Expensive vs Cheap Calipers

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[yevgeniyfedorov]

Mitutoyo calipers don't need zero calibration each time when they are powered on. Once in three years the battery needs replacement, that's when you set the zero point. After that, they are ready to measure whenever your power them up, even with jaws open. Which is a huge time saver and (IMHO) the biggest reason to buy them over the cheap ones.

[BedsitBob]

I have a Workzone Digital Caliper, which is at least 10 years old. Cost about £15.

I've just checked it against 2 Micrometer standards (1" and 2"), and it's dead nuts. 😎

[granthamilton]

I just bought a Starret dial vernier calliper and it is just sensational. The vernier is by far the most used tool in my woodwork workshop. Buy once cry once

[Woodworking]

I have a Husky from the orange store which was around $35 and been happy with it so far. I believe it came with a 2nd battery but honestly don't think I've changed it in over a year so far now. Also came with a case which I liked. Maybe one day have a bit nicer one but honestly this one has worked perfectly and is accurate.

[DeanStampfli]

I have pretty much all of the calipers you talked about - even Mitutoyo’s. I disagree with your assessment of the $10 plastic ones. I get them for $7 when they are on sale. Use them all the time for woodworking. They do the job and work fine.

[DavidPT]

I had Mitutoyo calipers, cost $220 in 2009. Needed to use WD-40 or white lithium grease (mfg recommended) to keep them smooth. However, they were *awesome*. High quality. I used them to measure weld defects when doing ultrasonic flaw detection. Unfortunately, one day someone stole them out of my desk. If you are going to use digital calipers every day, get Mitutoyo. That being said, I just bought a $20 pair of calipers at Harbor Freight (Pittsburgh brand) for a job I have tomorrow.

[EditioCastigata]

1:50 Microtech calipers, and some other brands, actually have a mechanism to indicate when you press with a predefined force (0.8N and 8.0N usually).

[HermesTrismegistes]

I bought the $10 ones from Harbor freight. I’ve never used any, my first pair. I’m going to use for ordering bike parts online. Some of these parts come in a variety of sizes, so I’m not using them to build anything or make precise cuts or whatever.
e.g. choosing between 26.4 or 27mm.

[bskbishop]

I have a set of metal Pittsburgh calipers that I've had WELL over a decade, and STILL haven't switched the battery out. I still have the spare that it came with. The movement on it is kinda scratchy feeling, but otherwise I have no complaints with them.

[droneforfun]

Great video but thumbs down for suggesting imperial over metric! 😢

[DaSlotho]

2:54 finally after an hour going through many Expensive vs Cheap Calipers vids i finally come across a person who within the first 2 mins answered that question...fit n finish...so no i know...i do not need to carry on with the rest of this

[rickden]

I've tested my metal digital HF calipers that I bought about 15 years ago for $12 against a friends Mitutoyo and they tested fine for all but really fine machining work. You can get the same ones today for $23($16 if you wait for 30% sale). After all, it is only carpentry.😉

[JD.]

I might break down and buy a set of those Mitutoyo digital calipers, though my Etalon dial calipers have always done the job and will likely outlast me.

[rodpotts]

I like the fraction read . I just bought a set of seconds, I gauging with the dial indicator. No more batteries. Like 30 bucks.

[norbertrivera]

Thanks for share ...Yep, QFUN Digital Calipers battery life is horrible i read in Amazon reviews so is so bad because was the caliper i pretend to buy for the advantage of the big display .

[ivolol]

Most cheap calipers DO NOT save energy when off. They turn off the digits but the current draw is only a teeny tiny bit less. So unfortunately one must remove battery to have good battery life with them. This is actually one specific area where the mitutoyo stands head and shoulders above the others. They tend to use 1/3rd the amps of others when operating, and turning off, 1/15th.

[abdolreza]

We have dial analog calipers that are both metric and imperial and they also display fractions :D I'm actually thinking of buying one. They have two needles.

[ShepherdsWorkbench]

This is awesome lol I have those black plastic ones and keep them in the truck just in case but I have some that I bought at lowes for $30 and they have been a work horse. Had them for over a year now and battery is still kicking

[mlob]

Oh man... I have one of those cheap ones I got from Amazon and worked well for what I was using it for. But somehow, I lost the lid/cap or whatever you want to call it that covers the battery, so now the caliper is useless. I may have to invest in a better one, like the $30 range you mentioned. Thanks for sharing this info!

[HowIDoThingsDIY]

We have the same Mitutoyo calipers. Very informative. Great video.