I recently had to buy a vernier caliper to replace one I had lost. 

 

Naturally, I had a look at a number,  digital and conventional ones, including some of the cheap  Chinese  ones. (I ended up buying a conventional  Mitutoyo one (I'm only an occasional user and didn't want to replace the battery on a digital tool every time I  used it) and am l more than happy).

 

In the process of product reviewing, I looked at reviews on You tube. These basically dismissed the Chinese kit, highlighting a number of defects - principally wild inaccuracy.

 

What's the experience on here ? Any recommendations ? Any "Hidden" defects on the Mitutoyo which I should be aware of ?

 

 

Nick

Edited 11 October, 201411 yr by Clunkclick

I have both ie a Mitutoyo and a chinese from lidl/aldi.

The Mitutoyo was several weeks wages when I bought it, the Lidl/Aldi one was £6.99.

The Mitutoyo is a std vernier, no dial or electroics and is as accurate as you'd expect, but a bit worn and the actual vernier markings are a bit feint now as you would expect on a 40+yr tool.

The cheapo one is good. Can't remember how old it is -5/6yrs maybe - but its still on it's original battery. So that isn't anything I'd worry about.

When I first got it, I did a few comparison measurements, never anything to get upset about. I have also checked it with my gauge blocks and again seems correct enough.

If I was really concerned about the absolute level of accuracy, I would use something else anyway.

The zero function is very useful, allowing you to do comparisons on wear items for example.

A mate who does precision engineering has modified several to act as depth stops and the like on his equipment.

I use mine for measuring shafts and bearings at work when I need to find a replacement. I am sure it's a cheap Aldi one, work zone or something. Does the job fine, I suppose it depends on how accurate you need it to be.

We have a vernier on every print press at work, they are all cheap ones off Amazon, they work fine and are accurate enough.

 

 After all the nickname "Very Near" is appropriate as that is all they ever are, if you require ultimate accuracy then an alternative measuring device should be purchased, micrometer maybe?

I use mine for measuring shafts and bearings at work when I need to find a replacement. I am sure it's a cheap Aldi one, work zone or something. Does the job fine, I suppose it depends on how accurate you need it to be.

 

I've got a cheapo Aldi one- which does the job.

 

I'm still using the 6"/150mm mitutoyo vernier caliper that I bought in 1972. I also use cheap digital vernier from Maplin, which is OK. The jaws wear over a period of time and the accuracy will be effected. For accurate measurements of shafts etc you need to use a micrometer.

I use mine for measuring shafts and bearings at work when I need to find a replacement. I am sure it's a cheap Aldi one, work zone or something. Does the job fine, I suppose it depends on how accurate you need it to be.

 

Mine is Aldi-Workzone, which I use mainly for making PCB .It did earn it's keep a year or so ago on an MOT. Little man with equally sized brain rushed from under car shouting about worn discs. I asked him for his source , and told him I'd measured them at 21.5 mm.-what was his reading( knowing full well that he can only give an opinion), and limits on my car. The question of accuracy is debatable. Few years ago , I had a chat with the quality manager at one tool firm. They'd had a batch of torque wrenches in and a few were found to be slightly out. Not having means to calibrate at the time, it was cheaper to bin the batch than risk Trading Standards and a nasty fine. So if sold as a measuring instrument, then I'd be surprised if they weren't expected to be accurate .