Calipers are a tool for measuring small workpieces and therefore should not be missing in any toolbox. Calipers are very popular because they allow particularly precise measurements.
We have summarized the types of calipers available and further information on buying them in a checklist for you. You can find a selection of practical calipers in our product recommendations.
- The simplest calipers have what is called a vernier. These are engraved lines on the caliper and the bar that, when combined, indicate the measured dimension.
- Calipers with a dial indicator have a circular scale over which a pointer moves. With these calipers, you must read off the full millimeters from the scale on the rail. The clock shows you the 1/10 and 1/100 mm.
- Digital calipers have a display that shows the measurement result to two decimal places. They are particularly easy to use. Digital calipers require a battery to function.
- Calipers for professionals and the hobby workshop have a measuring range of 0 to 150 mm. This measuring range is usually perfectly adequate. For craft stores and mechanical workshops, calipers are available with a measuring range of 500 mm or more. These devices are relatively expensive with high accuracy.
- Standard calipers for hobby workshops have a measuring accuracy of +/- 0.02 mm. Higher measuring accuracies are possible. However, more accurate calipers are very expensive.
- If you need a caliper with which you have to determine inch measurements on a vintage car, for example, then you should make sure that you can switch the display of a digital caliper from millimeters to inches. Calipers with vernier are often equipped with two different scales on the bar for this purpose.
- A high-quality caliper is always made of stainless steel. The material guarantees that the caliper will not rust over time, making it unusable. Occasionally, calipers made of plastic are offered. However, these devices are not suitable for frequent and precise measurements.
- A caliper is a sensitive measuring device. Dust, in particular, will cause the caliper to become immobile over time. When buying, you should make sure that the caliper comes in a sturdy box, case or at least in a bag.
Table of contents
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FAQ About Calipers
With a caliper gauge, the workpiece to be measured is enclosed by both measuring legs. Using the scale and the vernier, the thickness, width or length of the workpiece can be measured.
A caliper gauge is a tool for measuring small workpieces. It consists of two measuring legs and a scale as well as a flexible vernier.
Once the workpiece is enclosed by both measuring legs, the vernier can be used to read the distance. The vernier is a flexible bar that indicates what the distance is on the scale.
A digital caliper works like an analog caliper. The only difference is that the distance does not have to be read, but is indicated by a display. In addition, depending on the model, the units of measurement can be adjusted.
As the flexible part of the caliper, the vernier is responsible for determining the distance of the workpiece.
With a caliper gauge, objects of any kind can be measured precisely. However, since the caliper usually only has a measuring volume of 15 to 50 cm, it is unsuitable for measuring larger distances.
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