Where do you usually buy your tools? - Amazon?

[awaqa909]

I've needed my own calipers for a while. I got the guts to ask one guy that recently got a new caliper and pointed me to a MSC magazine. I don't know if he went on the internet or phone call or what. The calipers I want are some Mitutoyo 6" dial calipers. Maybe a different color. I'm looking around on the internet MSC and Rex Supply are the ones I've heard of and Amazon. The tool is $3 cheaper but because I have prime I can get it in just a few days. They actually have a blue dial for less then $100, regularly $118~.

I'm worried about the calipers not being accurate or something being wrong with them. I've ordered from amazon before but never a tool, much less something for work. (Might be finally getting a tool box this weekend)

Thanks,
Awaqa909

 

[sanddan]

Amazon is safer than buying them on ebay. There are many Mitutoyo counterfeits, google and you can get info on telling the difference between real and copy.

I got a 12" Mitutoyo caliper at a pawn shop but you have to know what to look for. They had a second one that was a copy, I showed the sales person the differences and he ended up taking my low offer as thanks.

 

[Doubleeboy]

Travers from time to time has good sales. If you can live without a wheel the Brown and Sharp dial calipers are very nice. Personally I use elcheapo china dial calipers for non critical work, occasionally I break out the B&S for more close tolerance work, but if I need to be within a thou or better get out the mics.

 

[Dave Paine]

You asked about where to purchase tools. Last year I would have said ENCO, but since MSC shut them down many folks like myself are having to look elsewhere. A thread on the topic of sources. Scroll down and a post has a list.

MSC has everything ENCO carried and more, but the prices are crazy.

http://hobby-machinist.com/threads/enco-supplier-replacement.50591/

 

[JPMacG]

The purchasing department at the company that I work for likes to buy from McMaster Carr. I don't know how MC's prices compare to others, it may be that MC is just more convenient than others from a purchaser's standpoint. MC has calipers from Mitutoyo, Starrett, Brown & Sharpe and "economy" on their website. I don't think there is any danger of their stuff being counterfeit.

 

[Ulma Doctor]

dial calipers are not inherently accurate in the first place. some are better than others.
i save the money and buy inexpensive calipers or used ones form ebay for day to day use.
most of the (cheap) calipers i own, are within .002"- i'll live with that.
when the measurement needs to be more precise, i break out the high(er) quality micrometers.
some of the best tools and measuring devices i ever got were used.
there is a certain joy in buying a new anything though

 

[Nogoingback]

Have a look at these folks: http://www.precisionrepairs.com
They sell reconditioned tools at good prices. They mostly sell micrometers and indicators, but they have a couple of calipers on their list right now.
I bought a micrometer from them and had no problem: it arrived at my door within a few days.

 

[Joe P.]

I have been going to a local guy near my job, good prices, they have both import stuff and some name brand stuff. Their website is http://www.victornet.com/


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[Rockytime]

Not doing work for a space agency, my HF dial calipers work just fine. If you are just a hobby machinist they should work well for you.

 

[T Bredehoft]

I use my $10.00 HF digital calipers for everything but that needing .002 or better. They've never disappointed me, but I've been careful to make sure I'me getting a good reading.