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Posted: 5/10/2010 4:31:34 PM EDT
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I'm looking to pick up a decent set of digital calipers that would allow me to precisely measure IDs and ODs of common AR parts. I'm not looking for the Lamborghini nor am I looking for the Kia, I'd prefer the Honda if you follow what I'm saying. I'd like it to be accurate to +/-0.01. Durability is important but I don't plan on beating it up or having it roll around in the tool box with hammers, wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers. Something around $30 would be ideal but if I have to spend a bit more just let me know.
What would you guys recommend? |
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Jerz,
You're not going to get a pair of Starrett's for 30.00 I am a machinist and have Mitutoyo, Browne & Sharpe, and Starrett tools. All of them are great but none of them are 30.00 I also have a pair of cheap no name digital calipers that were given to me and they seem to measure very well. Probably within .002 which is very acceptable for a tinkerer\repairman. Hecho in China. I just paused and found the pair that I have on Ebay for .99 cents! Plus shipping around 10.00 Even if you go wrong you only lose 10.00 Several there to choose from. If you go the cheap route just compare them with someone else's measurements from a pair of brand name calipers. |
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Quoted:
Jerz, You're not going to get a pair of Starrett's for 30.00 I am a machinist and have Mitutoyo, Browne & Sharpe, and Starrett tools. All of them are great but none of them are 30.00 I also have a pair of cheap no name digital calipers that were given to me and they seem to measure very well. Probably within .002 which is very acceptable for a tinkerer\repairman. Hecho in China. I just paused and found the pair that I have on Ebay for .99 cents! Plus shipping around 10.00 Even if you go wrong you only lose 10.00 Several there to choose from. If you go the cheap route just compare them with someone else's measurements from a pair of brand name calipers. Thanks, thought I was crazy. Seen the same thing. The newer digital's are as accurate as my older dial calipers to the point I don't know where the latter have gotten too. Have noticed Sears, Frankford, Midway and a host of others all appear the same. Plus have a port to hook up to a PC / printer if you're smarter than me 458 |
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Quoted:
Jerz, You're not going to get a pair of Starrett's for 30.00 I am a machinist and have Mitutoyo, Browne & Sharpe, and Starrett tools. All of them are great but none of them are 30.00 I also have a pair of cheap no name digital calipers that were given to me and they seem to measure very well. Probably within .002 which is very acceptable for a tinkerer\repairman. Hecho in China. I just paused and found the pair that I have on Ebay for .99 cents! Plus shipping around 10.00 Even if you go wrong you only lose 10.00 Several there to choose from. If you go the cheap route just compare them with someone else's measurements from a pair of brand name calipers. Those Starretts were more then I remembered.  Bad suggestion I suppose.
As per the chinese calipers. I remember reading there is two major kinds. One of them actually shuts off when you hit the power button, and the other does not. The batteries will last longer on the former. |
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http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productNumber=604242
IMO- These seem comparable to some expensive mitutoyos I've used at work. They're solid honda; repeatable and read to the thousandths. |
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Quoted: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productNumber=604242 IMO- These seem comparable to some expensive mitutoyos I've used at work. They're solid honda; repeatable and read to the thousandths. I've got these, they work for my needs and I would recommend em. |
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Quoted:
Those Starretts were more then I remembered. Bad suggestion I suppose.
As per the chinese calipers. I remember reading there is two major kinds. One of them actually shuts off when you hit the power button, and the other does not. The batteries will last longer on the former. Yeah Starretts running $90-300+ on Amazon are definitely out of my price range. I saw some cheap ones on Amazon and think they are the ones you're talking about; the majority of reviews said when you put them in the case they turn on and drain the battery. I'm going to look into some of the Mitutoyo. ETA: still a little pricey I'd rather stay away from the cheapest Chinese ebay stuff and definitely want a digital set rather than the dial type. Thanks a lot guys! 240schwag, NC is great and no way I miss NJ! We have this crazy thing down here called shall-issue concealed carry. 
ETA: What do you guys think of Carrera and Neiko? After reading the reviews I'm almost sold on the Neiko and the price seems perfect. |
| Digital caliper for around $30? You might as well use a tape measure for the accuracy you are likely to get from them but you can get yourself a fair set of dial calipers (not verniers) that will measure accurately and repeatably to .01 in/mm for $30-50. Anything in that price range will be giving something up in either accuracy or durability and digital stuff will be even more delicate, good tools are expensive and if you really have a need for this type of tool you will buy quality and buy it once if you are smart. |
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Quoted:
Digital caliper for around $30? You might as well use a tape measure for the accuracy you are likely to get from them but you can get yourself a fair set of dial calipers (not verniers) that will measure accurately and repeatably to .01 in/mm for $30-50. Anything in that price range will be giving something up in either accuracy or durability and digital stuff will be even more delicate, good tools are expensive and if you really have a need for this type of tool you will buy quality and buy it once if you are smart. 
Last I checked most tape measures only measure to 1/64" and the accuracy is dependent upon your abilities. I'm sure even a cheap set of calipers are more accurate and precise than a tape measure. I have no issues giving up something in terms of durability and accuracy since as I said they won't be getting banged around in the tool box with hammers, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers etc. and since most advertise accuracy to .001" which is more than enough. I never said I "really have a need" for this tool but it would be useful to have one around. I'm not making parts for a nuclear reactor, engine, or the next shuttle; just measuring gun parts when I feel the need. Next time give it a little more thought before you open your mouth! 
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Well if you would like to purchase a cheap junk tool that you feel is suitable for making precision measurements on your rifle then go for it! I am sorry I gave you any advice as you are obviously unworthy of it, go buy whatever crap you like, I am sure it will be more than adequate for anything you can manage to hammer together.
FWIW I've been using calipers, verniers or micrometers for a long time....have you ever used any of them? |
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Quoted:
Well if you would like to purchase a cheap junk tool that you feel is suitable for making precision measurements on your rifle then go for it! I am sorry I gave you any advice as you are obviously unworthy of it, go buy whatever crap you like, I am sure it will be more than adequate for anything you can manage to hammer together. FWIW... nothing... I've been using calipers, verniers or micrometers for a long time....have you ever used any of them? I'm sorry, I guess my last sentence was a little too difficult for you to comprehend; Let me be a little more clear.... stay out of my thread, thanks! 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Those Starretts were more then I remembered. Bad suggestion I suppose.
As per the chinese calipers. I remember reading there is two major kinds. One of them actually shuts off when you hit the power button, and the other does not. The batteries will last longer on the former. Yeah Starretts running $90-300+ on Amazon are definitely out of my price range. I saw some cheap ones on Amazon and think they are the ones you're talking about; the majority of reviews said when you put them in the case they turn on and drain the battery. I'm going to look into some of the Mitutoyo. ETA: still a little pricey I'd rather stay away from the cheapest Chinese ebay stuff and definitely want a digital set rather than the dial type. Thanks a lot guys! 240schwag, NC is great and no way I miss NJ! We have this crazy thing down here called shall-issue concealed carry.
ETA: What do you guys think of Carrera and Neiko? After reading the reviews I'm almost sold on the Neiko and the price seems perfect. I used the Neiko calipers in a machine shop I worked for in Oregon. The QC guys used them as well, measuring tolerances of + - .005 inch within the needs of that setting, so I would venture to say they will work well for your needs. |
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