Calipers, calipers, calipers. This simple little tool comes in more varieties than you might think. Depending on the precision measurement job you’re aiming to accomplish, there are many different types of calipers available.
Today, we are going to give you a rundown of the various caliper types. We hope that this will increase your level of expertise in precision measurement tools and help you prepare for your next precision measurement task.
How Are Different Calipers Used?
In general, calipers are tools used to measure the distance between two spots on a part or object. The caliper is adjustable to be placed with its tips, or jaws, on the two corresponding points of measurement, and the distance can be read from the caliper readout or by comparing the distance of the jaws against a measurement reference.
Calipers are simple in concept, but undeniably useful in a number of fields, such as:
- Metrology
- Mechanical engineering
- Woodworking
- Medicine
- Metalworking,
- Science
- And more!
What Are the Different Types of Calipers for Measuring?
Additionally, there are eight different types of calipers available today.
Inside Caliper
Inside calipers are used, as the name implies, to measure the interior of a part. When using an inside caliper, the jaws are placed in the interior walls or areas of the part being measured and adjusted so that they are snug, but not causing damage.
Outside Caliper
Oppositely, outside calipers are used to measure the exterior of a part. The jaws are placed along the outside surface for measurement, and these calipers have a great capacity to measure very large outside distances.
Divider Caliper
Also commonly known as a compass, divider calipers are often used to measure maps or blueprints. The points on each jaw of a divider caliper are sharpened in order to act as scribes to mark out particular locations on a part.
Oddleg Caliper
Outside calipers are sometimes called oddleg jennys or hermaphrodite calipers. They are used mainly to mark out a particular spot a certain distance from one side of a part. A bent leg rests along the edge of a work piece while a straight leg’s scribe marks the required location.
Micrometer Caliper
A very simple type of micrometer, the micrometer caliper is just the full name for this specific style of tool.
Vernier Caliper
While either the standard Vernier, dial, or digital caliper comes with jaws for inside or outside measurements, the Vernier caliper is set apart because of its Vernier scale. A Vernier scale is a visual scale with different gradation marks that allows for very accurate interpolation. Reading a Vernier scale requires practice and skill.
Dial Caliper
Similar to a Vernier’s build and function, Dial calipers utilize a dial readout system, which typically may be rotated to allow for differential measurements.
Digital Caliper
A digital caliper is a more modern version of the dial caliper and provides a measurement readout on a display screen that is digitally calculated. A major benefit of the digital caliper is that it can sometimes be connected to a computer for data collection and storage.
Overall, it’s helpful to remember that Vernier, dial, and digital calipers all provide a direct measurement reading; as opposed to inside, outside, and divider calipers which require comparison against another measurement reference.
Finding the Right Caliper for Your Precision Measurement Project
Calipers are handy little tools that allow for a reliable and precise measurement of distances along any kind of part or object. They come in a range of designs, so it’s important to understand the different types of calipers to make the most out of your measurement task.
Depending on the complexity of your needs, you might want just a simple one-purpose caliper, like an outside caliper. Alternatively, you might want a more all-in-one tool and choose a Vernier caliper. The choice is up to you – luckily,there are plenty of caliper types to suit your precision measurement needs.
Explore Higher Precision’s product catalog of different caliper tools for your next precise measurement job! Stay tuned on our Blog page for more measuring resources and information.