Very impressive tutorial! My dad passed away and I inherited all his tools. Just today I needed to use a caliper for the first time and I had no idea how to read it. Your video was perfect. You're a great guy, thank you so much for posting this!
I bought one of these yesterday at Harbor Freight but it didn’t come with an instruction sheet, so I really appreciate your taking the time to make this video!
@TheTroutDoc Thank you for this tutorial. I'm a bridal seamstress and I don't want to spend the money on a digital version plus I like old school. Your tutorial was very helpful! One tip that may help some others with a "locking" mechanism: I used a rubber band wrapped snuggly around the caliper stick. Once I measure my item, I moved the band down the shaft to prevent the slider from moving.
Thanks. I'm on an extreme budget at the moment and manual calipers are ten times cheaper than the next digital option. I had no idea how to read them until this video.
Sam, thank you for putting this on UA-cam. I teach analytical chemistry laboratory, introduction to forensic science, and criminalistics - the last two to non-science majors, and these calipers are fantastic for teaching someone to appreciate measurement tools, as well as using a piece of equipment that takes more than reading a LED to operate. I have used this video tutorial in my class, giving you the credit you deserve. Thanks again. JDH
+Jason Hofstein Glad you used the video. Hope your students learn quickly what it took me some time to figure out....but then again, I sometimes am a slow learner. Best of luck to you and your students.
With all of the other garbage videos on UA-cam explaining this and leaving so many people confused, leave it to the old-timer here to explain it best. We would be wise to listen to old-timers like this, as they have a much better way of explaining things and are usually far wiser than we are today.
Thank you at work I work at a pipe distributor and fabrication facility my digital caliper broke so I ran out because I had to use my own money I got this thinking directions or a reading example was with it but nope lol and realized after all these years I never knew how to read this manually which was embarrassing for myself as I pride myself In being horrible at everything in life besides pipe fabrication lol...anyway after 3 vids of confusion yours got me there...thank you very much
Thank you, I'm staking a chain rivet for my motorcycle and bought one of these to measure the rivet but not knowing how to read it. Your video helped me get it down. much appreciated sir!
Reviews on Harbor Freight claim that Vernier markings are incorrect on this model, but I think your review shows that the markings are just different, but fully serviceable. Unfortunately, the newer $1.99 variant doesn’t have the lock feature. I would pay a dollar more for that feature.
Thanks for explaining this basic HF tool. I was going to buy one tomorrow anyway. Still not sure how the vernier works with inches. For the record, vernier is the name of the Frenchman historically linked to this type of scale. It has 3 syllables Ver-knee-er (roughly). I read most of the HF reviews on this. The biggest complaints seem to be that the markings easily rub off and they don't zero out. It'll be fine for my uses though. 👍
Just think of it as dividing the smallest interval on that scale (1/16 inch) by how many more divisions there are on the vernier side (8 so 1/8, 1/16ths x 1/8 = 1/128ths inch, as it is marked). Basically, just add the best aligned line in n/128ths to the 16ths already measured by the zero. So if the 0 is just past 3/16ths and the best aligned vernier is 5, that's 3/16 aka 24/128 + 5/128 to get 29/128ths -and don't forget the whole inches already measured!- ...I can't believe I just figured that out in my head -and confirmed it on UA-cam- from this video on just the metric side. 🤓
I have the same set of calipers. I would like to know how to use the English Standard marks. Each mark appears to be 1/16 of an inch instead of 1/10. I am not sure how to add in the marks or measurements on top in that scale. If the divisions had been in tenths of an inch, it would be no problem, but they are in sixteenths of an inch.
I think the one I got is really off. I tried to put it so it would read 5.5 and it don't even come close. I have a more pricier one... that does it as you say it does (as I expected). I'll just use the plastic one when that level of precision is not needed.
I have purchased the $2.99 Plastic Pittsburg 6" Utility Caliper. I notice that the left edge of the outside caliper (bottom left) is not aligned to zero. Doesn't that produce an inaccurate reading?
Yes. Mine is dead on zero. If it is to the right of zero you can sand off some of the inside; if it is to the left you can add some tape padding. Or you can take it back to the retailer and get one that is dead on.
As I look at your video at .24, I see that yours also has the left edge of the bottom left of 0 by a small amount. It looks just like mine. Am I reading it wrong?
If the caliper is closed it should be aligned with 0.When making a measurement it will be between two markings and that is when you use the bottom scale to interpolate the last digits of the measurement.
