My 37 year old dial calipers

[nettlle]

After 37 years (maybe more) my 6" Mitutoyo dial calipers started losing "Zero" and measurements not repeating. Although I still have the original case I never kept it in it's case. Rather I just kept it in my garage tool box and used it as a garage tool.

So when I started having trouble with it recently I decided I would just buy a new one. Wrongo! Caliper prices are bit different that they were 37 years ago. With the help of some You Tube videos I was able to clean the rack and pinion and reset the "Zero". Only took a few minutes. Working like new now and I am going to take a lot better care of it for the next 37 years.

 

[WestKentucky]

Yeah, I'm not thrilled at the fact that all I have is a PLASTIC dial caliper as a backup to my digitals and have looked at new dial calipers...I feel your pain. Luckily I made friends with the quality guy at work who calibrates all of the sets of measuring tools. When one kicks the bucket at the factory it gets put in one of about 5 mailboxes. I only have 3 sets and they are all different. Only 1 is really useful for reloading or gunsmith work, the others are too big and bulky.

 

[FROGO207]

I have a set of them and have had to clean and zero mine a few times over the years. Still works great though.

 

[WestKentucky]

I'm making a run to harbor freight in the morning for a drill bit extension, if they have their dial caliper in stock I may buy one just to shake it out and see how reliably it reads. I also need a micrometer, I think they used to sell measuring tool kits...

 

[RMH]

I also have a pair about the same age. I have had to clean the rack a few times over the years.

 

[SamT1]

I found mine in the bottom of a box of shotgun wads that had one bag of shot that I wanted in it. I got a fair deal on the shot it was a rare #4 shot that at times is hard to find. I didn’t find the calipers for a long time since I never unpacked the box.

 

[someguy2800]

I buy the $15 digital ones and treat them as disposable. Dad always told me I don’t take care of stuff lol

 

[nettlle]

I'm disposable. I would just prefer everything else not be during this process.

 

[ray15]

I'm making a run to harbor freight in the morning for a drill bit extension, if they have their dial caliper in stock I may buy one just to shake it out and see how reliably it reads. I also need a micrometer, I think they used to sell measuring tool kits...

I don't mind the $20 digital calipers at all. But when I use a micrometer the goal is accuracy. I've got a 0-1" Starrett my dad gave me, and I've purchased 2-3 and 3-4" versions off of ebay for cheap (for engine work). It's amazing how cheap older Starrett and Brown&Sharpe calipers are there.

 

[GRIZ22]

I'm still using my Uncle's micrometer which is st least 70 years old.

 

[Mizar]

After cleaning have you checked your caliper with a calibrating piece of known dimensions? Because rack & pinions on dial calipers do wear out and it's a good idea to check them from time to time, especially in your most used range of dimensions.
If your vision allows it, then a quality Mitutoyo vernier caliper with +/-0.001" accuracy can be had for about 2/3 of the price of dial calipers.

 

[jmorris]

If you have never needed to clean them in 37 years, you already take good care of them.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

I have a set of Brown and Sharpe vernier calipers that I've owned for probably 50 years. If I could see I would still use them, instead I bought a set of el cheapo digital calipers that is close enough for reloading. I do double check with my micrometers if it really matters.

Have a blessed day,

Leon