Authentic Mitutoyo

[Fluelikesymptoms]

I used to have a cornwell digital caliper, it has been long gone and I've been wanting to replace it for some time now.

I'm thinking I want the 500-752-20. Unless suggested otherwise

My only question is what is the best place to order these from since there are so many knock off. I know Amazon has them but me and Amazone don't get have a good history with authenticity.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

KBC, great choice BTW

 

[MattT]

Zoro has it for the same price as amazon. So if you can wait for a 20%, or better, coupon code Zoro will probably be unbeatable on price. And no worries about it being a knock-off buying from them.

Also coming from a Cornwell do you really need to pay the ~$50 premium for coolant proof?

 

[Phantomd]

Links are better then part numbers, here is a link for those of us that dont have part numbers memorized.

6" coolant proof Mitutoyo

 

[Mr. T]

If you have access to an industrial account with MSC they usually beat Zoro pricing. But if you don’t, Zoro’s the way to go.

 

[Professional Tool User]

If you want to be sure, find an authorized dealer or an industrial distributor that has it. I wouldn't buy off Amazon unless the price is lower than getting it off a supply house with a significant discount. But even with Amazon, you can easily return it. There is a huge difference in feel between a cheap pair of calipers and a Mitutoyo.

 

[Davefr]

If you have access to an industrial account with MSC they usually beat Zoro pricing. But if you don’t, Zoro’s the way to go.

If you've ever had an account with Enco, MSC will grandfather you in for special pricing. I've found it's usually around a 25% discount.

 

[FrancisJ]

I'd be careful on Amazon -- Chinese have over 200,000 vendors on the site and the Chinese are responsible for nearly all theft of intellectual property globally, period, exclamation point.

While there are tutorials, write-ups etc to distinguish real from clone, the counterfeiters (China) have gotten so good many are nearly indistinguishable from the real product.


https://www.ecomcrew.com/chinese-sellers-manipulating-amazon/

 

[MattT]

If you have access to an industrial account with MSC they usually beat Zoro pricing. But if you don’t, Zoro’s the way to go.

IME they'll sometimes beat Zoros list prices with an account. Can't recall them ever beating a 20% off zoro price. Though this is with relatively small 10-20K/mo accounts not large ones.

 

[royesses]

Just checked MSC = Your Price $159.65 ea

That is the price with an account and discount.

Roy

 

[MattT]

Just checked MSC = Your Price $159.65 ea

That is the price with an account and discount.

Sounds about right. Does your account have free shipping?

 

[HenryAZ]

I often use MSI-Viking Gauge for metrology stuff. They are often the same price as Amazon, with free shipping for >$50. Also, check out Harry Epstein's closeouts, where there is often a Mitutoyo caliper cheap.

 

[Stooge]

The Zoro price seems to be the same as the amazon price, but as mentioned, for something like that I would rather go through an industrial supplier. $164 isn't too far off of a corporate account discount and is probably worth buying from a brand supplier.

2019-08-27_08-57-50 by Dan Haas, on Flickr

 

[Citation]

Op, do you need a Mitutoyo? The igaging absolute calipers are nice alternatives. For around $30-40 it's a very good caliper and won't be a fake.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00INL0BTS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

When you buy that cheap one, as I have done, you have to keep a pack of batteries beside it. They never really shut off !

 

[royesses]

Sounds about right. Does your account have free shipping?

Yes for most things.

Roy

 

[royesses]

Op, do you need a Mitutoyo? The igaging absolute calipers are nice alternatives. For around $30-40 it's a very good caliper and won't be a fake.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00INL0BTS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have 3 of the igaging calipers. They are very good, but not quite up to the Mitutoyo. They are a great value. I use them as my general go to calipers. Also have had good luck with Shars Aventor brand. Also very smooth and have absolute reading. They are more in the igaging price range too.

Roy

 

[Citation]

When you buy that cheap one, as I have done, you have to keep a pack of batteries beside it. They never really shut off !

