Which brand of calipers is better to choose?
When purchasing any meter, its accuracy is very important. After all, the production of some parts based on the measurements will largely depend on the measurements. If the measurements turn out to be incorrect, then you will end up with useless parts. The accuracy of the device can only be guaranteed by a responsible manufacturer. According to research and expert assessments, the following companies became such:
- Norgau is a Russian manufacturer of high-precision devices and tools, which has been on the market for more than 20 years. Norgau, in addition to Russian factories and representative offices, has two subsidiaries in the European Union. The products of this company are reliable and highly accurate.
- Matrix is a tool manufacturing company with a ten-year history, with a product range of more than 3,000 items. These are measuring instruments, cutting, carpentry, metalworking tools, equipment for construction, finishing work, for cars, as well as fasteners.
- Shan is a measuring equipment manufacturing company that has been repeatedly awarded international quality marks. The Shan brand in its modern form appeared in 2013 as a result of agreements between ZAO TD “Kalibron” and Guilin Measuring & Cutting Tool.
- Griff is a manufacturer of measuring, abrasive, metal-cutting, plumbing, and construction equipment. The company's product range consists of approximately a thousand items. The Griff factory has strict quality control.
- Stayer is a company that produces both power tools for construction, finishing work, and hand tools for repair, production, and measurements. All products have Russian and international quality certificates.
- Zubr is a Russian company that produces measuring instruments, fittings, plumbing components, household equipment, tools for construction, and repair work.
- Topex is a popular manufacturer of construction tools and precision measuring instruments in Europe. The company was founded in Poland in 1990. Since then, they have managed to conquer the markets of Europe and the CIS countries.
How to choose a caliper?
It is worth remembering that when buying a measuring device, a person is not purchasing just another tool, as he might think, but is investing in future work. After all, nothing affects the final result more than the accuracy of measurements, so if you measure a product incorrectly, it can only bring losses and disappointment. It’s one thing if a person works for himself and can replace a bad product with a good one without any problems. Another thing is if it is a large enterprise that may lose not only profit from the batch, but also reputation and consumer trust. Therefore, there should be no savings in such matters. A caliper is not a tool for one-time use, and the operation of a configured and tested device will give high performance results.
Since the Soviet period, the tool market has expanded, not only the quality characteristics of the device have grown, but also the functionality has increased. Now calipers are used in construction, mechanical engineering, in the manufacture of products made of plastic, steel, aluminum, etc. Each device differs in both the complexity of application and the accuracy of measurements.
One of the popular species is ShTs-1, also known as Colombian. This tool has gained wide popularity in the market due to its functionality and affordable price.
Briefly about a caliper, we can say that it is a device whose main function is to measure external and internal dimensions with an accuracy of 0.001 mm, as well as depth.
To make it easier for a person to navigate the choice of a tool, it is first necessary to decide what to measure and under what conditions. Having answered these questions, you can proceed to the next point.
Price
When choosing a caliper, the first thing people pay attention to is the price, only then they look whether the product satisfies their demand or not. However, not everything is simple here, because a person can order a cheap device from AliExpress for 200 rubles and find a similar one in a store for 1000 rubles. The difference will be in the accuracy of the measurement, so when choosing a caliper you should remember that the higher the cost, the more accurate the device. For 2021, there are devices with a division price of 0.001 mm, and the error reaches a micrometer. Most often these are electronic devices; for dial ones the division value is 0.02, and for standard verniers it is 0.03. Therefore, if accuracy is the most important thing, then SCC is a suitable option.
In addition to accuracy, the difference also occurs in length. Standard models reach 125 mm, and special ones, which are designed to perform complex technical operations, reach 5000 mm.
Also, some models have a number of additional advantages over their analogues. For example, the kit may include removable nozzles made of hard alloy, designed to increase service life. And other tools are equipped with pressure control, which will allow a person to avoid making mistakes when measuring. Therefore, it is not worth saving on the purchase of an accurate instrument, otherwise the money will go into emptiness, and the person will end up with more problems than solutions.
Design features
A caliper is a unique tool that has amazed people with its simplicity and effectiveness. The first modern device was released at the end of the 18th century, and since then its main design has not undergone significant changes. The fixed rod remains as it was, the upper and lower jaws are still in their places, and the movable element performs its original function.
