A dial caliper is basically a precision measuring tool that will offer fast measurements with no need for battery power. Given that the calipers come with a dial display, it will be very hard to make mistakes and errors by our eyes. You will find these tools mostly with mechanics and woodworkers as well. These are versatile tools that have the ability to make so many measurements. With just some little practice, it will be possible to make fast and direct measurements. An ideal dial caliper will be accurate, simple to read and adjust, and basically stand the test of time.
When trying to get the best dial caliper, you will be overwhelmed by the many options in the market. In this regard, there are certain points that you will want to put into consideration before you can proceed to make an order. In this post, we shall unveil some of the best options as far as the dial calipers are concerned. We shall also pinpoint the key factors that you need to consider when buying. Without any further ado, let us get started.
List of Best Dial Calipers in 2024
#10. INSIZE 1311-12 Dial Caliper, Graduation .001″
By: Insize
We begin with this product that has been made all the way from China. It prides itself on the fact that it has been made with stainless steel. For that reason, you expect it to withstand any use that you subject it to. The good thing about the dial caliper is that it comes at a relatively affordable price.
Among the measurements that will be taken by this caliper include the inside diameter as well as the outside diameter. It is also very easy to take the readings since the caliper has been well-calibrated. The dial indicator is also shockproof meaning that you will be getting only accurate results
- It has been made in China
- Shockproof dial indicator
- Features stainless steel
- Comes with an easy-to-open case
This caliper has been supplied with an easy-to-open case that makes storage and transportation very easy. It is also very easy to operate especially due to the fact that it has a one-handed operation.
#9. Mitutoyo 505-675-56 Dial Caliper, +/-0.001″ Accuracy
By: Mitutoyo
As far as ease of taking readings is concerned, nothing will beat this caliper. Its dial face is black as opposed to the common white. It is for this reason why it remains very easy to take the readings. You will also appreciate that the dial scale has been made in a shockproof design to make sure that readings remain accurate all the time.
When it comes to the construction of the dial caliper, you will appreciate that it has been made with hardened stainless steel. You will also appreciate the fact that it can take up to 4 measurements. These include outside dimension, inside dimension, step, and depth measurements.
- TiN coating on the beam
- Vernier scale for easy reading
- 4-way measuring capability
- Hardened stainless steel construction
If you are looking to take high-precision readings, this dial caliper will be the ideal choice. You will like the fact that it comes with a Titanium nitride coating on the surface allowing it to remain resistant to wearing.
#8. Starrett Stainless Steel Dial Caliper
By: Starrett
This is a well-built caliper that you will find very reliable. This is a product that has a good reputation as far as precision and accuracy are concerned. Other than the decimal readouts on its inner wheels, you will also appreciate that it has a fractional readout on its outer wheel. This, therefore, makes the tool ideal for woodworking projects.
One of the things that you need to know about the caliper is that this one is a bit heavier compared to its competitors. This one makes it stronger and allows it to have the best qualities. The other good thing about the caliper is that it remains very easy to read under any light.
- It has a fine adjustment roll
- Features a lock screw to hold the sliding jaw
- A hardened stainless steel bar
- Comes with rack teeth point down
This caliper is basically very easy and smooth to use especially due to its one-hand operation. Any serious woodworker will actually wonder how they survived without this tool.
#7. Oshlun MTDCF-06 Stainless Steel Dial Caliper
By: Oshlun Store
We begin by describing the construction that this dial caliper uses. You will be happy to learn that it has been made of professional-grade stainless steel. When not in use, you will have an easy time storing it in the plastic case that has been provided in the package. Additionally, it will prove to be very easy to carry wherever you want.
Taking readings from this dial caliper will be very easy under any light. The reason for that is simply because its dial face has an appealing color that makes the taking of readings pretty easy. Another good thing about the dial caliper is that it has a good resolution and always gives the best and accurate readings.
- Professional-grade stainless steel
- Comes with a plastic storage case
- An accuracy of +/- 0.001 inches
- Positive lock and precision-ground jaws
This is a well-constructed dial caliper that will definitely stand the test of time. What makes it ideal for purchase is its pocket-friendly price and its outstanding accuracy.
#6. Mitutoyo 505-742 Dial Caliper, 0.001″ Accuracy
By: Mitutoyo
As far as dial calipers are concerned, there is nothing that will beat the Mitutoyo brand. Among the reasons why people love this dial caliper set is that it is well-made, accurate, and very smooth. You will definitely love the feel, finish as well as fit of this dial caliper.
The caliper features a design that is pretty easy-to-read and has high shock protection. Among the measurements that you can use the calipers for include OD, ID, steps, and depth and it does that with utmost accuracy. It also features a lock screw in order to hold its sliding jaw conveniently in place.
- A newly-designed dial movement
- Can easily measure ID, OD, steps, and depths
- New face for an improved readability
- An improved finish for longevity reasons
This dial caliper has the ability to take different readings including outside diameter, inside diameter steps, and depth. It has a well-improved finish that will make sure that it stands the test of time.
#5. TESA Brown & Sharpe Dial Caliper, 0.001″ Resolution
By: TESA Brown & Sharpe
These calipers have been used by professionals for a while now. The reason why professionals love it is simply that it gives accurate measurements every other time. This dial scale has 0.001-inch intervals in order to give readings all the way to the 1000th digit.
