Comments on: Cheap-Ass Tools: Plastic Vernier Calipers

by: Ben Doan

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 17:57:03 +0000

These cheap little calipers are handy for use on wood measurements -not terribly accurate, but really tight as far as wood is concerned.

by: Freddie

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 22:14:37 +0000

We used these in high school.

Hey if it works, it works. Cheaper is better.

by: Chris S.

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:15:57 +0000

Just a heads up.
Harbor Freight has 2 cheap-o calipers in their coupons this week. $6 for the digital, $1 for the plastic
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/usa_cpnsave.html

by: ambush27

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:12:59 +0000

Yeah I got one of these from the local Canadian tire for a buck a while back, they definitely have many uses, after all its a real pain to measure round stuff with a ruler.

by: Kurt Schwind

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 02:20:47 +0000

Randy, thanks for the ‘how to read’ sites. I’ve never really used venier calipers before. Never really thought about it before, but that was well explained.

by: Stuey

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:49:33 +0000

I’ve had bad experiences with clones of these before, but to be fair - a $2 caliper will suit many purposes. I wouldn’t use these in high accuracy applications, but they could be good to have around.

Widget Supply also has a steel one for $13, a digital for $20, and a dial one for $25.

Eh, if I was going to spend $25, I’d opt for an “economic caliper” from McMaster Carr’s selection.

If anyone gets these, make sure not to bend the sliding metal rod. Even if you don’t see a visible bend, any slight deviation in its trueness will make the calipers a major pain to use.

by: Krazmo

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:23:40 +0000

I’ve always used cheap stainless steel calipers, available for about $8 from Enco. They’re pretty accurate, far better than plastic, but tough and cheap enough to use as a scribe.

Be sure to get the ones that will lock at one measurement with a thumbscrew.

by: Randy

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:16:13 +0000

And here’s a better one:

http://www.upscale.utoronto.ca/PVB/Harrison/Vernier/Vernier.html

by: Randy

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:12:59 +0000

Verniers are OK, but I sure like dials better. Digital are cool too, but I still don’t think they beat a dial caliper. I wouldn’t put my dial (or digital) underwater though. Just so folks know, here’s a website with a Java applet that shows how to read a vernier scale.

http://members.shaw.ca/ron.blond/Vern.APPLET/index.html