Is the 500-196-30 Still the Best? Mitutoyo, Starrett, Mahr, and Fowler Face-Off!

Welcome back to our channel, where we're all about precision and performance! Today's video is a deep dive into the world of digital calipers. We're unpacking and comparing four big players: the Mitutoyo 500-196-30, Starrett EC799A-6/150, Mahr 4103013, and Fowler 54-101-150-2. 📏🔍
Join me as we scrutinize each caliper for accuracy, durability, and user experience. From the renowned Mitutoyo 500-196-30, known for its precision, to the robust build of the Starrett, the sleek design of the Mahr, and the affordability of the Fowler, we leave no stone unturned.
🏆 Is the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 still the reigning champ, or is there a new leader in town? We'll dissect the features, measure their performance, and see which one stands out as the top digital caliper for your measuring needs.
👉 Stay tuned for detailed comparisons, hands-on testing, and my honest verdict on each of these contenders. Whether you're a professional in the field or a DIY enthusiast, this video is your guide to choosing the right digital caliper.
👍 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more comparisons and reviews. Share your thoughts or experiences with these tools in the comments below!
Video Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:36 Getting Gauge Blocks
05:28 Unboxing: Mitutoyo 500-196-30
14:50 Unboxing: Starrett EC799A-6/150
28:36 Unboxing: Mahr 4103013
36:44 Unboxing: Fowler 54-101-150-2
48:59 Testing
51:32 Test Results and Recommendations

[@theday97f]

Thank you for your observations! Would love to see a comparison test w/ multi meter measuring battery drain (for ON and sleep mode) for these calipers. I know Mitutoyo has a patent that allows for significantly less drain during sleep and low drain during ON giving it around 3 yr use out of single SR44 battery. Interested on how these others would compare?

[@Graham_Wideman]

Yes exactly. The reading is going to be 100% wrong if the battery is dead :-). Sure, you can keep a stock of batteries in the case, which will save you from a jam. but having to fiddle with installing the battery is annoying, and those battery doors and spring contacts can be easy to break, so the less frequently the better!

[@user-yu3zi6ln2c]

❤

[@Accurate.Advocate]

Thank you! 😊

[@dscott1524]

Just a couple of questions. Do these calipers have a connector for a remote readout? Also do these have an auto power off? If so, is the current reading saved or lost? I have a no name caliper that powers off after 5 mins and loses its position. Have to reset everything. Very annoying. Thanks for the video. Cheers.

[@Omnivorous1One]

A couple of questions. Do any of those manufacturers make these with the body around the display is made out of metal instead of plastic? Thoughts on spending extra to get calipers with Carbide Tips? From what I see they would not wear down as quickly but would be harder and more likely to chip. Is there other reasons to get Carbide Tips if you dont use them for scribing layouts?

[@Accurate.Advocate]

Good afternoon and thank you for your questions! To my knowledge, none of these brands offer a digital caliper variant with a metal housing. The most rugged housing I can recommend would be the IP67 rated Mitutoyo calipers, such as 500-752-20 for the 6” range. These are made to withstand rougher handling and exposure to corrosive industrial fluids. Carbide tips are helpful for scribing layouts, but if they are chipped/damaged, you would not be able to repair and replacement would be your only option. On the contrary, I’ve seen good machinists refinish damaged non-carbide calipers then reset the origin of the tool before having calibrated and put back into service. If you’re rough on tools, I always recommend upgrading to the IP67 rating with any manufacturer!However, I don’t advise the carbide tips for most of our customers. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thank you and have a wonderful day!!

[@EditioCastigata]

"Insize 1114" has. Stumbled upon today.

[@micky_avélo]

Hi. Does the Mitutoyo have the ability to display fractions?

[@EditioCastigata]

49:57 The error tends to be larger the wider you opened the jaws. For one inch I'd use a micrometer.

[@EditioCastigata]

Afaik Mahr are made in China. Some Vogel are made in Germany (workshop line). Some Tesa are made in Switzerland.

[@grahammaund7405]

To much waffle, it would be better to get to the measurements quicker.