Whether you are an engineer involved in a construction project or a home buddy completing a DIY task, a digital caliper is one of the most useful tools to have. It is a precision tool that makes it easy and quick to take accurate measurements. They have two arms that you can adjust to measure the distance from one point to another. It is more accurate compared to using a ruler or measuring tape.
Digital calipers are useful in a variety of applications. They are available in several design choices and made using different materials. No idea what to choose for the best digital caliper? Read on and learn from the insights we’ll share.
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Our Top Picks for the Best Digital Caliper 2020
Below, we take a look at the top products that should be on your radar as well as the reasons why they are exceptional picks.
VINCA DCLA-0605 Digital Vernier Caliper
Ease of use is one of the main reasons why this tops our list of the choices for the best digital calipers on the market. There is a metric, inch, and fraction conversion, so you don’t have to compute the measurement by yourself. There is also an extra-large display to easily see the readings.
This is also a great pick if you are on the lookout for the best cheap digital caliper. It is easy on the wallet but big in terms of its performance.
Technically speaking, the measurement range is from zero to 6 inches. The accuracy, on the other hand, is +/- .001 inch.
Lastly, it is also worth pointing out that the manufacturer calibrates each model before releasing it on the market, providing an assurance of its highest level of accuracy. It is already fully calibrated right out of the box.
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Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Digital Caliper
When it comes to the best digital caliper brands, Mitutoyo is one name that you should know about, and this specific model is one of their best offerings to date.
The main material that is used is stainless steel, so you can be confident that it can withstand the test of time. There is also a plastic case to protect it from external elements that can speed up its wear during storage. The durability can also be attributed to the fact that it resists dirt, air, and water to make it longer lasting.
It also has an ergonomic design, making sure that the buttons are in strategic positions so that you can reach them easily. There is also a large display that makes it easy to read the measurements.
Lastly, the precision of this digital caliper is also notable. It measures anywhere from zero to 6 inches or up to 150mm in increments of .0005 inch or .01mm.
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iGaging Absolute Origin Digital Electronic Caliper
This is another 6-inch digital caliper, which is the same length as the two others that have been mentioned above. The resolution is .001mm and the accuracy is .002mm.
The digital caliper has IP54 protection against dust and water. This helps to make it last through the years, making it a great investment.
Based on the information from the manufacturer, the battery that comes with the unit is powerful enough to last for up to two years.
The absolute memory technology is another good reason to choose this over other options for a digital caliper. After setting the caliper, it remembers its original position.
For your peace of mind, it is also good to know that the manufacturer offers a warranty that lasts for two years.
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VALORBROS Stainless Steel Digital Caliper
This is another great option for those who are looking for budget-friendly alternatives for the best digital caliper. In terms of its construction, it is made of a combination of stainless and plastic, so there are some parts that might end up being flimsy.
It is also a great choice if you are looking for versatility. It has four-way measurements, making it useful in various applications. It measures step, depth, outside diameter, and inside diameter.
When you purchase this digital caliper, it is already inclusive of a black case for easy storage, protecting the unit from harsh elements that can speed up its wear.
Best of all, for your peace of mind, it is also good to know that the manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty, which shows how much they trust the quality of their product.
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Nikei 01407A Electronic Digital Caliper
For the best calipers that don’t hurt the wallet, this is another incredible option. This is great if you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative but unwilling to compromise quality.
In terms of construction, the caliper itself is made of hard stainless steel that makes it long-lasting. It resists dust and dirt. Plus, there is also a plastic case that protects it from external elements when it is stored.
Ease of use is another good reason to pick this product. Simplicity is one of its best assets. Moving the jaw from left to right will also be a snap. It moves smoothly, unlike others that are prone to jamming.
Like most of its competitors, the maximum measurement is also six inches. To add, it has a measuring accuracy of +/- .001 inch, which is good enough considering its price.
Another notable feature of this caliper is the zero button. This comes handy when you need to reset its display in case the measurement fails or when you spill water.
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Rosimo Electronic Digital Vernier Caliper
Whether it is internal diameter, external diameter, step, or height, this is another digital caliper that promises to provide accurate measurements in different applications. The accuracy is +/- .02mm. This is also a great product because of its speed, which is rated at 1m/s, which means that you don’t have to wait for a long time before the readings are ready.
The oversized display is also a nice feature of this product. With the large LCD, it is easy to see the readings on the screen. At the back of the screen, there is a conversion chart.
There is a knurled thumb roller that is easy to adjust. This makes it user-friendly. It rolls smoothly, which makes it less prone to being jammed.
Lastly, to provide the best customer service, the company promises to provide anyone with an unconditional refund if you are unhappy in any way with how the caliper works.
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YKS Carbon Fiber Composite Digital Caliper
Within its price range, this is perhaps the best digital caliper that you will find. It is one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest, from the calipers that we have listed in this guide. The main material is carbon fiber, which isn’t as long lasting as the materials that you will find in its higher-end counterparts.
The accuracy of the caliper is at .01 inch, which is not as accurate as the more expensive counterparts. Nonetheless, this is enough if you are just trying to find a ballpark number and you don’t need to be precise.
Lastly, its power is derived from the LR44 battery. It may not be long-lasting, but the good news is that the replacement is affordable.
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AREWTEC Electronic Digital Caliper
This is another option to consider if you are looking for a digital caliper that can deliver highly precise readings. Based on the specifications from the manufacturer, the accuracy is at +/- .001 inch, which is similar even to the more expensive options that are available on the market.
