You are using your calipers wrong! Let me explain why...

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[davidrussell]

It’s humbling to realize that there’s always something to learn no matter how much experience one has . Thank you.

[directimpingement]

Here is another method that I use and was taught to me by a very experienced machinist. If you want to measure the height of the smaller OD section of that thingy you have, you can start by measuring the length of the larger OD and re-zero your caliper. You then measure LOA and what is shown is the difference or the measurement of the smaller OD section. I realize this is an extra step/re-zero but works great in certain situations.

[RatelLaw]

You’re correct, I did not know the forth way to use calipers. Thank you.

[patpalermo]

adjusting the slop in the display head is very important as well. There are two screws at the top that need to be snugged up against the rail of the caliper so there is no movement in the jaw. this makes sure the jaws are always parallel and will improve your accuracy.

[coplandUSA]

It's only when you seek answers that you realize how little you know. Thanks Erik!

[bigsmoke]

It's actually in the instructions that come with the calipers and has done for as long as I've been an engineer (47 years ) but guys never read them !

[randyshoquist]

When I got my first Mitutoyo caliper 40 years ago, "four-way" measurement was an advertised feature. I believe Mitutoyo claimed to be the originator. Now that most calipers have that feature, many people don't know about it. Go figure.

[rickymeadows]

Great info, been machining 40-years, still drop by these vids to maybe learn new tricks. It is amazing now-days to see kids graduating from machining trade schools whom have been well trained in the digital world but can't read a pair of Starreet dial micrometers. Salutations to you guys out there who makes these type of instructional vids !

[pauldeahl]

I worked in a machine shop for 10 years and it never dawned on me to measure a step that way. Thank you!

[monadking]

Nice job showing the 4th use of that slide calipers. My background was in calibration (Metrology) and here is a trick don't hold things in your fingers to long. The heat from your fingers can affect the tolerance too. Some of the items that we had to measure we had to wear cotton gloves because the oils from your fingers would affect the measurements. Always note that the standards are at a certain temperature which is critical and humidity as well. Remember your gage blocks should be certified periodically too.

[martincart]

I knew this one. My boss's dad taught me that while working in a waterjet cutting shop. He was a machinist from the late 60's to early 2000's. Taught me lots of old school tricks.

[scottmedina]

I was a machinist for six years I knew this was the step you were going to show an old timer at my old job taught me this technique

[rapidrrobert]

And I have been using calipers for decades! Thanks for the humbling advise.

[arthurhilgendorf]

One gauge block is handy for a spot check but you really need a series of blocks to check across the range of the instrument. Another thing to be aware of is the heat from your hands will affect the readings over a period of time so gloves may be needed if the measurements being taken will take some time. Good video.

[howtoshootstraighthtss]

I am glad u told eveyone about the calipers accuracy, I am a machinist and thats common knowledge for a machinist, but when i tell a reloaders they dont belief me.

[Suck-Squeeze-Bang-Blow]

My Idustrial Arts instructor taught us this, he was a great man, he was the same man that taught my father how to weld in highschool.

[Joel-vtmh]

Good stuff Eric.

As a QE I was aware of the fourth method, and it’s also a good idea to make sure your instrument is calibrated.

Look forward to the video on how you set a f/l resizing die!!

[keithmarquardt]

Really cool! I'm a QA guy in a stamping shop and it nice to here someone that knows what they are talking about. We use calipers for inspection but only for things that are +/-.005

[barryoakes]

Sir, , I have learned more from you in 3 days than I have for the last 6 months learning how to reload. I truly can’t thank you enough. Most of what I learn from the other sites doesn’t make much since.. but the steps you have lined out make perfect since to my overly filled mind. The only thing I need to get around though is the first step because I have no chronograph.. but for the plinking kind of shooting I do that’s no big deal. The rest I have learned will keep me safer than I would have been chasing the group. And safety is the most important, so again.. Thank you

[hoo-t]

Method #4.... another WOW moment! You pegged me. I've always used the tip and even realized that it wasn't really suited for that. Thanks again!!!