Best Dial Calipers for Money

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Triumph

Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2010
Messages
390
Location
Houston, TX
I don't like digital calipers because I never seem to get the same reading twice. Also, don't like the batteries.

Can you guys give me suggestions on the best dial calipers for the money.

I am thinking RCBS because of their spectacular customer service (from what I hear).

Thanks
 
I bought some Midway labeled ones 20 years ago and have no complaints. I think Midway still selling them, just with Frankfort Arsenal on them.
 
Agreed, my $25 stainless dial calipers work great. If they're anything like digitals, most come from the same factory regardless of price.
 
A good used dial caliper is the sort of thing you can find for cheap on evilbay if you're just a little patient. I found a nice older used Mitutoyo dial caliper with case there for around $20.
 
For the vast bulk of reloading chores, the $20-$30 digital calipers from a variety of sources will be more than adequate.

OF course, if you insist, there are more expensive ones out there.
 
Another vote for Mitutoyo digital...mine are several years old, same battery and never once drifted or inconsistent results.
 
Bought a 6" stainless Starrett dial caliper new in 1974..been my constant companion as machinest..then tool & die maker. Bought another about 15 years ago for home/reloading use. Only have to buy quality once!
 
Starrett, Mitutoyo, Brown&Sharp.

most others don't make them they just slap there name on them , on the low end I'd go with General tool.
 
I have a 6 inch Starrett digital, a 6 inch Starrett dial and a 6 inch Mitutoyo dial. The Starrett dial probably sees the most use, dont really know why they just do.
My dad gave me a 6 inch vernier caliper made in Germany by Helios last year. They have sentimental value as the are appx 50 years old and are the what I cut my teeth with.

My father always told me growing up....."son, you might as well start out with what your going to wind up with" and I have always tried to abide by that.

Buy quality, it willl pay off in the end.
 
Mitutoyo Digimatics are all I use.
I can see why cheap Harbor Freight calipers would turn someone sour on digital calipers.
 
ColtPythonElite
I bought some Midway labeled ones 20 years ago and have no complaints. I think Midway still selling them, just with Frankfort Arsenal on them.
Click to expand...

I got some of those 15 years ago and they were freakishly good.
I own a lot of calipers.
My cousin has the patent on coolant proof calipers.
He uses a 3 phase magnetic position sensor.

The only way I have found to get calipers as good as those old Midway made in china calipers is buy Mitutoyo.
It is going to cost $90+
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=8505015&PMAKA=307-3602
 
I bought my first set of Starretts about the same time and still have 'em after all this time in the same trade.
Got a set of 12 inchers too plus a set or two of digitals.
Greatest thing since Instant Mashed Potatoes!
 
I have a pair of 6" dial calipers from Harbor freight and Mitutoyo. The HF are fine, the Mitutoyo are just better made and more repeatable.

I use the Harbor Freight at work and the Mitutoyo for reloading.
 
99% of measuring for reloading just isn't that demanding. I use a HF digital for most things because they are easy to read and work just fine. I use my Mitutoyo dial calipers out by the lathe. I break out my Brown & Sharp dial caliper once in a while to double check something or if I just want to feel that silky smooth movement and check out the beautifully marked lines etc. No comparison in quality, but the HF calipers work just fine for .001. Heck, if we are off .001, or .002, we aren't making ball bearings here, or fitting one part to another part.

Buy quality and you won't be sorry. Buy cheap (Smart cheap) and it will work for you.
 
^^ The best bang for the buck in calipers is in digitals. They're inexpensive, easy to read, accurate enough, and completely reliable as long as one manages to keep a couple of spare batteries on hand.
 
I am at the point that I have given up on th harbor freight calipers. I have gone through three digital calibers. They started out fine. but over time their accuracy grew to unacceptable levels. I then switched to their dial type. The first one worked fine for a while, but it the pointed finally gave out. I bought a pair to replace it, and I kid you not between .000 and 1.00 on the body, it reads 3 4 5 6 7 1 2
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

F
  • Locked
Dial Caliper Recommendations
2 3
Replies
61
Views
2K
JFrank
JFrank
H
  • Locked
Best affordable calipers
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
AABEN
A
1TwistedGimp
  • Locked
Difference between Lyman and RCBS dial calipers?
2
Replies
35
Views
4K
scythefwd
S
Glock702
  • Locked
what's the best digital caliper and digital scale for the money?
2
Replies
38
Views
3K
Walkalong
Walkalong
LiveLife
  • Locked
Accuracy testing of "cheap" calipers and digital scales
Replies
15
Views
3K
celem
C
Back
Top