Dial Calipers

[luke]

I was wondering if dial calipers can be re-calibrated after they have taken a dump on the floor? I understand you can "zero" them out, but they always seem to be a few thousands out after they've taken a tumble...

[Destructo6]

Good calipers can be recalibrated. In fact, most machine shops require periodic recalibration and will do so in house. It was never my job, so I can't really help you on that.

If all else fails, send them to the manufacturer.

BTW, of what brand are they?

[-=Squid=-]

Yes... They can be recalibrated. I had to do all the recalibrations on all the different calipers at my work last summer.

[Army]

Are they dial or electric?

If dial, you need a 1" check block and a tiny screwdriver. Secure the block in the jaws, and turn the fine screw in the bezel of the dial until the pointer is zeroed.

If LED, clamp jaws on block and reset.

[luke]

Yes they are dial calipers.

The ones I have are under $100 and I think I have one cheapie that was like $20 or so.

I didn't want to chuck them in the garbage until I knew if they could be recalibrated or not.

Are the digital calipers worth the money? It sounds like they are easy to calibrate...

[Army]

Digi's are like Emags are to blowguns.

[luke]

Digi's are like Emags are to blowguns.

Nice, I'll give them a shot.

[RRfireblade]

Real machinists only use mech dial calipers.

'Decent' ones can usually be recalibrated, some of the cheapies I've seen can't be.

[mxracer33x]

Real machinists only use mech dial calipers.

I agree, for some reason, whenever it must be perfect, I reach for the dial calipers. If im just making estimations or quick calcs, I grab the Digital. It prolly has more to do with seeing the dial go roundy roundy roundy.

[Pacifist_Farmer]

the best invention ever has to have been the digital micrometer, i hated the old ones