Dial caliper help

[vtecboy]

Hello,

I need a dial caliper to measure simple car stuff like brake rotors and things like that.
If you have to choose between a digital or analog dial caliper wich one would you take?

thanks

[1930]

Analog

[Papaw]

Analog, but maybe because that is all I've ever had to use. I like to see the range.

[rusty]

Analog, because they always work, you don't have to worry about a battery, and t
hey are more dirt resistant.

but...calipers are not the right tool for measuring brake rotors..

They will measure the thickest point, you want to measure the thinnest point, you need a micrometer....

[oldtools]

Agree with Rusty... unless you have ball tips for your caliper.  I have both, I use my analog more because it is always ready.
the digital should not be stored with the batteries installed, normally takes several button type that can leak & corrode & cost $$.
but I use digital when I want MM/IN conversion or quick check of sizes, like checking 30+ allen wrenches, unmarked, mixed odds & ends.
just press button to switch between MM or IN.

[william_b_noble]

I personally have a set of the cheap chinese import brake rotor calipers, they work well for that purpose.  I take the battery out when I store them, I use them infrequently, so far no problem.  Note that brake calipers are very different from a regular dial caliper - they need to reach in to the brake disk so you can find and measure the thinnest part.  I have digital and analog "regular" calipers, I prefer digital for precision work but carry analog around in the car because the battery won't be dead when I need it.

[anglesmith]

I have trouble reading the ordinary vernier calipers (analog?) these days, even with glasses!  I've picked a couple of S/H mechanical dial vernier calipers ( metric and imp..) and find them very user friendly and certainly no batteries to worry about!
Graeme

[oldtools]

Aha, showing our age, ordinary Vernier (split the lines) were great until the Dial Verniers came out.. and they are inexpensive now..

[Dakota Woodworker]

I'll go against the flow.  I've had a digital caliper for over twenty years now, have never had problems, I use it frequently to check lumber thickness out of the sander.  In all those years I've replaced the batteries twice.  I'll have to say I've never used a dial caliper so I can't compare. 

[scottg]

Depends on what you need it for.
I really like the little 4" pocket dial caliper from Horror Freight. Its like, 5 bucks when you are lucky enough to catch it on sale.

I have a laboratory grade micrometer and a "last word" jeweled dial indicator but the junker pocket dial caliper is plenty close enough most of the time
  and if I drop it there is no funeral.
  yours Scott 

[Mel Larsen]

Rusty is right.  I have been playing with becoming a home shop machinist for about 5 years now and have found that one type of measuring tool is no where enough.  Regular micrometers are needed and the old dial calipers have their place also. A stop at your local Hock shop can produce some brand name instruments at a fraction of the original price. If you keep your eye out, you can pick up some great deals on electronic digital calipers for as little as $15.  I have a pair on ever work bench and even my desk here in the computer room.  As far as battery's go, they can be purchased on-line for as little as $3 a dozen,  most of the time they will last about 5 months.
Mel

[scottg]

As far as battery's go, they can be purchased on-line for as little as $3 a dozen,

  I am thrilled to report that I have been buying coin batteries for 99 cents a dozen, free shipping!
Ebay is loaded with them.  You have to order from central China usually, but oh well.
  That is where they come from anyway.
yours Scott

[Mel Larsen]

No need to send to China for them when Amazon sells Brand named battery's for cheap. and if you happen to have their  "Prime" membership the shipping is paid.  http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=389581011

[oldtools]

Wow!! Thanks...
50 (AG13/LR44/357) for $3.40 + shipping??  Great deal as they are selling for ~$3.00 EACH here, $146.00 saving!!!