best cheap calipers?
- Thread starter Veker
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There are many out there for under $20 that would be just fine forever. I have Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Dial Calipers that I bought for $15 about 4 years ago and MidwayUSA now has them for $10.00. They also have Frankrord Electronic Calipers for under $20, but I like the dial ones better. Accuracy is the same for both, +/- .001" and it boils down to your preference on which one is best for your use. Personally, if I ever break mine I will buy the same dial calibers next time.
scooter123
Member
I have a cheap Harbor Freight electronic caliper that worked well for about 4 weeks, then it started "skipping" and the reading would jump an inch or more for about 1/32 inch of movement. Because of this I really can't recommend the cheap electronics made in China, you would be better off getting an old fashioned dial caliper. If you really want some economy electronic calipers look for one imported from Taiwan. I have the following on my reloading bench and they work quite well in spite of my dropping them and putting a crack in the bezel.
Production Tool Supply
For some inexpensive dial type see the following.
Production Tool Supply
Yeah, I like Production Tool, the closest store in my area is only 2 miles from my house and most of the time the prices are pretty darned good.
Production Tool Supply
For some inexpensive dial type see the following.
Production Tool Supply
Yeah, I like Production Tool, the closest store in my area is only 2 miles from my house and most of the time the prices are pretty darned good.
I have a couple of Grizzly tools 4" calibers marked S&W. That's right and they work. Remember dirt and chips are their worst enemy.
ImjinScout
Member
I bought the Hornady 6“ digital calipers from Midway and have been using them for about 3 years now without any problems. And it that time I had to replace the battery only once. Not bad for $22.00
Moe Mentum
Member
How about Harbor Freight for $9.99 can't find them any cheaper than that, and they work the same as brand names.
MyDads38
Member
I have an older set of Sears Craftsman dial calipers (made in japan). Stainless Steel and work wonderfully. They were given to me several years ago by another fellow who stopped reloading. He gave me several nice things and sold the rest. I just saw a set on E-bay, with original box, hard case, instructions/manual and they only went for $9.99! I almost bought them myself; but I don't see myself needing another set this late in the game!
Frank237
Absent Comrade
I agree. Have two of these and both have continued to be accurate and reliable.
Mine were about $30 bucks...
Mine were about $30 at Lowe's and they've been good a long time. Plastic, so you have to be careful not to put too much pressure on them and booger up the measuring surfaces.
Mine were about $30 at Lowe's and they've been good a long time. Plastic, so you have to be careful not to put too much pressure on them and booger up the measuring surfaces.
All of the Chinese calipers are pretty much the same, regardless of the name printed on them or little differences in paint or design. There are even some that are claiming to be American made that are using the Chinese parts assembled in the U.S. so you need to be careful.
I have a local Harbor Freight store and buy a lot of their stuff. If it's defective, all you have to do is return it for replacement or refund. But since they don't have their tools printed with "famous name brands" or logos, their prices are usually noticeably lower than the exact same tools you will find elsewhere.
With the economy in America, and the business ethics of some manufacturers, "Made in the U.S.A." is losing it's significance.
I have a local Harbor Freight store and buy a lot of their stuff. If it's defective, all you have to do is return it for replacement or refund. But since they don't have their tools printed with "famous name brands" or logos, their prices are usually noticeably lower than the exact same tools you will find elsewhere.
With the economy in America, and the business ethics of some manufacturers, "Made in the U.S.A." is losing it's significance.
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gwpercle
Member
I got a nice one at Cabela's a few years back, has Cabela's on the dial. 6 inch stainless steel. It was around 20 dollars then but now it's $29.99 ( inflation ). Ten more than your target but a darn nice caliper for the money.
Gary
Gary
Don't forget to check on eBay. I bought an all stainless steel calipers like the one pictured several years ago. It has been great. I especially like the way it can display decimal inches, metric units, and fractions (1/64, etc.) all with the push of a button.
Yes, I also have a "real", stainless, dial indicating calipers that cost a fair amount decades ago and a really cheap YPVC (Yellow Plastic Vernier Calipers) for times when I need to avoid scratches. They also work great, but I usually reach for the stainless electronic first.
Harley Fan
Member
I bought these at Harbour Freight... As memory serves, I think they were $17 or so.
(Had to smile- looks like I was pecking away here with my Lee Loader)
(Had to smile- looks like I was pecking away here with my Lee Loader)
fredj338
Member
Hf ss dial are fine for 90% of our reloading needs. Unless you want to spend some serious $$, avoid the digital ones. The cheap ones fail sooner than later. Besides, you'll spend more on the batteries than the caliper.
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When it comes to fine measuring instruments I only go with Starrett or Brown & Sharp. I'm sure there are less expensive models that will still work, but my Grandfather was a Machinist and an Engineer and I am use to using his high quality tools. I LOVE using and holding the tools that he used some of which are almost 100 years old - and still as accurate as the day they ere made. When ever I have had to buy something that I didn't have I always go with the Starrett or B & S brand - and have no problem with buying gently used ones. If fact there are plenty of high quality used ones on line these days.
Well, I like quality products as much as anyone. I turn my nose up at most revolvers not marked S&W. I will take your word for the quality of the "HF ss dial" product. However, it has NOT been my experience that my cheap ones fail early.
Mine was purchased on eBay long enough ago that I cannot recall the price but it was likely less than $20. Admittedly, it is ALL stainless, rather than plastic. It retains its zero perfectly and is very repeatable through many measurements over the years and the results match my not so cheap, dial indicating calipers.
Yes, I did replace the original battery with a name brand item within the first year, but it was NOT expensive and has lasted a long time since.
As they say, "Your mileage my vary" . . . But, my experience has been remarkably good.
You are going to bet your hands, eyes, and possible well being on a 'cheap caliper' or 'cheap powder scale'? This is not the time to go with the Low Bidder price tag.
A cheap press can be troublesome, but cheap measuring tools can hurt you.
A cheap press can be troublesome, but cheap measuring tools can hurt you.
My HF calipers are over 10 years old and have never given a bad reading. I do take very good care of them and do a calibration check every time I use them with a set of feeler gauges.
The only trouble I did have with them was they ate batteries. After a long investigation I found that it's a good idea to turn them off after you use them.
Even if they were off a little I wouldn't worry about them, as long as they were off consistently, but it's never happened yet. The biggest drawback I've seen to HF tools isn't so much "quality" as it is "quality control". Plus, you have to know what to expect from them, if you want a $200 tool, then buy a $200 tool.
The only trouble I did have with them was they ate batteries. After a long investigation I found that it's a good idea to turn them off after you use them.
Even if they were off a little I wouldn't worry about them, as long as they were off consistently, but it's never happened yet. The biggest drawback I've seen to HF tools isn't so much "quality" as it is "quality control". Plus, you have to know what to expect from them, if you want a $200 tool, then buy a $200 tool.
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I have found Pawn Shops to be a good source. You can often find upper end calipers like B&S or Sterett for less than you'd pay for a cheap Chinese unit.
