Cheap Auto Parts Store Calipers - JUNK?

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

I have one of those calipers.

[@MaineMachinist]

I’m going to keep it for doing stuff outside and for quick measurements that don’t need to be super accurate. Can’t beat $32 really. Just can’t count on it for super precision

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

@@MaineMachinist The HF units are cheaper, I think.

[@AlexDiesTrying]

I have one of those, too. They go for 10 bucks in Germany every few months. 32 bucks feel steep. I got rid of the burrs. It's not a joy to use but it mostly does the trick. It's just an out of town backup anyway. For ten bucks a piece, sometimes even discounted, they have their uses. Mostly for creating DIY digital readouts. Like measuring the focal points when polishing a telescopic mirror. Or building a model plane where 0.01mm really do not matter. My good analog Meba is only good for 0.05mm. I mostly have cheap measuring stuff. Funny enough, it all kinda agrees with each other over small distances. I'd prefer buying good stuff though.

[@gregeconomeier1476]

If it is the same as my "garage" caliper the slide for the depth indicator is not stainless. It needs some oil to keep it from corroding.

[@MaineMachinist]

Good to know!

[@RG-gk4yi]

I wonder how this compares to a shars

[@MaineMachinist]

Good question. I've never personally bought a SHARS measuring tool

[@darrendean21]

digital calipers are not accurate anyway, that one is better then most .... better than my mitutoyo ...... fit and finish is another matter.

[@MaineMachinist]

Oof. That’s rough. I’ve never seen anything this bad lol

[@MaineMachinist]

I had a vintage set of Brown and Sharpe Swiss Made dial calipers that would read absolutely spot on ever time

[@MaineMachinist]

After 20 years of using them I finally dropped them and they broke