The numbers marks on the bottom scale will line up with some number on the top scale this will give you the amount of measurement after the first part of the scale is read. In the video the XX.65 is where the vernier marking align with the upper marking to give the last interpolation of the measurement. Watch the video again and see that the bottom scale does not line up with the 0 but with the mark between the 6 and 7. Thus making the last part of the measurement .65 mm
I just bought this item #63664 from Harbor Freight and I’m sorry to say they no longer have a proper Vernier scale. It’s there, it simply isn’t printed correctly. None of the Vernier marks line up, or else they all line up. Whoever is manufacturing them now doesn’t know how they are supposed to work. Sad.
BEWARE - I just bought one of these and they are very cheap with extremely poor manufacturing standards: the vernier scale on mine EXACTLY matches the main scale of the tool, thus there is no variation and you cannot do the interpolation he describes for the 0.05mm and 1/128 inch accuracy. I returned the caliper.
I hate to disagree with everyone here, but this tool is not made accurately at all. The zero doesn't start at the beginning of the scale. It start about an 8th of an inch after it, therefore giving you a totally inaccurate measurement. Pittsburg tools needs to go back to the drawing board and stamp the scale accurately, starting the zero at the beginning. Anyone who has used this has gotten inaccurate measurements.
My tool is spot on the zero. They all line up. If you clean or file down the measure tips of the tool it may be possible to align your tool to measure correctly. The newer tools may be made differently than the older tools.
Very impressive tutorial! My dad passed away and I inherited all his tools. Just today I needed to use a caliper for the first time and I had no idea how to read it. Your video was perfect. You're a great guy, thank you so much for posting this!
+Heather Burns Glad you found this video. Best of luck with your new tools.
Good, clear, concise explanation. Thank you for teaching me how to read mine; I have the very same model vernier caliper!
Clear and simple explanation! Thanks
I bought one of these yesterday at Harbor Freight but it didn’t come with an instruction sheet, so I really appreciate your taking the time to make this video!
@TheTroutDoc Thank you for this tutorial. I'm a bridal seamstress and I don't want to spend the money on a digital version plus I like old school. Your tutorial was very helpful! One tip that may help some others with a "locking" mechanism: I used a rubber band wrapped snuggly around the caliper stick. Once I measure my item, I moved the band down the shaft to prevent the slider from moving.
Thanks. I'm on an extreme budget at the moment and manual calipers are ten times cheaper than the next digital option. I had no idea how to read them until this video.
Sam, thank you for putting this on UA-cam. I teach analytical chemistry laboratory, introduction to forensic science, and criminalistics - the last two to non-science majors, and these calipers are fantastic for teaching someone to appreciate measurement tools, as well as using a piece of equipment that takes more than reading a LED to operate. I have used this video tutorial in my class, giving you the credit you deserve. Thanks again. JDH
+Jason Hofstein Glad you used the video. Hope your students learn quickly what it took me some time to figure out....but then again, I sometimes am a slow learner. Best of luck to you and your students.
Thank you man . Taught me how to use it with perfection .
Thanks buddy I just got me one just like yours from Harbor Freight for $2.53 and now I know how to use it correctly
Great video. Now I can actually explain how this thing works...very exciting! Thank you.
With all of the other garbage videos on UA-cam explaining this and leaving so many people confused, leave it to the old-timer here to explain it best. We would be wise to listen to old-timers like this, as they have a much better way of explaining things and are usually far wiser than we are today.
Except for Brandon!
Thank you at work I work at a pipe distributor and fabrication facility my digital caliper broke so I ran out because I had to use my own money I got this thinking directions or a reading example was with it but nope lol and realized after all these years I never knew how to read this manually which was embarrassing for myself as I pride myself In being horrible at everything in life besides pipe fabrication lol...anyway after 3 vids of confusion yours got me there...thank you very much
im new at trying to read a caliper measurement so Im grateful for the awesome video thanks!
This tutorial was just PERFECT!
Thank you for this video. It helped immensely. Much appreciated 🙏 Take care
Thank you! I got this exact caliper for 1.99 and didn't know how to read the veneers.
Thank you, I'm staking a chain rivet for my motorcycle and bought one of these to measure the rivet but not knowing how to read it. Your video helped me get it down. much appreciated sir!
Reviews on Harbor Freight claim that Vernier markings are incorrect on this model, but I think your review shows that the markings are just different, but fully serviceable. Unfortunately, the newer $1.99 variant doesn’t have the lock feature. I would pay a dollar more for that feature.
Thanks for the video Pops!
Very helpful. Thank you sir.
Thank you so much for making this video. It helped a lot!
thank you. great tool now have a little more knowledge to use it more often.
Thank you so much Sir. Tremendous help.
thank you lost my father and never really learned most tools and would have to figure it out myself usually
Thanks for explaining this basic HF tool. I was going to buy one tomorrow anyway. Still not sure how the vernier works with inches.
