vernier caliper suggestions

[sweetk30]

looking for a GOOD QUALITY set of digital vernier calipers for were i work .

we need a good quality set for the line of work we do and the cheepy stuff wont fit the bill .

who is the good brands anymore ?

thanks for your feedback .

 

[davethorik]

Just digital caliper. The vernier is a different type.
Since you want good, look at Mitutoyo. The digital models are all made in Japan iirc. They are super smooth out of the box, and rugged enough for machine shop use. Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller like msc, grainger, zoro to avoid knockoffs.

 

[Mike Folks]

Look at Starrett EC799A-6 6" Digital Vernier Calipers. A 12" version is also available.

 

[Stuey]

Mitutoyo.

I own 500-196-20 for 6".

 

[Made in USA]

Mitutoyo

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IG46NL2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I assume you want digital, not vernier.
Vernier is old tech, takes some skill to read, looks like this:

 

[bob15]

B&S, Starrett or Mitutoyo for digital calipers.

Verniers:

Dial Calipers:

Digital Calipers:

 

[viikinki]

One more vote for Mitutoyo

 

[seber]

I have three Mitutoyos and two Brown and Sharpe. The B&S are both more accurate than any of the Mitutoyos. They are also much smoother operating. But if you really need accuracy, use a micrometer.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

For a vernier , the Japanese NSK seemed to be in everyone's toolbox. I can't read mine without a magnifying glass now

 

[Professional Tool User]

If you're going to spend the money, then Mitutoyo.

 

[dr_clyde]

Mitutoyo Absolute Digimatic are the industry go to for digital calipers. I highly doubt you want actual verniers, and are just using the term to refer to a sliding beam caliper as opposed to a spring caliper.

If you are needing to measure accurately and reliably to less than .005”, you should really be using a micrometer. Again, Mitutoyo. The Quantumike is a great choice.

 

[Citation]

Can't go wrong with Mitutoyos. B&S/TESA, Starrett are also good. I think iGaging is an impressive value and a real step up from the HF/no name stuff. Still, if cost is not a big concern you can't go wrong with Mitutoyo. In terms of traditional 6 or 8 inch calipers I feel like even B&S/TESA and Starett aren't as good.

 

[sweetk30]

thanks to everyone . looks like the i got some looking to do for the few brands .

 

[Trucky]

spring for the IP67 version if you work in the industry...

https://www.amazon.com/Mitutoyo-500-752-20-Digimatic-Caliper-IP67/dp/B07YVH77DD

Worth every penny and then some. Don't forget extra batteries, of a good brand. Carbide jaws if you are measuring real hard stuff... just don't drop them.

 

[HenryAZ]

I prefer Mitutoyo as well. I buy from different reputable sources.

Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller like msc, grainger, zoro to avoid knockoffs.

I would add MSI-Viking Gage to that list. They are often the most competitive on price, too.

 

[matt_i]

The digitals are nice because its a quick change from inch to metric.

But I'm always partial to my old dials. They also won't leave you stranded one day looking all over for an overpriced CR2032 at a retail store.

I've seen some all-plastic inexpensive dial calipers which would be decent for a traveling kit and work outside the shop. Reasonable resolution where a tape measure won't work. Don't recall the brand right off though.

 

[bob15]

The digitals are nice because its a quick change from inch to metric.

But I'm always partial to my old dials. They also won't leave you stranded one day looking all over for an overpriced CR2032 at a retail store.

I've seen some all-plastic inexpensive dial calipers which would be decent for a traveling kit and work outside the shop. Reasonable resolution where a tape measure won't work. Don't recall the brand right off though.

I agree and prefer my Starrett dial ones.

The plastic calipers I have were Swiss made and sold my Lyman reloading. They are probably 35 years old by now and worked fine for reloading ammo. Don't use them anymore, but still have them.....

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I have a 30 year old Chinese dial I prefer over my Starrett one. On the machinist forums when it come to electronic they all say Mitutoyo . With my electronic calipers I always keep a pack of 357 batteries on hand. I never buy just one.

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

B&S, Starrett or Mitutoyo for digital calipers.

Verniers:

Dial Calipers:

Digital Calipers:

I have both calipers pictured. Purchased the Starrett 40 years ago while in Tech School. Purchased one of the very early Mitutoyo models around 1986. Since then, I've purchased a three more Mitutoyo's; two 6" and a 12"; not because they broke. I have one at my desk and the others in the shop. You'll be very happy with Mitutoyo. Only time my Starrett sees the light of day is when I open the box to see if it's still there.

 

[quadrcr87]

Damn you Garage Journal! You got me again.

I just ordered a Mitutoyo 500-196-30 AOS Absolute Caliper 0-6" from MSI-Viking Gauge for $111 and free shipping. About the same price as Amazon but I can trust that this wont be a fake.

 

[Xcursion88]

Brown and Sharpe
Mitutoyo
Starrett
Fowler

You didn't say what type of work.

Do NOT forget some of these now offer an IP waterproof rating which could prove useful.

Good luck

 

[Citation]

For those who are patient and want an eBay deal, ST-Industries sold rebranded Mitutoyo calipers a while back. I have a 6" and 8" sets. These are from probably the 90s. They are absolute models.

This is a 12” version but should give you an idea
https://www.ebay.com/itm/S-T-Indust...ic-Caliper-0-12-300mm-Range-0005/133345386617

 

[txvwnut]

If it’s vernier you want look at Helios, made in Germany high quality and easy to read scale for an old guy like me.

 

[Mas78]

The Mitutoyo 500-196-20 has been replaced with 500-196-30.
If you don't need SPC output these are my first choice as well.

 

[geo9]

Another vote for Mitutoyo. I would also propose Insize calipers is you were in Europe and on budget, but I see you are not. So not sure if it's worth it

 

[mowkep]

I have 2 pairs of the Mitutoyo digitals since I started 32 years ago. Good stuff

 

[hobby_guy]

I just ordered a Mitutoyo 500-196-30 AOS Absolute Caliper 0-6" from MSI-Viking Gauge for $111 and free shipping. About the same price as Amazon but I can trust that this wont be a fake.

I purchased a Mitutoyo digital micrometer and calipers from them, too

 

[mattb.351]

For a vernier , the Japanese NSK seemed to be in everyone's toolbox. I can't read mine without a magnifying glass now

And the best thing is that verniers were always IP67 rated...