Digital caliper with "circumference button"?

[uart]

I just bought a cheap digital caliper and was surprised to see an extra button marked (L/C). Never seen this before so hmm, what does this new button do? Well it turns out it just multiplies the reading by Pi (3.14159...).

Ok I get it, you can put the calipers on a diameter and have it read the circumference instead. But doesn't seem all that useful, and TBH I'd be more worried about accidentally hitting it and having all my measurements out by a factor of three.

Just wondering if anyone else has seen this function recently on digital calipers.

 

[darkzero]

That's pretty cool, I've never heard of that feature on digital calipers before. But like you, don't have a need for it on calipers & I wouldn't want it. I will never own/use one just like those fraction readout digital calipers. Actually I'm pretty much set for life for digital calipers.

Could you post a link to them?

 

[Garcky]

I just bought a cheap digital caliper and was surprised to see an extra button marked (L/C). Never seen this before so hmm, what does this new button do? Well it turns out it just multiplies the reading by Pi (3.14159...).

Ok I get it, you can put the calipers on a diameter and have it read the circumference instead. But doesn't seem all that useful, and TBH I'd be more worried about accidentally hitting it and having all my measurements out by a factor of three.

Just wondering if anyone else has seen this function recently on digital calipers.

Interesting idea. I'm not sure why I'd want to know that, though, after using a caliper to measure something's diameter.

 

[speed bump]

It would be handy in a sheet metal shop doing layout but I'm not sure how much I would use it otherwise.

 

[uart]

Could you post a link to them?

I'll post a picture later when I get a chance, but they were just a real cheapo from the bargain bin in my local Aldi supermarket (which they brand as "Workzone"). They were only $10 Australian which is dirt cheap (about 6.70 USD), and come in a decent case with a spare battery.

It's not that I really mind having the extra function that I'll probably never use, it's just that this new "Circumference" button replaces the normal "Zero" button. So now there's no dedicated zero button and they've combined that function with the on/off button, like one quick press to zero it and one long press to turn it off.

Kind of annoying since I often turn off my calipers when they're not fully closed, and with this set up I'm always accidentally zeroing them (when they're not at zero) because I don't hold the button for long enough.

Anyway, I was really just wondering if this was now "a thing" to put in extra functions like this. You know like if one major brand had done it and everyone else was copying. But if no one else here has seen one then I guess it's not common.

 

[neophyte]

The really expensive digital calipers I have have an On/Zero button, and that’s it.
No Off button, the calipers automatically turn Off after do many minutes of non-use.
Batteries can last years even when not used.
On/button is used for zeroing and with a push and hold action to switch from inches to metric.
Extra buttons wouldn't hurt, but aren’t really necessary.

 

[Al Borland]

Seen "Diameter" tape measures for Pipe Fitters/Plumbers. Wrap it around and it tells diameter and circumference. The Old Guys laugh at the apprentices when they show up with them.

 

[rockettauto]

Takes one step out of calculating cutting speed I suppose.

 

[goldtang]

Seen "Diameter" tape measures for Pipe Fitters/Plumbers. Wrap it around and it tells diameter and circumference. The Old Guys laugh at the apprentices when they show up with them.

I have 3 of the diameter tapes and I fit in to the old guy category had a look I have 4

 

[PCustoms]

I have 3 of the diameter tapes and I fit in to the old guy category

When I would hang out in my grandfather's shop (boilermaker, welding/sheet metal instructor) he gave me a well used one.

He was certainly was in the Old Guy category.

 

[goldtang]

When I would hang out in my grandfather's shop (boilermaker, welding/sheet metal instructor) he gave me a well used one.

He was certainly was in the Old Guy category.

One was from my dad was a mechanic he qualifies

 

[RoninB4]

Seen "Diameter" tape measures for Pipe Fitters/Plumbers. Wrap it around and it tells diameter and circumference. The Old Guys laugh at the apprentices when they show up with them.

-Sometimes called a "Pi-tape" and I found it very useful when determining larger pipe diameter that had a thick layer of insulation surrounding it in an industrial application. It sure beat guessing the pipe size that was inside the insulation wrap.

 

[uart]

Here are a few images if anyone is interested. Basic cheapo digital calipers, but kind of interesting that they decided to add this circumference feature.

 

[dr_clyde]

Seen "Diameter" tape measures for Pipe Fitters/Plumbers. Wrap it around and it tells diameter and circumference. The Old Guys laugh at the apprentices when they show up with them.

I never used one when I was fitting a lot of pipe, but I have sure used the **** out of them in the machine shop.

Sometimes you can’t measure diameter with traditional tools and a Pi tape just works the best.

 

[Kuma601]

Is it stateside? I measure round stock now then but seldom would need to have the circumference numbers in use. If it is available I would be curious.

 

[goldtang]

I never used one when I was fitting a lot of pipe, but I have sure used the **** out of them in the machine shop.

Sometimes you can’t measure diameter with traditional tools and a Pi tape just works the best.

same only in a machine shop