For the record, vernier is the name of the Frenchman historically linked to this type of scale. It has 3 syllables Ver-knee-er (roughly).
I read most of the HF reviews on this. The biggest complaints seem to be that the markings easily rub off and they don't zero out. It'll be fine for my uses though. 👍
Just think of it as dividing the smallest interval on that scale (1/16 inch) by how many more divisions there are on the vernier side (8 so 1/8, 1/16ths x 1/8 = 1/128ths inch, as it is marked).
Basically, just add the best aligned line in n/128ths to the 16ths already measured by the zero. So if the 0 is just past 3/16ths and the best aligned vernier is 5, that's 3/16 aka 24/128 + 5/128 to get 29/128ths -and don't forget the whole inches already measured!-
...I can't believe I just figured that out in my head -and confirmed it on UA-cam- from this video on just the metric side. 🤓
THANK YOU !! EXCELLENT PRESENTATION !
I have the same set of calipers. I would like to know how to use the English Standard marks. Each mark appears to be 1/16 of an inch instead of 1/10. I am not sure how to add in the marks or measurements on top in that scale. If the divisions had been in tenths of an inch, it would be no problem, but they are in sixteenths of an inch.
Perfect! Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!
Thank you for the info.👍💯
very amazing !! thanks for sharing !!
Great video, thanks for the info!
I didn't know you could lock in a measurement. Do the new ones still have this feature... mine slides out very easily.
it should lock if you tap it correcty. Lock is very light and prevents movement during reading only.
I think the one I got is really off. I tried to put it so it would read 5.5 and it don't even come close. I have a more pricier one... that does it as you say it does (as I expected). I'll just use the plastic one when that level of precision is not needed.
Thank you, sir.
I can’t lock my calipers like you did with a magic push. Lol. Maybe they don’t have that feature anymore
The lock is very subtle. It is easy to move but will only hold if you do not bump the unit.
TheTroutDoc thanks for the reply and your main video was wonderful and helped me understand the caliper better.
Thank you!
thank you sir!
Your video is very good. :)
Thank you
Thanks boss.
Cool! I want the mechanical one since the digital version is so inaccurate!
Thank you im not sure where you .05 after 38.
got it today for 2 dollars! what a deal.
I have purchased the $2.99 Plastic Pittsburg 6" Utility Caliper. I notice that the left edge of the outside caliper (bottom left) is not aligned to zero. Doesn't that produce an inaccurate reading?
Yes. Mine is dead on zero. If it is to the right of zero you can sand off some of the inside; if it is to the left you can add some tape padding. Or you can take it back to the retailer and get one that is dead on.
As I look at your video at .24, I see that yours also has the left edge of the bottom left of 0 by a small amount. It looks just like mine. Am I reading it wrong?
If the caliper is closed it should be aligned with 0.When making a measurement it will be between two markings and that is when you use the bottom scale to interpolate the last digits of the measurement.
The numbers marks on the bottom scale will line up with some number on the top scale this will give you the amount of measurement after the first part of the scale is read. In the video the XX.65 is where the vernier marking align with the upper marking to give the last interpolation of the measurement. Watch the video again and see that the bottom scale does not line up with the 0 but with the mark between the 6 and 7. Thus making the last part of the measurement .65 mm
Thanks. I finally got it.
I just bought this item #63664 from Harbor Freight and I’m sorry to say they no longer have a proper Vernier scale. It’s there, it simply isn’t printed correctly. None of the Vernier marks line up, or else they all line up. Whoever is manufacturing them now doesn’t know how they are supposed to work.
Sad.
BEWARE - I just bought one of these and they are very cheap with extremely poor manufacturing standards: the vernier scale on mine EXACTLY matches the main scale of the tool, thus there is no variation and you cannot do the interpolation he describes for the 0.05mm and 1/128 inch accuracy. I returned the caliper.
Same here, the vernier scale on mine isn't the same as he shows in the video. Shame that such a simple and useful thing got broken.
I hate to disagree with everyone here, but this tool is not made accurately at all. The zero doesn't start at the beginning of the scale. It start about an 8th of an inch after it, therefore giving you a totally inaccurate measurement. Pittsburg tools needs to go back to the drawing board and stamp the scale accurately, starting the zero at the beginning. Anyone who has used this has gotten inaccurate measurements.
My tool is spot on the zero. They all line up. If you clean or file down the measure tips of the tool it may be possible to align your tool to measure correctly. The newer tools may be made differently than the older tools.
I can’t seem to lock my plastic one like you did yours. Maybe the newer version does not have that feature
@@1986BBG I would be willing to pay a little bit more for this feature.
@@ChristiRich yes
Are you still alive?
Thank you Sir.