Different Types
Calipers provide precise and careful measurements of the internal dimensions, external dimensions and the distance from one point to another.
Digital calipers are typically easier to use than traditional manual-dial, vernier and spring-joint calipers.
Digital calipers provide a wide range of measurements and have added features compared to other calipers. Digital calipers have buttons on the readout and have an internal microprocessor that calculates the position of the legs or jaws. The buttons near the digital display window are for turning the tool on, setting it to zero and switching between inches, millimeters and fractions.
How to Use Calipers
You can use calipers to measure depth, the distance between objects and the diameter of 3D objects, such as pipes. Most digital calipers work the same way.
Measure Depth
To measure depth, insert the depth rod into the hole you’re measuring. Unlock the top lock screw and use the thumbscrew to adjust the jaws. Upon doing this, the rod will stick out from the end of the caliper. You want to move the thumbscrew slowly until the end of the beam scale makes contact with the top of the hole you’re measuring. The rod must be positioned so that it’s flush against the bottom of the hole and an internal side of the hole. Once these parts are together, lock the screw to tighten the jaws. Then, remove the probe from the object and take the measurements.
Measure Distance
You can use the upper jaws of a caliper to measure the distance between two opposing objects. Place the upper jaws between the objects, adjust so there’s a snug fit between the objects and take the measurements.
Measure Diameter or Thickness
Calipers are also used to measure the internal and external diameters of 3D objects. You can measure circular holes, as well as rectangular, cylindrical, hexagonal or square holes.
To measure the inner diameter of an object, unlock the lock screw and adjust the upper jaws by sliding the thumbscrew on the bottom. The thumbscrew and jaws must be small enough to fit inside the opening of the hole.
Slide the upper jaws into the hole and expand the upper jaw until it hits the walls of the hole. Turn the lock screw to ensure that upper jaw is set, remove the jaws from the hole and take the measurement.
To measure the outside diameter of an object, follow the same process, but fit the lower jaws around the outer edges of the object.