Micrometer Standard Source

[bdbecker]

Does anyone know of a good source for outside micrometer standards? Looking for a 1" and 2". Strictly for home use, no certs needed. I see Amazon and Ebay have them, but was wondering if there was somewhere else I should also look before I make an order.

The backstory...
The small fab shop where I cut my teeth many years ago closed down this fall and a bunch of tools and equipment were auctioned off. One of the things I bid on that I was not expecting to win was a 0-3 Starrett outside micrometer set, but it did not come with a box or standards. Making a new wood box should be a fun project, but I need to get some standards if the micrometers are going to be of any use.

While I'm kind of bummed out about the shop closing down, my Dad talked to the owner and it sounds like this was a decision he made on his own, not something he was forced into. He's in his mid-50's and he's looking to slow things down and enjoy life. He got an office job with a company that used to be one of his customers and is looking forward to taking a vacation and not having to worry the whole time about how things are going at the shop. The shop itself is on his acreage and he didn't want to move, so he cashed out on the equipment instead of trying to sell the business to someone else.

 

[FMB4]

Used L.S. Starrett off of eB*y, etc is what I'd recommend. Mitutoyo would be my 2nd choice.

 

[kjbenner]

Looks like Mitutoyo standards are $20ish on Amazon, no-name ones $5-10. I'd probably buy the Mitutoyos since it's not that much more. Still like half the price of non-traceable Starretts.

Here's some storage box inspiration, sounds like a fun project!

 

[APEowner]

I'm sure that there are less expensive sources but I've always bought mine from either MSC or McMaster. I'd avoid Amazon and eBay out of concerns for counterfeits.

 

[X1 Mike]

Did you happen to get any 1-2-3 blocks? Those are plenty good enough for the accuracy you need with micrometers.

 

[bdbecker]

Did you happen to get any 1-2-3 blocks? Those are plenty good enough for the accuracy you need with micrometers.

I did actually - nine of them.

I'm terrible at auctions... I'll put $20 on this, $18 on that, only expecting to maybe win one thing. Then I check the status during my lunch break only to realize I won pretty much everything I bid on and am now on the hook for $150. Oh well, at least I only bid on things that I actually have a need for so it'll all be used. I already told Dad he could have half the blocks, I don't think I'll need all of them.

 

[bob15]

Starrett or B&S (non-slant line). Just not a fan of mitutiyo.

 

[larry_g]

If your setting up for machining then a cheap set of setup block may kill two birds;

Gage Block Sets - - Space Block Set

www.msdiscounttool.com

lg
no neat sig line

 

[PBCampbell]

Some years back ball bearings of a certain precision were recommended as a cheap alternative to manufacturer standards.

 

[minke]

In HS shop class (>60 years ago) we checked calibration with cellophane from a cigarette pack. IIRC the cellophane was genuinely consistent and suitable for a cheap standard at (again IIRC) .01 inch. I can't remember if we were permitted to touch the Johansson blocks.

If I am completely off topic I apologize. Please let me know.

 

[X1 Mike]

Some years back ball bearings of a certain precision were recommended as a cheap alternative to manufacturer standards.

Yes, ball bearings can be very good for checking size. If you need to grind a compound angle you will put a ball in the low corner and measure over the top of it. You obviously have to trig out the formula. I have the formula for an angle pretty much still memorized but not a compound.

In HS shop class (>60 years ago) we checked calibration with cellophane from a cigarette pack. IIRC the cellophane was genuinely consistent and suitable for a cheap standard at (again IIRC) .01 inch. I can't remember if we were permitted to touch the Johansson blocks.

If I am completely off topic I apologize. Please let me know.

Why measure the cellophane? A 0-1" mic can just be checked to zero. Close the mic on a piece of paper and drag the mic off the paper, this will clean the anvils. Then just close it on itself. All the way closed should be zero.

 

[humber2]

In HS shop class (>60 years ago) we checked calibration with cellophane from a cigarette pack. IIRC the cellophane was genuinely consistent and suitable for a cheap standard at (again IIRC) .01 inch. I can't remember if we were permitted to touch the Johansson blocks.

If I am completely off topic I apologize. Please let me know.

In my Tap and Die collection I have several CEJ items but never knew the source until last weekend when I found this Catalog and searched this forum.

Here’s a paragraph answering minke’s suggestion.

And imaged is a test piece every mechanic joining our Air Force in WW2 had to make with only basic hand tools.

The center square has to fit but stay put in at least 8 ways if done right.

Perhaps a Johanssen block might have been used to verify the final result?

 

[RoninB4]

1-2-3 blocks should not be considered a "standard" until verified. Several makes of them purposely leave them oversize for the buyer to finish grind for size, parallel, and perpendicularity. I've owned more than one set like this and purposely purchased them for that very reason. Better get something else to use as a standard.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

If the numbers match with the manufacturer’s item number and it’s coming from Amazon and not third party, then just order through them. You can also use Zoro and try to find a coupon code on the thread we have here. McMaster or MSC Direct are other reliable and reputable sources. I’d suggest a jo/gauge block just because I personally prefer having a longer surface area to check my mics on instead of the smaller pins.

1-2-3 blocks will definitely work IF you could verify they were ground to size. Like my crappy Chinese ones are usually a few tenths out but my $200 Suburban Tool set came with certs and are dead on.

 

[RTM]

Replying to an old thread, but here are some options at MSCdirect, depending on the range needed.

https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn?searchterm=calibration%20standard&hdrsrh=true&rd=k

 

[bdbecker]

I kind of forgot about this thread... sorry about that. Thanks for the input guys.

As it turns out, two out of the three micrometers are going to need some work. One is very gritty and the other is stuck. While I'm not too familiar with the inner workings of micrometers, I have found some good resources on how to clean and repair them. But that was nearly a year ago and they are still tucked away in the back of my toolbox waiting for some attention. Maybe some night this winter when I'm looking for some QST, I'll pull them out and get them cleaned up.