DIGITAL CALIPER – WHAT’S WORTH KNOWING ABOUT IT?
A digital caliper will certainly make a wide variety of measurements easier, providing highly precise results. How do you use this tool, and what should you consider when choosing one?
How does a digital caliper work?
A digital caliper can operate using one of the following mechanisms:
– Inductive mechanism – electromagnetic induction is used to calculate the distance of the sensor from the starting point. The result is displayed on a digital screen;
– Capacitive mechanism – this system relies on sets of electrodes placed at regular intervals. The measurement slider moves relative to them, causing periodic changes in capacitance, which enables reading the measurement result.
How to measure with a digital caliper – step by step
1. Turn on the caliper, close the jaws, and make sure the reading is zero.
2. Open the jaws wider than the object you intend to measure.
3. Place the caliper on the object and slowly close the jaws until they fit snugly. Make sure the jaws are perpendicular to the measured surface to ensure accurate results.
4. You can also compare the measured value with another object’s dimensions. Simply zero the display without closing the jaws completely. Then measure the second object – if the reading stays the same, both objects are identical in size. Otherwise, the display will show the difference between them.
What to consider when choosing a digital caliper?
The basic criterion for choosing a digital caliper for a home workshop is its measuring range. The most popular models measure up to 150 mm, though larger ones are also available – with jaw spans up to 300 mm.
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Expert Tip The material the caliper is made of also plays a crucial role. Most models on the market are made of stainless steel, which can expand when exposed to heat – potentially leading to significant measurement errors. |
Digital calipers also require good calibration and an easy zeroing mechanism. In some models, you must disassemble the device and remove a hidden battery to reset it – this complicates the process and can reduce functionality or compromise the housing’s tightness.
It’s also worth checking how the digital display is mounted – since it’s the most fragile and damage-prone part. The most durable models have the display embedded into a recessed area of a solid housing, protecting it from shattering if the tool is dropped.
