Thread: Dial Caliper recommendations?

Originally Posted by zimmer

Just remember Dial and Digital calipers are 2 different animals.

Sorry but I will answer this question with the most expensive response - Mitutoyo.
I have Mitutoyo Digital Calipers, purchased maybe over 20 years ago. Expensive but never regretted it. Looks like they will outlast me.
Also have Brown and Sharp Dial Calipers. Bought second hand off Ebay. They are Swiss made and are like the proverbial Swiss watch in quality. I use these a lot.

In the shed I have some ancient Japanese NSK Vernier Calipers. I use these for marking out small steel projects and don't have a problem dragging a scriber along their jaws.
They are still in great nick. Unfortunately my eyes are not so I have trouble reading them nowadays.

I did buy some cheaper 8" Chinese Digital Calipers a couple of years back. The first set was returned under warranty. Readings not repeatable. The second set, when I do use them immediately start flashing the display at me indicating yet another new battery required. This happens even though they are turned off (automatically) between uses.

If you want to go good mid range look at Insize. They are still Chinese but of very good quality. Insize is a huge company.

Don't be tempted by Mitutoyo off Amazon. My research shows they are most likely Chinese copies.

I cant help you with Hornady and Frankford Arsenal Dial Calipers. Have only noticed their Digital ones advertised. Probably perfectly serviceable for a handloader.
It all depends upon your type of usage and your accuracy and expected life of the tool.

Thanks. Yes I get the difference between digital and dial. The Mitutoyo available from, say the Toolshed, are not only hundreds of $$ but also all in metric. I'm sure they could get imperial or may have some in stock, but, frankly, the $$$ are out of my range. Mine are only used for reloading. So probably the Frankford Arsenal or Hornady will do the job.