Used Mitituyo digital caliper: What does a buyer need to know

[1982fxr]

I see them on craigs for $60-70 (6") from time to time. I've never used a digi. What do i need to know about buying one? Is it simply, if it works it works?

Can the electrics go bad in a way that it will work fine when i go to see it but will end up being broken somehow when I start putting it to use?

thanks

 

[Davefr]

Personally I'd buy new when Enco has a coupon or a sale. $60-70 is not that great once you factor in time and gas.

As far as evaluation I'd make sure:

1. It's one of the later models
2. Go thru all the functions. Check for a couple rounds of repeatability. (bring a known standard if you have one.)
3. Make sure the LCD and any other parts are not damaged, worn, wobbly. (like from a fall).
4. I would not want one with any engraving unless it's much cheaper.
5. A bonus would be a recent calibration sticker traceable to NIST.
6. Make sure it includes the case.

Digimatics are excellent calipers.

 

[5mall5nail5]

One of the unfortunate things is that shops save a few bucks buying the non-IP67 units, which are fine, but then use them in chemical/coolant/oil environments and ruin them. Watch out for that.

 

[1982fxr]

Personally I'd buy new when Enco has a coupon or a sale. $60-70 is not that great once you factor in time and gas.

As far as evaluation I'd make sure:

1. It's one of the later models
2. Go thru all the functions. Check for a couple rounds of repeatability. (bring a known standard if you have one.)
3. Make sure the LCD and any other parts are not damaged, worn, wobbly. (like from a fall).
4. I would not want one with any engraving unless it's much cheaper.
5. A bonus would be a recent calibration sticker traceable to NIST.
6. Make sure it includes the case.

Digimatics are excellent calipers.

is there a certain vendor or do you buy direct? While I'm at it, overall what is the best digital 6" that'll give me .001 or better for under $100 shipped?

 

[helterskelter]

Used Mitutoyos are where its at for a home/garage/shop user. If you need .001'' or better buy a micrometer. I use Mitutoyo Absolute Digimatics at home. I have no use for IP67 calipers because I don't use them to measure filthy things. Find a pair that was dinged on the ID caliper part for a song (usually from a drop). They're of no use for a serious shop (all tools must pass calibration, even if it's just a ding on the ID part of calipers that's rarely used). Work around the damage.

 

[Adam.C]

is there a certain vendor or do you buy direct? While I'm at it, overall what is the best digital 6" that'll give me .001 or better for under $100 shipped?

I think all of them can do this. I have a cheap chinese model that I calibrated to +/-.001. The truth is, calipers are limited in their precision by design. To get readings of this precision, you need to have good technique.

I think Mitutoyo have better fitting moving parts which keeps annoyong grit out of them. And their heads don't eat batteries like the cheapies, which can be a significant bonus for a casual user.

I too recommend new mits (500-196) from Enco or such. Just now that Enco's hot deal 15% is usually %15 off of list. You can find similar deals on amazon everyday.

 

[Richard D]

I've never used a digi.

Are you sure you want one? I don't like them. You may want to try a friends for a while and see.