Caliper types
What calipers are there?
Calipers (also known as callipers) are among the most frequently used measuring devices in the workshop. Calipers can be used to quickly and easily determine lengths and outer/inner diameters.
A distinction is made between digital and analogue calipers, as well as calipers with a round scale (clock). There are also depth calipers to determine the depth of grooves or blind holes, for example.
Caliper design
Calipers consist of the following components:
- Fixed measuring leg
- Movable measuring leg
- Outer measuring leg for external dimensions (Fig. 2)
- Inner measuring leg for internal dimensions (Fig. 3)
- Clamping screw
- Vernier, digital display or round scale
- Ruler/scale
- Depth gauge for determining depths (Fig. 4)
Analogue calipers
To increase reading accuracy, analogue calipers have a so-called vernier next to the scale. The vernier can be used to read units of length in the hundredths range. The scale indicates whole millimetres.
As analogue calipers have no electronics, they are insensitive to splash water or cooling lubricants. They are also durable and robust. However, reading an analogue caliper gauge using the vernier takes practice.
You can find step-by-step instructions on how to read an analogue caliper gauge correctly in our guide:
With analogue calipers, make sure you are looking at them from the correct angle to avoid parallax errors (reading errors).
Caliper with round scale (clock)
With calipers with a round scale, the whole millimetres are read off the scale and the tenths/hundredths of a millimetre from the round scale. The dial gauge makes it easier to read the measured values than with analogue calipers with vernier scale.
Calipers with a dial gauge also do not require batteries.
Digital calipers
Digital calipers generally have a higher reading accuracy than vernier calipers. Calipers with a digital display show the measured values directly on the display. This largely eliminates reading errors, making them suitable for beginners. Digital calipers also offer the option of switching between millimetres and inches and can be zeroed in any position.
Bear in mind that this type of caliper requires batteries and is not as shock and impact resistant as analogue calipers. In addition, the influence of water, dust, oil or swarf can lead to measurement errors and, in the worst case, to failure of the caliper. Analogue calipers are more advantageous in working environments with such influences.
Depth calipers
Depth calipers can be used to measure the depth of grooves or blind holes. The two measuring legs are placed on the workpiece. The line scale can then be moved to measure.
Analogue vs. digital calipers - advantages and disadvantages
Measuring with calipers - tips & tricks
Observe the following points for optimum reading results:
- With analogue calipers, ensure the correct viewing angle to avoid parallax errors (reading errors) (image).
- Measure with even pressure.
- Make sure that the areas to be measured are clean. The measuring legs should also not be dirty (free of chips).
- Make sure that the caliper does not tilt.
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