Some models have a depth measuring element, others are designed for tire tread or for internal measurements only. Therefore, when choosing a tool, it is worth remembering the design features and additional functions that are rarely useful in everyday life.
Rating of calipers
Many companies produce meters. These devices may have various technical characteristics and additional options that increase accuracy and ease of use. Accuracy can reach hundredths of a millimeter. A number of devices are equipped with a display on which measurements are instantly displayed. Based on an analysis of the technical characteristics of individual models, expert opinions, and user reviews, a rating was compiled. The main evaluation parameters of these measuring instruments:
- Measurement accuracy;
- Convenience of taking readings;
- Tool resistance to external influences;
- Life time;
- Manufacturer support in case of problems;
- Price.
Measuring devices longer than 250 mm, 250 mm long and 150 mm long were assessed. In each category, the most worthy, reliable models in all respects were selected.
The best multimeters
Design features
The caliper device is represented by three types of separate measuring devices, which have a common accuracy class and uniform measurement limits.
Their results are displayed on a common bar and vernier scale.
Components of a caliper
Structurally, the mechanism consists of:
- base element - rod;
- the moving part is a frame with additional devices.
Barbell
All details are placed on it. It is made of a flat metal strip with fixed jaws and a scale of millimeter divisions.
Frame
Composite design with internal grooves - the movable frame moves along the rod. It has its own jaws, vernier scale and locking mechanism.
The fixation unit consists of a force adjustment screw with a spring-loaded plate, which creates uniform pressure when the frame moves along the entire length of the rod.
The working edges of the jaws of the frames and the rod have an angular sharpening. To perform external measurements, it is created with limiting stops, and internal ones - along the entire length of the working edge.
Measuring scales
The length of the part being measured in mm is measured using the rod scale, and subsequent clarification of their proportions is carried out using the vernier. Its accuracy class in mm is:
- 0,02;
- 0,05;
- 0,1.
The vernier scale can be applied directly to the body of the moving frame, as shown in the bottom photo, or attached with screws to perform precise calibration of the instrument - top photo.
How vernier and rod scales work
Let's look at the example of a caliper with an accuracy class of 0.1.
The price of one bar division located on top is exactly 1.0 mm, while that of the vernier is 1.9. Therefore, its ten lower divisions occupy 19 mm.
For all measurements, the zero position of the vernier scale, set opposite the upper divisions, is used as an indicator of the size of the part being measured. In the presented figure, it is located at the origin of the rod and indicates 0 mm of length.
During measurement, the movable frame moves along the rod, moving away from the beginning of the scale, and is fixed in a certain position, for example, as shown in the figure below.
The zero of the vernier scale has passed two millimeters along the rod. It indicates the whole part of the measured number - 2.0 mm. Of all the other nine marks of the moving frame, the fourth one came closest to the upper calibrated divisions. It shows the size of the fractional part - 0.4 mm.
All that remains is to fold them: 2.0 + 0.4 = 2.4 mm. We received the result of measuring a caliper in its accuracy class.
The best calipers 250 mm long
Meters with a length of 250 mm, as well as models of shorter length, will not be out of place in any home. And you definitely can’t do without them in various industries and for people involved in construction, repair and finishing work. There are models of various modifications in this category.
Griff D162141
A high-quality, classic mid-size model Griff D162141 does not have any additional modern options in the form of a digital display. There is also no integrated depth gauge. This is just a great measuring device that will last for many years. It easily passes the necessary verifications, as it is included in the State Register.
Advantages
- Excellent measurement accuracy;
- Durability of use;
- Certification in the State Register;
- Convenient for transportation.
Flaws
- High price.
Many industrial enterprises strive to purchase this particular model for their workshops. For professionals, fashionable bells and whistles are not important.
Accuracy and reliability are important. And this is guaranteed in the Griff D162141 caliper.
Shan 123663
One of the best calipers with depth gauge and digital display. With its help, it is easy to carry out a variety of external and internal measurements of ledges and hole depths. The meter screen has a particularly high contrast, making it easy to read. There are two measurement systems - metric and inch. The set includes a good-strength case.
Advantages
- Reliability and durability;
- High accuracy of readings;
- Clear display;
- Convenient case.
Flaws
- Very high price.