To provide excellent value for the money, every purchase comes with a hard case, which protects the caliper from external elements that can damage its components. The extra battery is also a good addition. Speaking of the battery, the unit will automatically turn off after five minutes of being inactive, which is a good way to save power.
In terms of construction, this is made using polished stainless steel. It also has stable rollers and screws, which are instrumental in making the readings more accurate. Because of the use of first-rate materials, you can expect this caliper to be durable.
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Clockwise Tools DCLR-0605 Electronic Digital Caliper
Whether it is for DIY or professional use, the manufacturer guarantees that this will be an exceptional choice. Regardless if it is the best digital caliper for woodworking or metalworking you are looking for, it is another top pick to consider. It is also made of high-quality stainless steel, so durability is not a thing you need to worry about.
Like the other products that are listed in this article, you can also use it in four ways – external measuring, internal measuring, step measuring, and depth measuring. Regardless of the way you intend to use it, you can be confident about the accuracy of the readings.
The fine-polished stainless steel is another reason to love this digital caliper. This precision measuring tool has a smooth construction, which allows the jaws to slide smoothly. This also helps in improving its precision.
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EAGems Digital Caliper
A bit more expensive than most of the options that we have mentioned, this is another option worth considering in your search for the best digital caliper under 100. It has high-end features that make it stand out from its cheaper counterparts.
This water-resistant digital caliper has a length of six inches or 150mm. It also displays fraction at a maximum of 1/64, so you won’t have a hard time manually doing the conversions. It shows measurements in fraction, millimeter, or inches, which you can easily change by switching a single button. There is also position lock to prevent duplicate measurements.
The digital caliper derives its power from the two 3-volt batteries. There is a screwdriver included to easily remove the battery casing that is located at the back of the screen.
There is a large LCD screen, so you can see the readings easily. You can be confident that these readings will be accurate all the time. The accuracy is set at .0005.
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REXBETI Digital Caliper
With the all-stainless steel construction of digital caliper, you can expect the best in terms of its durability. This isn’t one of those calipers that will easily break, especially those made of flimsy plastic.
Before being released on the market, the caliper has been through a series of tests, including accuracy testing and load resistance, which can provide you with peace of mind when it comes to its exceptional reliability and unmatched performance.
It also slides smooth from one side to another, making it easy to take accurate measurements at a maximum of six inches or 150mm. There are large numbers on the side, which makes it function like a ruler. Alternatively, there is a digital display that shows the actual readings if you want it to be more precise.
There is also an automatic off feature, which is a great way to save battery. For the best bang for the buck, manwhile, it is a good thing that it comes with an extra battery.
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Glow Geek Electronic Digital Caliper
It is made using hardened stainless steel, which makes it quite heavy. The added weight, however, should not be an issue given the fact that it is also the reason why the caliper is durable.
The high-contrast LCD screen that comes with the caliper has a generous size. Because of this, you can expect that you will easily see the readings, even in low-lit environments.
The accuracy of the caliper is also at .001 inch, which is pretty much the standard in the majority of the models that we have listed in this guide.
Lastly, the manufacturer is offering a one-year guarantee. It is a good thing that there is such an offer, although, we have seen other products within the same price range that come with a more extensive guarantee for your peace of mind.
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MeasuGator Lambda Digital Caliper
This is another ideal option if you are looking for the best digital caliper that fares well when it comes to being user-friendly. Aside from being a breeze to use, the readings are also easy to see, made possible by the oversized screen with a clear display. The high-contrast LCD clearly shows the measurement.
A lot of people also love this product because it provides the best bang for the buck with all the inclusions upon purchase. It comes with three extra batteries. It also has nine feeler gauge add-ons, which are great in terms of improving the accuracy of the measurements.
Lastly, the smooth sliding action is another asset of this digital caliper. This is unlike the cheaper models that jam easily. The smooth mechanism does not only make it pleasant to use but also helps in improving its accuracy.
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How to Choose the Best Digital Caliper 2022
To help you narrow down the possibilities, below are important factors to take into consideration to help you make the right choice.
- Ease of Use: Choose one that comes with a user-friendly design. Keep it simple but without compromising the accuracy.
- Material: The material will affect the quality of the digital caliper. Common materials that are used include stainless steel, carbon fiber, and plastic, among others.
- Display: This is where the measurement is shown. Make sure that it is large and bright enough so that you can see it easily.
- Length: This depends on the intended application of the digital caliper. In most cases, a 4 to 12-inch caliper is enough. For the pros, digital calipers can be 24 to 48 inches.
- Accuracy: It is the most important consideration when evaluating the possibilities. Read reviews and learn from the real-life experiences of other people to be sure of its accuracy.
FAQs
Before we end this post, let us first answer some of the common questions you might have about digital calipers.
What is a Digital Caliper Used For?
It is a precision measuring instrument that is used in various applications. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, it is handy in more ways than one. It measures the distance from two opposite sides. It measures thickness, width, and deflection, among others. To be specific, it is used in woodworking, engineering, forestry, medicine, science, and metalworking, among others.
How Accurate are Digital Calipers?
The accuracy of calipers will depend on its overall quality, so it is crucial to invest in one with a premium construction to be assured of its quality, even if it costs more. For most of the best choices, the accuracy is anywhere from .001 to .0015 inch.
Why Use Calipers Instead of Ruler?
Accuracy – this is the best reason to consider using calipers instead of rulers. While using a ruler can be enough in some cases, there are instances when the measurements need to be more accurate, which is possible only with the use of a digital caliper.
Conclusion
Do not resort into guesswork when taking measurements. Regardless of the application, they should be as accurate as possible. The best way to make sure of this is to use the best digital caliper, including the products that we have mentioned above.
