Please share your knowledge of micrometers (calipers)
- Thread starter two-bit cowboy
- Start date
DWalt
Member
I made my own case neck thickness micrometer out of a 2” spindle micrometer that I had no better use for. Not very difficult. I also have a 24” vernier caliper with 0.004” precision. In fact I used it today, but didn’t need to use the vernier.
I need to dispute some earlier incorrect statements made about dial calipers. Every dial caliper I have seen, even the cheapies, is fully capable of a reading precision of 0.001” and can be easily estimated to at least the closest 0.0005”. Seldom, if ever, does a reloader, or even a machinist, need more precision than that. Second, a dial caliper is more than adequate for measuring any kind of bullet’s diameter. You do not need a spindle micrometer for determining bullet diameter, but it’s fine if you have one and want to use it. I have a set of length standards and occasionally use them to accuracy check my calipers and micrometers. I have a set of six micrometers, 1” to 6”. Very seldom do I need anything beyond 1”. I also have a 25mm spindle micrometer. I don’t need it often. I once had a 1/2” spindle micrometer. I found it to be too small for comfortable use and difficult to read so I gave it away. I also have a hole depth spindle micrometer I have yet to need for anything. Maybe someday.
I need to dispute some earlier incorrect statements made about dial calipers. Every dial caliper I have seen, even the cheapies, is fully capable of a reading precision of 0.001” and can be easily estimated to at least the closest 0.0005”. Seldom, if ever, does a reloader, or even a machinist, need more precision than that. Second, a dial caliper is more than adequate for measuring any kind of bullet’s diameter. You do not need a spindle micrometer for determining bullet diameter, but it’s fine if you have one and want to use it. I have a set of length standards and occasionally use them to accuracy check my calipers and micrometers. I have a set of six micrometers, 1” to 6”. Very seldom do I need anything beyond 1”. I also have a 25mm spindle micrometer. I don’t need it often. I once had a 1/2” spindle micrometer. I found it to be too small for comfortable use and difficult to read so I gave it away. I also have a hole depth spindle micrometer I have yet to need for anything. Maybe someday.
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Calipers give the largest range of readings. One tool that does a variety of jobs well.
Mituyoyo is the best digital caliper.
B&S and Starret for Dial.
Fowler aren't bad but kind of minor league.
Shars tools are about the same as Fowler.
You can get top of the line verniers for a very small price, takes a while to learn how to read them and a good magnifying glass.
Mike's same story. I would add old Tumico.
Mituyoyo is the best digital caliper.
B&S and Starret for Dial.
Fowler aren't bad but kind of minor league.
Shars tools are about the same as Fowler.
You can get top of the line verniers for a very small price, takes a while to learn how to read them and a good magnifying glass.
Mike's same story. I would add old Tumico.
A good micrometer can read down to .0001 of an inch but that kind of precision is rarely needed in daily doings. A typical human hair runs between .003 and .004, so being able to measure something 30/40 times smaller is probably not going to appear on you to-do list.
OP: If you have pawn shops in your area, go check them out. I bought an 8" Mitutoyo digital caliper there that reads in both English and Metric and still had the certification certificate with it for less than half what it would have cost me new. Starrett, Helios and Brown & Sharpe are also well known precision name brands. Dials are nice, but my aging eyes prefer the digital as they leave no doubt whether that needle is on the line or slightly over/under.
OP: If you have pawn shops in your area, go check them out. I bought an 8" Mitutoyo digital caliper there that reads in both English and Metric and still had the certification certificate with it for less than half what it would have cost me new. Starrett, Helios and Brown & Sharpe are also well known precision name brands. Dials are nice, but my aging eyes prefer the digital as they leave no doubt whether that needle is on the line or slightly over/under.
I second the Mitutoyo digital. Even third and fourth.
Not sure who makes RCBS’ dial calipers, but mine have worked well.
