Machinist question/calipers

[elevator joe]

Hey guys are there other options for using a calipers in tight quarters to get measurements. I would like to get as accurate as I can but can't find a small enough caliper,there too long. Ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[JJThrasher]

How about a micrometer. They're usually shorter.

 

[elevator joe]

Sorry I should have specified what I was doing. The measurement is a gap between two plates so a micrometer is out.Is there anything wrong with using an inside caliper like you use for woodworking and then measuring that with a micrometer?

 

[flyingblind]

Inside micrometer

 

[Bdgjr215]

Use a telescoping gauge and mic that

 

[elevator joe]

Thanks fellas, it's hard to beat someone at their own trade!! I appreciate the help. Glad to be a part of the G.J.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Use a telescoping gauge and mic that

this is the easiest, gage blocks are more accurate.

 

[larry_g]

An adjustable parrallel can be used. Check figure 8 in he link below.

https://www.wisc-online.com/LearningContent/mtl3902/MLT3902.htm

lg
no neat sig line

 

[zkling]

Without seeing the situation, I'd just use the inside jaws on a pair of calipers, unless something more accurate is needed.

Use a telescoping gauge and mic that

Be careful using a telescoping gauge between two flat surfaces, you have to worry about alignment in two planes. Unlike on a hole where you are aiming for the maximum measurement, between two flat plates you are shooting for a minimum and it is difficult to obtain that way.

 

[OkRider]

I'm with the gage block and adjustable parallel crew on this.

I once worked in a shop where they ground off the ID measuring part of the calipers because guys were using them to measure things they shouldn't. A lot of scrap parts lead to that decision. Now, mind you, they were the company tools. Mine stayed in my tool box.

 

[Dave455]

Sorry I should have specified what I was doing. The measurement is a gap between two plates so a micrometer is out.Is there anything wrong with using an inside caliper like you use for woodworking and then measuring that with a micrometer?

Nothing wrong with this!

With a little practice you will be within a thou!

Screw adjustable calipers are nice here. Adjust so they are just dragging on the plates, then adjust your mic so the drag feels the same!

Sure, a telescopic gauge is better, but you don't always have one in the right size!

 

[Robby321]

Gage blocks..there made for that...

 

[Doug Arthurs]

adjustable parrallel would be my vote too.

 

[Adam.C]

adjustable parrallel would be my vote too.

You need a screwdriver to tighten an adjustable parallel. This is not the right tool for the job.

Gage blocks? Really?

Telescoping gauges or hole gages are the right tools. Failing that, if you have space to get a set of digicals in there, do so with your finger on the zero button. Maneuver the tool into position, hit zero, remove the calipers and close the jaw. That's your measurement.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

You need a screwdriver to tighten an adjustable parallel. This is not the right tool for the job.

Gage blocks? Really?

Telescoping gauges or hole gages are the right tools. Failing that, if you have space to get a set of digicals in there, do so with your finger on the zero button. Maneuver the tool into position, hit zero, remove the calipers and close the jaw. That's your measurement.

Depending on the tolerance, yes gage blocks are the answer.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

 

[larry_g]

Depending on the tolerance, yes gage blocks are the answer.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

And that is the question that should have been asked of the OP. What distance are you measuring and what are the tolerances or accuracy you need? To some a tenth of an inch is a tight tolerance and others a tenth of thousands is a normal tolerance.

If a few thousands then a feeler gauge could be used.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Jim Johnstone]

And that is the question that should have been asked of the OP. What distance are you measuring and what are the tolerances or accuracy you need? To some a tenth of an inch is a tight tolerance and others a tenth of thousands is a normal tolerance.

If a few thousands then a feeler gauge could be used.

lg
no neat sig line

True enough.

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

 

[77Mini]

Roughly how big is the gap you are measuring?

 

[flyingblind]

Internal Dial Caliper

 

[elevator joe]

Wow you guys ,I didn't realize there were so many options. Thanks to every one for your input. I obviously have a lot to learn. Time restraints limited me to my outside calipers and a micrometer I bought on the way home. The G.J. again seems to be a solid tool in the "box" that doesn't disappoint!
Thanks again...Joe

 

[mjoekingz28]

Without seeing the situation, I'd just use the inside jaws on a pair of calipers, unless something more accurate is needed.



Be careful using a telescoping gauge between two flat surfaces, you have to worry about alignment in two planes. Unlike on a hole where you are aiming for the maximum measurement, between two flat plates you are shooting for a minimum and it is difficult to obtain that way.

Nice advice!

Isnt it neat how diagonals are longer!

Like how they measure tv sets.