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When it comes to basically all measurement tools that a hobbyist would need, the top three companies are Starrett, Brown & Sharpe, and Mitutoyo. If you're just
by bityard 4y ago
When it comes to basically all measurement tools that a hobbyist would need, the top three companies are Starrett, Brown & Sharpe, and Mitutoyo. If you're just starting out or are limited in funds, buy these used from eBay or estate sales. If you need it to last for one project, go to Harbor Freight and buy two (in case the first one is DOA).
Personally, I like dial calipers because they are just as accurate, don't need batteries, and can sometimes tell you things that a digital one can't.
- Blackthorn 4y agoGood luck buying a Mitutoyo from eBay that isn't a fake. I won't buy measuring tools from anything except a factory authorized retailer anymore.
- dreamcompiler 4y agoI'd be skeptical about using the Amazon link in the article for the same reason.
- anon_cow1111 4y agoI usually prefer analog-everything but I always found dial calipers to be extremely drop-sensitive. Like a "shock-proof" set from work developed wiggly-needle syndrome after being dropped about 6-8 inches onto a sheet metal desk and could never really be zeroed perfectly again. By contrast a $30 digital set from Lowes or HD got flung into the concrete by a falling part and was still accurate to a few thousandths at least. (I did notice the "inside" gauges have slight variance between brand new pairs though, so the manufacturing tolerances probably aren't the best)
- porknubbins 4y agoGood call on digital. My cheap analog ones are exremely inconvenient compared to digital ones I’ve seen. Typically I do something like measure a bolt, realize I’m just looking at a bunch of unmarked lines, go back to zero and get in the ballpark then slowly open while counting mm lines until I’m just around the object.
- quartesixte 4y agoStarrett and Mitutoyo are good enough to build planes and rockets on a professional level.