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Cheapest brake rotor thickness caliper tool?

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WWheeler

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Cheapest outside micrometer I could find that can measure 1" to 2" (25mm-50mm)

If your rotor thickness is under 1" you can find even cheaper.
There's also some nice used mechanical ones on ebay from better brands like Starrett and Fowler for not much more.

www.ebay.com

outside micrometer: Search Result | eBay

Buy and sell electronics, cars, fashion apparel, collectibles, sporting goods, digital cameras, baby items, coupons, and everything else on eBay, the world's online marketplace
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WWheeler

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Just to add, to use a 1"-2" mics like that you will need something of a known thickness to calibrate them with.
Doesn't look like that cheap set I linked above comes with a calibration rod like this but many do.


That said, anything with a known length in the range of your mics will work. If you have a set of calipers that you can zero out and measure the length of a screw or bolt, for example, you can get by with that. Unlike measuring runout when chasing down vibration/pulsating issues measuring rotor thickness doesn't really need to be all that precise because if you are anywhere close to the min thickness replace them every time.
 
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428PI

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If you notice on the jaws there is cutouts that might clear your lip on your rotor. You can always ground down the lip on the rotor if need to as it's not doing anything. I use my 0-1 inch micrometer for measuring rotors all the time (they go over 1 inch and works for my vehicles). Technically you need a micrometer that has the pointed anvils but those are more of course. You can always take them down to the local auto store that turns rotors and ask them if they're useable.
 
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rsanter

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They have clamp on jaw extensions for calipers, they are cheap and handy

Clamp them on (with little screws) and you have a longer reach as well as inside/outside slot measurements.

Perfect for digital calipers as you can close them and set to zero then go
 
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u2slow

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i grind the lip off rotors. Then measure.

On thicker rotors, i take minimum thicknesses with a grain of salt.
 
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nadogail

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Webster defines a Mechanic as a workman who is proficient in the use of tools. Have a Mechanic show you how to measure your rotors for wear.

I used to use a Plastic caliper for measurements like that, somebody helped them selves to it so now i use a caliper from Harbor Freight. A welding rod stub can e used as a known thickness spacer to compensate for the lip on the outer edge of the rotor.
 
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WWheeler

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Fedwrench said:
Take your rotors to a parts store for them to measure them, should be free. :lol:
Click to expand...

techkelly said:
I'm sure they have a tape measure behind the counter.

I've seen it done.
Click to expand...
Not a bad idea depending on where you go. Any of the O'Reilly's near me will measure them and turn them for you for $15 ea right then and there if they need it and still have enough meat left to be turned. If you take it to any of the Napas they're going to try to sell you a new rotor regardless and if you take it to any of the Autozones you're probably going to have to try to explain to them what the part even is.
 
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Jacobson

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rsanter said:
They have clamp on jaw extensions for calipers, they are cheap and handy

Clamp them on (with little screws) and you have a longer reach as well as inside/outside slot measurements.

Perfect for digital calipers as you can close them and set to zero then go
Click to expand...

Good idea. I can't find online.
Can you post a link to an example?
 
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Jacobson

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nadogail said:
Webster defines a Mechanic as a workman who is proficient in the use of tools. Have a Mechanic show you how to measure your rotors for wear.
Click to expand...

I was not aware that mechanics run trade schools for students in between repairs.
 
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WWheeler

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Jacobson said:
Good idea. I can't find online.
Can you post a link to an example?
Click to expand...

Amazon.com: HHIP 4100-0044 Caliper Accessory Kit : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: HHIP 4100-0044 Caliper Accessory Kit : Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com

That said, for about the same price, or maybe less if you go when there's a coupon, you can get a digital caliper made for this purpose.

www.harborfreight.com

6 in. Long Reach Digital Caliper

Amazing deals on this 6In Long Reach Digital Caliper at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com www.harborfreight.com
 
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pbon

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You can’t use the sliding caliper because of the lips that have formed on the outer edge of the rotor. You need the micrometer that looks sort of like a C clamp. Some rotors these days are 1.5” plus thick and some non vented tears are more like 0.5” so try to find one tgat can fo everything you need.
 
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Jacobson

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BillK said:
That wont tell you anything. You need something pointed to get into the wear grooves.
Click to expand...

I assume if the rotor has grooves, it needs to be replaced or resurfaced.
My thread is made with the assumption the rotor face is still flat.
 
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Xcursion88

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Jacobson said:
Considering how cheap rotors are,
if I spend the time to take the rotors off, I would just replace them.
Time > Money
I am trying to save time.
Click to expand...
What are you trying to find out?

If your brakes are behaving in such a fashion you're looking into rotor thickness....just replace the rotors AND PADS.

If your pads are low....and you bought aftermarket rotors non Brembo or the like...again buy new rotors and pads.

Rotors amid the aftermarket are built being disposable in mind. The material used is far from the OEM rotors that came with it new.

Unless you're talking about super duty platform (ford) rotors are not very expensive.

They are good for about the life of a pad. Put only new pads on and you'll find out real quick you now need rotors. Then if you put only rotors on and your "still like new pads" you'll ruin the new rotors because your like new pads are distorted from your rotors that went bad.

Don't get caught tail chasing

Good luck
 
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