back and forth between them. I'm tempted to go with the middle of the road option, and go with a set from Fowler or Central, as they seem to be more focused on the automotive market with their prices and distributors. On the other hand, these will be shop tools, so a cheap set is appealing as I won't have to worry about damaging them, and if one does break or wear out, I can always replace it with a better tool down the line. I can't quite decide which route to take and I'm looking for some thoughts on which way to go.

Also, friction or ratcheting for the thimble? Any other features or accessories to look for besides a set of standards?

Here is a good site that has a wealth of information about all sorts of precision measuring instruments, coming from a shop that does repairs on them.

http://longislandindicator.com/p29.html

I think a lot of how much you should spend on a micrometer comes down to how accurate do you need to measure and how long do you want the tool to last.

Also, regarding the ratchet vs friction, I would get what you are most familiar with. It is quite easy to over tighten on the part with a friction type, but if you have the feel for it, this is not a problem. I have a Mitutoyo digital mic with the ratcheting adjustment. It is very nice and easy to use, but after using a friction type for quite some time, the ratchet mechanism does not have the same "tactile" element to it. I find myself to sometimes question whether the mic is actually "tight" on the part.

Also, in hindsight, I would probably not go the digital route again. It is nice that you can set it at a particular point, zero it and then you will know how much more the part needs to be turned/cut until you are at the desired size. Also if you are measuring a lot of parts the same size the digital mic is very fast. The problem is that it is much bulkier and probably will not last as long as a purely mechanical mic.

Coming from a professional machinist, a worn ebay mic will be no better than one of the cheap chinese units.

Mics have been around for a long time, even the cheap ones have been pretty much perfected manufacturing wise. Just about any mic nowadays will easily get you into tenths of a thousandth.

I'm not saying there is no difference, what I'm saying is that for general QC and fit-checking, a cheap or midgrade set should do just fine.

Most professionals like Mitutoyo the best including me. NEVER EVER trust the friction and ratcheting thimbles!

But for your situation I think I would get a set from Fowler they are good but the balance and feel isn't quit there.

Fowler
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=335&PARTPG=INLMK32

Mitutoyo
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=333&PARTPG=INLMK32


p.s. iandh is 100% right with his post.

rodm1 said:

Most professionals like Mitutoyo the best including me. NEVER EVER trust the friction and ratcheting thimbles!

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What else is there?

From my exposer the micrometers, they've all had either friction or ratcheting thimbles, what's the 3rd option?

For what it sounds like you need I would go with fowler. They make good tools at a good price. Check msc direct they usually sell a 0-4 set for $150

We've done calibration/repair on this stuff for years now and from my experience the Starrett 436 can't be beat. Mitutoyo is also good, but their digital versions can be a bit delicate.

I've never been a fan of the Fowler stuff. Fowler is an importer, having their instruments made to order with their name on them. Some is OK and some isn't worth bringing home.

If you really need it, the rachet stop is usually a little better then the friction thimble, but as it has already been said here, you need to not depend on them and learn the correct "feel" instead. That seperates the men from the boys.

Used stuff can be good provided you can check them out first but most of the used stuff I've seen lately is pretty much junk.

It sounds like for your use, a "mid range" type of mic might be the best but a lot of times guys buy a real good 0-1" and cheaper versions (or used) of larger sizes and upgrade as time goes on.

Mitutoyo or starette are the best you can get dont settle for anything else!

Mitutoyo or starette are the best you can get dont settle for anything else!

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Yes, Mitutoyo and Starrett are the best commonly available shop grade micrometers. There are many better, but that's not the purpose of this discussion.

What I've found is most younger machinists want the digital mics and thus the great old Starrett analogs are going for less money than ever. Shop around a bit and you can find exactly what you want for pennies on the dollar.

The other thing to remember is you aren't marrying or adopting your tools. If you find better later, you can sell what you bought first. I like the Starrett 436 with ratchet stops and carbide faces. However, for the occasional use you describe, carbide isn't necessary. What size ranges will you be using? Most automotive use never goes above 4"-5".

thnx, jack vines

Packard V8 said:

What I've found is most younger machinists want the digital mics

thnx, jack vines

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Digital mics are soo much nicer to use

arkangel06 said:

Digital mics are soo much nicer to use

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Those are for the guys that can't read a traditional one.

I was contemplating this fowler set from tooltopia. Its on sale:

http://www.tooltopia.com/fowler-74-100-000-1.aspx

http://www.tooltopia.com/_img/FOW/FOW741000001.jpg

^ Not a micrometer.

Yep, in a discussion on technology, terminology is everything. What is pictured is a digital caliper. Good for quick reference, but not considered as accurate as a micrometer.

thnx, jack vines

Daedalus said:

^ Not a micrometer.

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Not a good set of calipers either.

After watching ebay for a while and getting a feel for prices, I think I know what I'm going to do. I checked with our Snap-On dealer, and a 0-4" set from Fowler is $125 through them, roughly the same as what a set of used mics would run if I bought from ebay, once you factor in shipping and the fact that you can't really tell what kind of shape the stuff on ebay is, it's easier to go with the Fowler mics.

I'm still going to talk to the Matco guy when he shows up this week, as he sells Fowler and Central mics, and we'll see what kind of deal he'll cut me. I'll probably pick up the 4-5" and the 5-6" mics at some point down the line as a lot of the equipment we work on is bigger size ranges. If we start rebuilding Allison transmissions again, I might upgrade, but it looks like a new set of midrange mics will work for right now.