Not all the cheap ones are the same. I have had some that use the RL44 batteries and eat them up in no time. These use cr2032 batteries and last several years.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

I dont have an industrial account, however zero always seems to be held in high regard here. I suspect that they will be authentic from zoro

 

[Mr. T]

Zoro won’t sell you counterfeit goods. And Mitutoyo is one of the best brands out there for metrology. Worth the money if you’re inclined to spend it.

 

[MattT]

I suspect that they will be authentic from zoro

They're part of Grainger so no worries about getting a counterfeit from them.

 

[JJ99SS]

Love my Mitutoyos...Amazon served me well. I verified mine after receipt with Mitutoyo however, just to be sure.

 

[noid]

Love my Mitutoyos...Amazon served me well. I verified mine after receipt with Mitutoyo however, just to be sure.

+1

The thing to remember with Amazon is to make sure the item you're buying is fulfilled and sold by Amazon. In those instances they are normally supplied directly by the vendor.

This one seems to be sold by and fulfilled by Amazon directly: https://amzn.to/2ZwMSoS

 

[pstemari]

Even then you can run into problems. Amazon has an option for FBA merchants to use "co-mingled" merchandise. Essentially, that means that 3P merchant stock can be used to fulfill orders placed with Amazon directly.


To give a bit more detail, all the stock shipped to Amazon warehouses by these FBA merchants, as well as stock purchased directly by Amazon, is co-mingled in the warehouse. The co-mingled stock is used to fulfill all orders for the item, regardless of which merchant made the sale.

The problem with this arises when counterfeit items get into the co-mingled stock. If that happens, any merchant in the co-mingled stock program can wind up with Amazon shipping a counterfeit item to their customer. It's literally luck of the draw.

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[ez-duzit]

I have 3 of the igaging calipers. They are very good, but not quite up to the Mitutoyo...

Igaging isn't even on the same planet.

 

[noid]

Even then you can run into problems. Amazon has an option for FBA merchants to use "co-mingled" merchandise. Essentially, that means that 3P merchant stock can be used to fulfill orders placed with Amazon directly.


To give a bit more detail, all the stock shipped to Amazon warehouses by these FBA merchants, as well as stock purchased directly by Amazon, is co-mingled in the warehouse. The co-mingled stock is used to fulfill all orders for the item, regardless of which merchant made the sale.

The problem with this arises when counterfeit items get into the co-mingled stock. If that happens, any merchant in the co-mingled stock program can wind up with Amazon shipping a counterfeit item to their customer. It's literally luck of the draw.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

That's a fair point, although its a much bigger problem for FBA inventory.

Sold by Amazon inventory gets supplied via 'Vendor Central'.

From what I could find, Amazon has been sued ~ 3 times for commingling internal inventory with FBA inventory.

Although in all of the specific cases I could find, this was recorded as the "sold by" party in the order summary/order invoice showing the commingled vendor.

This is because Amazon keeps FBA inventory separately and needs to track and bill back the supplier (the FBA sticker remains unique even when commingled).

I guess its a matter of being diligent to double check the order summary post order to ensure it says sold by Amazon (and therefore provided via Vendor Central).

Nothing is guarantied I suppose. If you have the chance, watch the documentary called "Counterfeit Culture" from 2013. It goes over how they even found counterfeit airplane components being supplied to the US military and many other fields like medicine and aviation; where some of the highest rigor against counterfeits exist; yet counterfeits still get through.

 

[Citation]

Igaging isn't even on the same planet.

Who do you say that? I I'm both and find the igaging to be a very good alternative. I also have Tesa (owners of Brown & Sharp) calipers. The igaging is nicer to use. If the OP needs calipers that can handle cutting fluid then go with the original choice. If he just wants a set of calipers for bench work at home etc the igaging will be fine.

 

[Citation]

For what it's worth, the counterfeit Mitutoyos I've seen aren't there more expensive cutting fluid resistant models but the standard digimatics. I would be reasonably confident buying from Amazon.

 

[Olafur]

Coolant proof Mitutoyo are (still) made in Japan. The regulars are not - if that matters to you. Mine 200mm has Auto power off. Something I consider a must since I frequently find my other calipers ON sitting in the drawer, with run out battery. Some MituToyo are metric only, probably not sold in the US.