The Shan 123663 device is really expensive. But everyone who works with it notes that as soon as they pick it up and start taking measurements, it becomes clear why it is so expensive. Plus measurements are provided in inches. This is simply necessary when working with imported machines that produce parts according to measurements.
Best Digital Calipers
Such models receive energy from batteries and are equipped with special displays that display measurement results. They are used to quickly obtain accurate information and are convenient. Recommended for working with small or different-sized parts.
Norgau 040040015
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
For convenience and accurate measurements, this model features a locking screw, a flat depth gauge and a microfeed roller. After turning on the device, zero setting is not required, and it does not get lost during the working process.
For easy reading of the results, a large-size contrast LCD display is provided. The owner has the opportunity to download data to a computer thanks to the presence of a USB port.
The instrument error is 30 microns, the measurement range is 0-150 mm. The working surfaces here are made of stainless, hardened material. The plastic case ensures easy storage and transportation of the caliper.
Advantages:
- compactness and light weight;
- ease of use;
- high accuracy;
- Support USB transfer.
Flaws:
- price.
The professional Norgau caliper is designed for fast and most accurate measurements.
ADA Instruments Mechanic 150 Pro
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
The Mechanic 150 Pro's LCD display displays measurement results in decimal places for easy readability. To transfer data to the desired system, just click the appropriate button on the panel. You can reset the value and start measuring from the selected location at any position of the frame. A special wheel allows for more precise adjustments.
The device is made of tool stainless steel and is not afraid of high mechanical loads and corrosion. The small size makes the caliper easy to store and carry. The length of the tool is 243 mm, the division value is 0.01 millimeters.
Advantages:
- fast conversion;
- ease of data reading;
- compactness and corrosion resistance;
- high strength.
Flaws:
- difficult to replace batteries.
ADA Instruments Mechanic 150 Pro is suitable for carrying out both external and internal measurements in difficult conditions.
Bison Expert 34465-150
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
Features of the model include large screen sizes, making it easier to read readings. The length of the tool is 295 mm, the division value is 0.01 millimeters.
The main manufacturing material is stainless steel, which guarantees long-term preservation of the quality and original appearance of the device, as well as its resistance to sharp impacts.
Along with the caliper, the package includes a plastic box with holders. It is convenient and safe to store your tool in it. Measurements can be carried out in metric and inch systems.
Advantages:
- data conversion function;
- convenient case included;
- large, easy to read display;
- high accuracy;
- impact resistance.
Flaws:
- a little heavy.
Bison Expert is suitable for measuring internal and external dimensions, depth and thickness of various parts. A universal solution for professional use.
Kraftool 34460-150
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
91%
buyers recommend this product
The tool has an intuitive control panel that makes it easy to use and helps improve workflow productivity. The results obtained can be quickly converted into inches or millimeters thanks to a separate button.
The maximum measurement value is 150 millimeters, the division value is 0.01 mm. The package includes a spare battery and a case that facilitates storage and transportation of the device. However, the metal structure is not afraid of deformation, sharp impacts and minor scratches.
Advantages:
- minimum error;
- information screen;
- convenient control;
- durability;
- One-click data conversion.
Flaws:
- The electronics housing is not particularly durable.
Kraftool 34460-150 is used for complex measurements in professional workshops.
Stayer 34410-150
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
Stayer has an intuitive control panel that makes it easy for the inexperienced owner to use. The large display makes readings easy to read. The maximum measurement value is 150 millimeters, the conventional division value is 0.01 mm. It is convenient that there is a function for converting millimeters to inches.
Advantages:
- compact design;
- convenient control with quick zero setting;
- data conversion;
- easy reading of results from the screen.
Flaws:
- unreliable case.
Stayer 34410-150 is useful for quickly measuring a large number of workpieces.
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The best calipers longer than 250 mm
Large meters are used in large and medium-sized industries. There is little point in keeping one like this at home. Among these devices there are, as among others, classic models, digital, with a depth gauge. There are also marking calipers.
Matrix 316345
Classic model with a maximum measurement length of 300 mm. The instrument division value is 0.02 mm. The device is supplemented with a depth gauge function. This type of meter is indispensable when carrying out plumbing work. According to reviews from real users, they are completely satisfied with the Matrix 316345 caliper. The measuring slider moves smoothly. The weight is comfortable for use - just over 700 grams.