The dial will measure 1.25” in diameter which is another reason why you will want to buy the caliper. Its diameter will neither be too big for the confined spaces nor too small to make a single strain as you take the reading. As is the case with other quality models, you will appreciate that this one has a strong steel construction to stand the test of time.
- The linear accuracy meets the required standards
- A covered rack to keep off foreign matter
- Features a hardened stainless steel construction
- Sliding jaw for consistent measuring
One of the great features about these calipers is that the build quality is just excellent. You will also appreciate that it comes with a solid case to keep it intact all the time.
#4. Shop Fox D3208 Dial Caliper
By: Shop Fox Store
This product comes in a stainless steel construction that gives you the assurance that it will actually stand the test of time. Other than being scratch-resistant, you will also appreciate that it will never corrode as is the case for some models. What makes this caliper unique is that it has a 4-way measurement to suit different applications.
You will also appreciate the fact that this caliper expressed the measurements both in decimals and fractions. For that reason, you will get convenient readings without having to perform any calculations. The adjustable jaw will slide smoothly by simply turning the thumbwheel for a convenient operation.
- A stainless steel construction
- It has a 6” capacity
- Features a 0.01-inch graduation
- It has a 4-way measurement
One of the features that you will appreciate about these dial calipers is that they feature stainless steel construction. That, therefore, gives you the assurance that it will stand the test of time. Readings are also expressed in decimals and fractions for the best convenience.
#3. Fowler Stainless Steel Dial Caliper, Face Color White
By: Fowler Store
One of the features that you will love about this dial caliper is that it has been made in strong construction to stand the test of time. As opposed to other steel tools that easily catch rust, the hardened construction of this caliper will resist rust.
With the knurled lock screw, you will be able to lock the jaw conveniently in place so that you can get consistent measurements. It also has 0.01 inches dial graduations to make sure that you have accurate measurements every other time. In this regard, this dial caliper will have a wide range of applications.
- Backed with a warranty of 1 year
- A covered rack to keep off dirt and debris
- Features a stainless steel construction
- Made from a reliable company
Among the features to appreciate about this rack is that it comes with a covered rack. This will help to keep off the dirt as well as debris to prevent clogging of the gear. Additionally, it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year from the manufacturer.
#2. SE 6” Dial Caliper – 780DC
By: SE Store
One of the aspects that you will like about this dial caliper is that it has a 3-way measurement. It will measure the inside diameter, outside diameter as well as depth. You also need to note that it only measures in SAE and has a measuring range of between 0 and 6 inches.
The other good feature that you will appreciate about this dial caliper is that it has a resolution of 0.001 inches. Even better, you will have an easy time traveling with the caliper and storing it very easily. The reason for that is simply because it comes with a storage case.
- It comes with a convenient storage case
- Features a 3-way measurement
- The measuring range is between 0 and 6 inches
- Only measures in SAE
This one has easy-to-use positioning as well as dial lock screws. In this regard, it will be very easy to make precise adjustments just as you wish. The caliper also comes with a storage case which makes even portability a breeze.
#1. Anytime Tools 6″ Dial Caliper
By: Anytime Tools
If you are looking to replace your dial calipers that give measurements in inches only, this one will be a good one. You will appreciate that it presents the measurements both in the metric and imperial forms. In this regard, there will be no need to convert your readings in any way. This way, it will simplify your tasks to a great extent.
The other feature that you will appreciate about this caliper is that it suits the pocket of any serious woodworker or metalworker. Its inch calibrations arrive with some black marks while the metric ones are expressed using red marks on the dial. If you are looking to have accurate measurements every other time, this caliper will be good for you.
- Comes with a stainless steel covered rack
- Made with hardened stainless steel
- A raised sliding surface
- Step & depth measurement
This unit comes in a rugged construction giving you the assurance that it will serve you for years. Its sliding surface has been raised in order to prevent its graduations from defacement and wear.
Dial Caliper Buying guide
- Measurement range: The commonly used measurement range for dial calipers is 6 inches. All the same, there are those calipers that can offer a range of up to 12 inches. It is however good to note that the more the length of the dial caliper, the less accurate it becomes. The best thing for you to do is get a dial caliper that is very easy to read and offers fast and accurate measurements all the time.
- Construction material: If you are looking to have a durable dial caliper, it is good to note the materials that have been used to make it. It is however very wise to make sure that you never pick calipers that stick to magnetic objects. Among the best materials is stainless steel since it has been proven to last. You need to avoid the plastic calipers at all cots unless you will be using them in sewing.
- Ease of use: You will be proud to use a dial caliper whose operation process is not complicated at all. An ideal dial caliper will have very smooth movements of the measuring jaws. Additionally, the interface will also be very easy to use to make sure that you take correct readings all the time. This way, you can be sure that such a caliper will make your job very easy.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are among those people who take precise measurements every now and then, the dial caliper will be an essential tool for you. The above are generally affordable calipers and will serve you for a long time with little to no maintenance. You will also appreciate their impressive precision which makes readings taking very easy. Since we already highlighted some of the important aspects that you will need to consider when buying, we believe that you will have a very simple time. The good thing is that all the above picks are from reliable brands. You will therefore never go wrong with your choice.