Shopping for a decent affordable caliper I would look for something with auto power off. That would solve much of the battery issues they have.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

The Mit is THE industrial standard of electronic calipers. The batteries last around a year, from what the machinists say. I use a cheap one like the IGaging and try to keep a pack of batteries on the case. And have the dial caliper case under it. Get the hint !? I wish I had a Mit. I use the electronic one most often when the question is it metric or imperial ? I find it easier to work in the measuring system it was designed in.Calipers are considered only to be accurate to +- .005"

 

[davethorik]

Any decent digital caliper won't kill the batteries.
I know buying tools just because of the name is stupid, but Mitutoyo calipers are rock solid.

I know many machinists with Mitutoyo tools. I know of zero with igaging. I think that speaks volumes.

If they would have given themselves a less trendy sounding name, more machinists would probably buy them.

The trendy name leads me to believe these are targeted at the inexperienced home-gamer, who thinks buying a mid-range caliper is 40% better than the cheapies, when in reality they're probably made of the same Chinese parts.

 

[Citation]

Any decent digital caliper won't kill the batteries.
I know buying tools just because of the name is stupid, but Mitutoyo calipers are rock solid.

I know many machinists with Mitutoyo tools. I know of zero with igaging. I think that speaks volumes.

If they would have given themselves a less trendy sounding name, more machinists would probably buy them.

The trendy name leads me to believe these are targeted at the inexperienced home-gamer, who thinks buying a mid-range caliper is 40% better than the cheapies, when in reality they're probably made of the same Chinese parts.

Having looked at enough different calipers and owning two Mitutoyos myself, no these really are better than the average China stuff

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Just adding I ended up getting the mitutoyo with 20% off from zoro, it came out to be around 130ish. As I was checking out I realized that I had to spend 200 to get 20% off so I got a set of those wera insulated screwdrivers. I been needing insulated screwdrivers and put it off, but wanting to try those wera handles you all rave about, their alright so far I guess I'll give it some time to see of they grow or not.

As far as the caliper though, the difference between the mitutoyo and the cornwell one is huge. The mitutoyo is awesome, very solid. I knew as soon as I picked it up they were very high quality. I dont think I've ever laid hands on a caliper that is as good as the mitutoyo.

 

[mr.lemons]

Coolant proof Mitutoyo are (still) made in Japan. The regulars are not - if that matters to you.

Mine which were purchased new at the end of last year have 'made in Japan' on the packaging, case and the back of the calipers. Have they changed coo this year?

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Mine which were purchased new at the end of last year have 'made in Japan' on the packaging, case and the back of the calipers. Have they changed coo this year?

I got the coolant proof ones and they say made in japan. I cannot comment on the non coolant ones, however I will say that on zoros website, the non coolant model says "made in Japan (subject to change)" so take that as you will.

Mine also said the same thing on their website, but when I recieved them they said made in japan. Honestly judging from how quality these calipers are, I have a feeling that mitutoyo holds any supplier up to high standards regardless of origin. I am a bit of a tool snob though and would very much prefer anything made in US Germany Japan over anything made in china.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

I also want to add that I ordered the calipers on thursday morning 7 am and they were here the next day at noon. I will definently be shopping agian with zoros, another thank you to the members of GJ

 

[mrspeed]

That's a fair point, although its a much bigger problem for FBA inventory.

Sold by Amazon inventory gets supplied via 'Vendor Central'.

From what I could find, Amazon has been sued ~ 3 times for commingling internal inventory with FBA inventory.

Although in all of the specific cases I could find, this was recorded as the "sold by" party in the order summary/order invoice showing the commingled vendor.

This is because Amazon keeps FBA inventory separately and needs to track and bill back the supplier (the FBA sticker remains unique even when commingled).

I guess its a matter of being diligent to double check the order summary post order to ensure it says sold by Amazon (and therefore provided via Vendor Central).

