Calipers: What Are You Missing?

The caliper is a precision measuring instrument that allows the user to make accurate measurements. Various caliper lengths cater for small to large size components, making calipers extremely versatile. As one of our most popular products, let's have a look into what a caliper is and why you need one.

Digital Caliper

What is a Caliper?

A caliper is a measuring tool that measures the distance between two sides of an object and can be read digitally, with a dial or using a vernier scale. Primarily, a caliper is used for measuring thickness and external or internal diameters as they may be unreachable or inaccessible to regular scales. Similar to a ruler, Calipers include a straight scale but come attached with two legs or jaws which can be moved closer or further apart to reach a measurement.

Types of Calipers

• Vernier calipers

• Dial Calipers

• Digital Calipers

Furthermore, Calipers can come in a range of specific types, depending on the application needs of the user. For example, you can find some fantastic Digital Inside Groove Calipers on our website that are designed for measuring the diameter of grooves inside small bores.

Common Readings

• Outside Measurement

The most basic measurements done with the caliper are outside measurements. By sliding the jaws open, you can place the caliper over the object and close the jaws to determine the objects outside diameter or length. Digital calipers can make this measurement extremely easy to read as they use a simple LCD display.

• Inside Measurement

Some calipers come with smaller jaws on the top of the caliper. These jaws are designed for measuring the internal diameter of an object. By sliding the jaws apart to the interior edges of the object, one can make an accurate measurement of its diameter. It's important to make sure the calipers remain at 90° or the measurement will not be accurate

• Depth Measurement

The depth blade, which protrudes from the opposite end to the jaws, can be used for taking depth measurements. By placing the bar of the caliper against a surface, then opening the caliper jaws, the blade will extend.

• Step Measurement

Finally, an additional use of the caliper is step measurement. Open the caliper and place the sliding jaw on the upper step of the workpiece, then keep opening the caliper until the fixed jaw touches the lower step.

If you’re looking for some great new additions to your tooling collection, our INSIZE calipers are perfect for you and are of extremely high quality. Make sure to check out our website for some amazing deals on your next tool

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