Author Topic: Digital calipers  (Read 550 times)

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Offline cbourbeau32

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Digital calipers
« on: January 14, 2007, 04:40:56 PM »
I know alot of you reload so I thought I would mention that I got a Harbor Freight Tools catalog in the mail this weekend and they are advertising a digital caliper for $7.99. I just paid like $35 from Midway USA. The website is www.harborfreight.com  Charlie
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Offline safetysheriff

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2007, 04:52:08 PM »
is it possible to make a decent dial or digital caliper for $7.99?   digital calipers are said to have a harder time maintaining reliable/consistent readings compared to standard dial calipers.    i wouldn't think this is such a good idea just because it saves you some money on some very important safety measurements such as C.O.A.L. and others like trim length.

my opinion is all,

ss'   
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2007, 05:14:06 PM »
I've never been one to buy cheap tools, buying a cheap caliper makes no sense, although there are really expensive calipers available, I think you get more reliability with just a little more money spent. I have a Lyman dial caliper that I paid $40 for 20yrs ago, it is no longer accurate, so they do wear out. I now use a digital that I paid $50 for at Sinclair Intl, it's as accurate as Mitutoyo and Starrets costing 3-4 times as much by their testing as they sell those too.

Charlie, I think you should spend just a bit more money so you don't end up buying the cheap set twice, the first time, then again when you replace it with a good one!! ;)

Tim
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Offline RonO777

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2007, 06:10:03 PM »
Ive got one of the HF digital calipers but not that model. Ive checked them with my standards from work and it right was right on the money.  Ive not had good luck with the battery life on the digital. The battery will only last about three months if left in the calipers so I have to take it out every time Im done with it. Ive got an expensive set of dual dail calipers I use at work and I like them a lot better.

Ron

Offline bigjeepman

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2007, 06:32:22 PM »
I'm with quick and ss on this one. I buy some things from Harbor Freight ... nothing wrong with that ... to each his own ... I just don't think the words "cheap" and "calipers" ought to be used in the same sentence.
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Offline Hank McMauser

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2007, 07:38:23 PM »
  I would try Enco, I get a catalog from them every few months they usually have their brand on sale I was just looking at one they sent in June to see what a 0-1" micrometers go for I will be purchasing one of these soon along with a forster neck turning gadget.

here's their website:http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM
Hank McMauser

Offline knight0334

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2007, 07:05:19 AM »
I have (2) digi calipers, one of them is that one in that link.   Its farely accurate, but can and will eat a battery faster then the 12 months they claim.  About one new battery per month at $.50 to $1.50 per battery.

The battery issue caused me to go buy a dial caliper for $30.  ....never touched the digi's after that.
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Offline Smokin Joe

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2007, 07:21:43 AM »
My Grand Dad had it right when he said " Joe, I can't afford to buy cheap tools".
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Offline PartsMan

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2007, 07:32:05 AM »
I use some cheapies at work that work fine but never even look past hundredths.
Mostly o rings and larger metal parts.
Just beause they read thousands does not make them that accurate.
I keep good $90 dial at home for "real" caliper work.
(Engines and guns)

Offline McLernon

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Re: Digital calipers
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2007, 09:43:05 AM »
Buy a good vernier(Mitutoyo) and it will last a life-time ;D ;D ;D ;D

Mc