Advantages
- High precision of the device;
- Made of carbon steel;
- The scale is easy to read;
- Low price.
Flaws
- Not the most reliable case.
Norgau 040040030
Digital device for the most accurate measurements. The meter belongs to the first accuracy class and is included in the State Register. The readings are displayed on the liquid crystal screen. Readability is perfect. There is a depth gauge function. Equipped with a locking screw. There are two measuring scales - in millimeters and inches.
Advantages
- High accuracy of indicators;
- Durability;
- Clear LCD display;
- Durable case for transportation and storage.
Flaws
- Very expensive.
If you need to buy an electronic caliper and have the opportunity to spend a significant amount of money on it, then this model is better than any other. The manufacturer of the device is domestic, but the country of production is China. There is no need to worry about this. This is factory production.
The best pointer calipers
Such models indicate integer values using marked frames, and fractions on hour-type dials. Pointer calipers are distinguished by high accuracy and speed of measurement, do not require power sources for operation and are less demanding in terms of operating conditions than digital instruments.
Norgau 040027015
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
The rod and frame of the tool are made of stainless steel and are not afraid of use in difficult conditions. The dial is protected from shock, which eliminates the possibility of damage if dropped.
The maximum measurement value is 150 mm, the division value is 0.02 mm. The presence of a flat depth gauge and a locking screw makes the tool easier to use. For ease of storage and transportation, a special case with a tray is provided.
Advantages:
- impact-resistant design;
- ease of data reading;
- high accuracy;
- corrosion protection.
Flaws:
- high price.
The Norgau universal caliper is designed to determine the dimensions of parts, the depth of grooves and grooves during repairs or in production.
Matrix 31601
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
93%
buyers recommend this product
The material used here is tool stainless steel, which guarantees the tool’s resistance to high mechanical loads and corrosion.
The division value is 0.01 mm, the error is up to 20 microns. The slider that moves during measurements facilitates the operation of the device.
The instrument comes in a plastic case with soft foam inserts. This reduces the risk of damage due to improper transportation and simplifies storage in difficult conditions.
Advantages:
- corrosion resistance;
- high accuracy;
- ease of storage;
- long service life.
Flaws:
- heavy tool.
Matrix calipers are designed for external and internal measurements in the range of 0-150 mm in plumbing or carpentry.
Topex 31C627
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
The design of the Topex model includes three measuring controllers, making it possible to determine internal and external dimensions, thickness and depth. This provides a wide range of applications for the tool.
The device is made of high-strength stainless steel with a special coating that protects the surface from scratches and abrasion. The movable frame and locking screw make it easy to take and transfer readings.
Advantages:
- good accuracy;
- presence of a locking screw;
- universal application;
- durability due to protective coating.
Flaws:
- fragile dial.
Topex 31C627 is suitable for use in a workshop or production where you have to work with various types of parts.
Strong STI-621-150
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
The model is made of tool steel, is resistant to mechanical damage and does not deform under heavy load. A special coating is provided to protect against corrosion.
The maximum measurement value is 150 mm, the scale pitch is 0.1 mm. Ease of reading data and the presence of a locking screw facilitate the use of the device and contribute to the accuracy of working with various parts.
Advantages:
- high strength and corrosion resistance;
- locking screw;
- ease of reading.
Flaws:
- large dimensions;
- average accuracy.
Strong STI-621-150 is useful when carrying out turning and milling, metalworking and other work.
Which caliper is better to buy?
When choosing this device, it is important to determine the scope of application of the meter. For home use, there is no point in purchasing models that are too bulky or expensive. Professionals will need them. Large devices are needed in factories and industries. The meter must be made of steel. Then it will serve for many years. It's nice to have a durable case included. Otherwise, you will have to look for something to transport it in. If we talk about the best models, these are the following:
- The Norgau 040040030 is the best of the best calipers, but it has a correspondingly high price;
- Griff D162141 – simple, classic, optimal size, reliable and affordable;
- Bison 34463-150 is an excellent option for both home use and plumbing work.
If the meter is planned to be used for some official measurements, then it is better that it be entered into the State Register. This way there will be no difficulties when carrying out the necessary verifications. This procedure is needed for private certified craftsmen, in commercial production, and in large public sector enterprises.
