MICROMETERS & CALIPERS DISCUSSED (FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN QUALITY)

[chief38]

Something different for a change - if anyone here is interested.

I find myself using Micrometers and Calipers multiple times a week now that I am spending so much time in my home work shop. I've got at least 8 micrometers of which all are Starrett's with the exception of one Brown & Sharpe model #13. While I usually do prefer Starrett tools over all, in the case of my 0" - 1" Mic the Brown & Sharpe is my favorite.

I have at least one Mic in every one inch increment up to 6 inches but my 0" - 1" is the most used of all.

As far as Calipers go my all time favorite is my 6" Starrett Dial Caliper which I bought new around 42 years ago. It's got a special attachment to make it much easier and more accurate for depth readings as well. I also have some Vernier Calipers which I don't use much anymore because they are very hard to read. My Mitutoyo instruments are also good quality but I just don't gravitate to them much (once in a while) - one tends to use what they like the best I suppose.

I've also got a plethora of Starrett, Brown & Sharpe and Lufkin Compasses, Comparator Calipers and Machinists Squares as well as pretty much any type of thread measuring gauges, Wire Gauges, Feeler Gauges one could dream of. I do use those on occasion too.

I know many who read this won't give a hoot about brands and their only use of a Caliper might be for Reloading (COL) purposes, but I figured I'd also mention the following for those who are.

There are many gently used, vintage Starrett, Brown & Sharpe, etc high quality measuring tools and instruments on ebay at ridiculously low prices that are there for the purchasing if one needs them or is interested in high quality instruments. Some are actually not any or much more than the cheap Chinese alternative some guys buy new.

Well, I hope there are others here who are interested in high quality measuring tools of yesteryear. Chime in if you are!

 

[old bear]

Spent many summer vacations working in a friend of my Dads machine shop. Ended up with a selection of Brown and Sharp measuring tools. Dial calipers, micrometers, and assorted other precision measuring tools.

When I started in L/E I sold them at Giveaway prices. Oh-well. Chief, I am happy that you still have your tools and enjoy using them.

 

[CH4]

I frequently use my RCBS dial calipers for things other than reloading

 

[chief38]

Spent many summer vacations working in a friend of my Dads machine shop. Ended up with a selection of Brown and Sharp measuring tools. Dial calipers, micrometers, and assorted other precision measuring tools.

When I started in L/E I sold them at Giveaway prices. Oh-well. Chief, I am happy that you still have your tools and enjoy using them.

Some I purchased new, some used on ebay. Others I got from my Dad and some from my Grandfather too. All get used and I truly enjoy using high quality instruments.

When at a friends house and I'm assisting them (showing them the ropes) at Reloading, they usually hand me a plastic piece of junk Caliper they bought online, from Midway, Brownell's etc. Yeah they sort of work but using them makes me cringe - lol! If I know I'll be using one a lot - I will bring my own - ha ha.

 

[delcrossv]

Only if they're still accurate.
Generally I use Mitutoyo for day to day stuff.

 

[Milton]

Absolutely use a Brown and Sharpe dial caliper a lot that a very kind gentleman on this site gave me.I find I cannot do without this tool and a one inch mic' everyday that comes along.I remember in high school a LONG time ago being taught how to use these tools in math class; do they do that now?

 

[jrm53]

If you are old enough to remember the "Durango Kid" in the cowboy movies of the 40's he was played by Charles Starrett and heir to the Starrett Tool company. Jeff

 

[misswired]

I see the huff and puff of starrett tools Is alive and well...The original Mitutoyo tools from Japan were the best....and the Brazil tools next.

My retired professional opinion>>Starrett tools sucked back then....

 

[rockquarry]

All I have are Starrett and Brown & Sharpe. Amortized over time and considering how often I use a micrometer and dial caliper, they are far from expensive. I've used the cheap stuff. While they may work as well as a quality instrument, they don't last very long if you use them frequently.

 

[MRB1]

I still have quite a collection of measuring tools left over from 40+ yrs in QA. I regularly use my dial calipers, hole gauges and radius gauges. Since nearly everything was compliments of the US Government, Starrett and B&S are the main brands.

 

[SOFMatchstaff]

If you ever get the chance to buy a Starrett 1" #734 digital Mic, DONT!
Irritating device if I ever had one... My most trusted are the Mitutoyo and NSK brands

 

[mmaher94087]

My complaint is the battery operated digital stuff. While I like the convenience of the readout; I hate the battery as it usually dead a month later when I need it. Is there a corded version??

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

I have a set of Browne & Sharpe "slide" calipers that I can hardly read, because over the years the numbers have gotten smaller.

Only have 2 micrometers left, a 1" Browne & Sharpe, and a 1/2" Starrett. I moved out of the shop in January 1975 and stopped using my tools except for home projects. I have a el cheapo set of digital calipers that I purchased from the ALDI food store. They are ok for most reloading measurements, and are only accurate to about .003.

I sold several nice machining tools over the years, but don't do that any more. I still have my old tool chest that I bought new in the spring of 1965, it's about to celebrate it's 56th birthday. Not many tools but LOTS of Precious Memories stored in it.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[misswired]

A sticker attached to my toolbox.:.... always got a kick out of it

 

[chief38]

Old Joe Clark,

I love the Gerstner tool box!!!

I never got around to buying one but always wanted one. Now I have no more room in my Shop for another tool box. The last box I got was my Dads small Snao-on from 1937 and that took up the last inch of tool box space. It's actually a Machinists chest of sorts and worked out well.

 

[chief38]

Misswired,

from the color, the tool box looks like a Kennedy.

 

[misswired]

Misswired,

from the color, the tool box looks like a Kennedy.

from the color, the tool box looks like a Kennedy.[/QUOTE]

Wrinkle finish....

 

[Stevens]

Re Post #13 we were discussing Flechettes a few days ago. Is that one in the top picture, top drawer lower left hand corner. A dark bomblet looking item with fins?
Steve W

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

That is a bomblet. They were used by aerial bombarding infantry formations from a few thousand feet up. Very nasty! They were just shoveled out the bomb bay doors. Sort of like 100,000 machine gun rounds hitting a couple acres all at once!

Ivan

 

[targetchief]

It dawned on me the other day that my 1to2 thru 5to 6 Mitutoyo mics will be 35 yrs old this spring. My 0 to 1 Starretts are 38 yrs old. they were a gift from my first employer. Time flies when your having fun.