Nothing is guarantied I suppose. If you have the chance, watch the documentary called "Counterfeit Culture" from 2013. It goes over how they even found counterfeit airplane components being supplied to the US military and many other fields like medicine and aviation; where some of the highest rigor against counterfeits exist; yet counterfeits still get through.

Everything I've read says that's not how commingling works at Amazon. Vendors can pay more to opt their inventory out of commingling, but Amazon itself does not opt out of this for its own inventory.

https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2014/07/01/pros-and-cons-commingling-amazon-merchants/

"The Amazon commingling fulfillment option mixes products with the same manufacturer ID from various third-party merchants selling on Amazon, along with those that Amazon sells, and from brands directly supplying Amazon."

Ironically, purchasing "sold by Amazon" is not the best way to avoid counterfeit items, it's purchasing from vendors that have opted out of commingling. Of course, you have no way of knowing which ones have done that. When you purchase items sold by Amazon, if that item on Amazon has 3rd party sellers using Amazon for fulfillment, or ever has in the past, you may still be receiving items that were sent to Amazon from 3rd party vendors.

This means purchasing items sold by Amazon has the exact same likelihood of receiving counterfeit items as from any other seller using fulfillment by Amazon, except for 3rd party sellers that opt out of commingling. The only benefit to purchasing items sold by Amazon is that it'll make returns less of a hassle if you figure out it's a counterfeit.



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[Fluelikesymptoms]

Everything I've read says that's not how commingling works at Amazon. Vendors can pay more to opt their inventory out of commingling, but Amazon itself does not opt out of this for its own inventory.

https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2014/07/01/pros-and-cons-commingling-amazon-merchants/

"The Amazon commingling fulfillment option mixes products with the same manufacturer ID from various third-party merchants selling on Amazon, along with those that Amazon sells, and from brands directly supplying Amazon."

Ironically, purchasing "sold by Amazon" is not the best way to avoid counterfeit items, it's purchasing from vendors that have opted out of commingling. Of course, you have no way of knowing which ones have done that. When you purchase items sold by Amazon, if that item on Amazon has 3rd party sellers using Amazon for fulfillment, or ever has in the past, you may still be receiving items that were sent to Amazon from 3rd party vendors.

This means purchasing items sold by Amazon has the exact same likelihood of receiving counterfeit items as from any other seller using fulfillment by Amazon, except for 3rd party sellers that opt out of commingling. The only benefit to purchasing items sold by Amazon is that it'll make returns less of a hassle if you figure out it's a counterfeit.



Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

I'm not a fan if amazon at all. The only time I shop with amazon is if I'm buying something that authenticity and quality dont matter. If I dont care too much about it and the cheapest option is Amazon then they get my business.

I think on ebay you at least have more control over scouting the sellers, but even then I dont care for Ebay too much either.

Everyone raves about how much cheaper amazon is, but with how competitive things have become you can also find a similar or maybe even better deal with another reputable retailer.

Imo Amazon is extremely overrated

 

[ttpete]

I'm not a fan if amazon at all. The only time I shop with amazon is if I'm buying something that authenticity and quality dont matter. If I dont care too much about it and the cheapest option is Amazon then they get my business.

I think on ebay you at least have more control over scouting the sellers, but even then I dont care for Ebay too much either.

Everyone raves about how much cheaper amazon is, but with how competitive things have become you can also find a similar or maybe even better deal with another reputable retailer.

Imo Amazon is extremely overrated

I don't think you're going to find anyone with the inventory and customer service that Amazon has. I've returned a couple of items, and it's very easy. You pull the order up in My Orders and click the return box. It will ask you the reason and e-mail you a UPS shipper. You tape it over the original shipper and drop it off at the nearest UPS store. When Amazon gets it, they will credit your credit card account.

I use Amazon for almost everything I need and with next day or two-day shipping, it's very convenient.

 

[P7M8]

I got these coolant proof 8” calipers from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LTCRASC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They are authentic according to all of the things I am supposed to look for. The fit and finish is exceptional. The same battery has been in use for over a year. Amazon was the cheapest site and also had quick shipping.


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