Topic: What caliper do you use around the shop?

[70CB750]

I have a decent  6" vernier, digital enco noname - mainly for conversion metric to inch and now I am thinking that 12" vernier would be nice for bigger things.

What do you use?  Vernier, dial or digital?  What length?

[brooze72]

Got a couple of 6" verniers, but don't use the old school one with no digital or dial much anymore because of old eyes.  Digital is easier & converts fast.  Also have a set of  0'~4" micrometers, 0"~6" depth micrometer & a dial indicator. Covers most situations, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I wish I had a 12" caliper, but on those occasions, I REALLY want one! Usually scrounge up some chunk of steel to use as a guage block with the 6 inch caliper.

[CycleRanger]

The six inch digital one I got from HF for $20 and is surprisingly accurate...

[754]

I use my 12 inch vernier quite a lot cuz it has metric and std, and its crisp..my other are getting tired..worn..

[Dream750]

I have the Starrett 0-6” dial calipers: 

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/Precision-Measuring-Tools/Precision-Hand-Tools/Slide-Calipers/Dial-Calipers/1202-6

These are really nice. Not something I would normally invest in and received them as a gift, so I’m not complaining. 

Here is the Starrett 0-12” caliper selection:

http://www.starrett.com/metrology/metrology-products/precision-measuring-tools/slide-calipers

[754]

 I only use verniers, and it hardly bothers my eyes at at all...

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[Raul CB750K1]

I use a regular Mitutoyo - many times I've been close to buy a digital one, they are inexpensive, but for some reason I fear forgetting about my mental abilities getting rusted if the caliper gives me the measurement instead of me doing the calculation. Furthermore, as much as I love old machines, the traditional vernier adds a touch of vintage to the shop....

[boatsdickson]

Ill second the Harbor Freight digital calipers for the basics, for the price Ive bought em' all from 4" to 12". For a motor building Ill switch to the Mitutoyos, and for aligning the rear axle Ill grab the 36" Mitutoyo. ----Was at the right place and right time once when it came time to crush out of date calipers  .