The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Ok I give in my eyesight is getting so bad that I cannot read my old LS Starret vernier easily any more, I have a Lyman dial which seems to function well but I looking for a bit of quality kit, maybe up grade my whole measuring set.

I'm looking at Starret and Mitutoyo, any other quality brands I should be considering. I'm looking for dial calipers not digital.

Also what about good gauge blocks to check the calipers on? I'm using the block on my "V" for measuring 5 groove slugs when I got it made I had the engineer give me an accurate measurement of its width for reference.

Accurate measurement is essential to accurate and safe handloads so -

What do you use and what would you recommend?

I have to admit I use digital as much as analogue these days.

My primary analogue micrometer is an old Johannson 0-1 that my brother gave me, he had it as an apprentice so it must be 35+years old. I use it to keep my hand in and amuse myself but it has been all but replaced by a Mitutoyo 0-6/0-150 digital vernier and even that is approaching 20 years old. I find the vernier fine for the majority of my needs. I also have a Mitutoyo analogue vernier which is very trustworthy. I use a Mitutoyo digital 0-1/0-25 that goes down to half a tenth which comes out occasionally but is far too accurate for my day to day use and Icheck everything against a set of Mitutoyo metric slips, again from my Brother on an extended loan basis.

DTI's are all analogue and are a mix of Mercer and Mitutoyo, mostly 0-1/2 and 0-1 with a couple measuring down to a tenth.

Having tried many different makes over the years my preference is Mercer or Mitutoyo for Analogue and Digital and I have a leaning towards Mitutoyo. Have a look for LINEAR dial verniers, I used one a while ago and it felt good.

I suppose it depends on the degree of accuracy you need.
I am fortunate in that in my line of work accurate measurement is a must so I am supplied with good quality calipers etc and v blocks dial gauges and such like are in abundance in our work shops.
I use Mitutoyo digital calipers (model no CD_6"CSX for day to day stuff) and would recomend them mine come with a calibration certificate to attest to there acuracy periodically they go back to be recalibrated.
Mechanical calipers I have a set made by Benson Verniers Bradford all though I am not sure they are still in buisness.www.benson-verniers.co.uk
I also have a set of Lyman mechanical calipers but the Mitutoyo digital are the ones I would recomend.
As for v blocks I can get you the manufactures details if you want.
M&W are the make of micrometers I use you can get them in imperial or metric from any good engineers supplies.

Moore and Wright are the micrometer manufacturers. They do imperial or metric.
Just checked the order number for the Mitutoyo calipers I use mostly is 500-196-20 they retail at about £85.00 they also do mechanical ones starting at about £35.00

Just spoke to an engineering friend and asked him what he would buy if he had to pay for it, his reply was Moore and Wright as well.

dromia wrote:
I'm looking at Starret and Mitutoyo,

I think I have a set of Mitutoyo verniers somewhere........

I don't use them........... because they're too bloody complicated!!! I went digital ages ago...

See my signature.

dromia wrote:See my signature.

Yeah, and I've seen your photo........ doesn't mean I want a beard! :55:

Beards have there uses, they can hide a multitude of chins. :shock:

I've just had a look at them (surprised I could so easily lay my hands on them!)

They are the series 531, 6 inch. You want them sending up?