Mitutoyo Digital Micrometer Feels Stiff – Too Tight for Ratchet to Work

[johanvergeer]

Hi everyone,

I have a Mitutoyo digital micrometer that has started to feel noticeably stiffer when turning the thimble. It’s gotten to the point where the ratchet mechanism can’t do its job because it’s too tight to turn freely.



I’m concerned this might be caused by dirt, dried lubricant, or something else.
• Has anyone experienced this issue before?
• What could be causing the stiffness?
• Are there any recommended steps to clean, lubricate, or restore smooth operation?

I want to avoid damaging it further, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[SouthernChap]

Hi everyone,

I have a Mitutoyo digital micrometer that has started to feel noticeably stiffer when turning the thimble. It’s gotten to the point where the ratchet mechanism can’t do its job because it’s too tight to turn freely.

View attachment 513903

I’m concerned this might be caused by dirt, dried lubricant, or something else.
• Has anyone experienced this issue before?
• What could be causing the stiffness?
• Are there any recommended steps to clean, lubricate, or restore smooth operation?

I want to avoid damaging it further, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

If it was just a fully analogue barrel reading mic' I'd say have it apart (taking pictures at each step), give it a good clean and a sparing relube with some light oil (Singer sewing machine oil, or the like), reassemble, and you'd probably be golden.

However, it's a digital mic and they can be more tricksy.

Give your local Mitutoyo office a ring. If they're anything like the UK office then it'll be sorted relatively easily by people who know what they're doing.

The mid-range Mitutoyo digital mics are quite expensive bought new, so the repair price Mitutoyo charge (if they charge you at all, see below) is likely to make it worth your while.

I'm in the UK and I bought a used oldish 193 series 0-25 mm mic which had multiple problems. I gave Mitutoyo UK a ring and spoke to their repair department and this post tells what happened:

Post in thread 'What Did You Buy Today?' https://www.hobby-machinist.com/threads/what-did-you-buy-today.55645/post-1157344

 

[Dabbler]

You'd be pleasantly surprised about how well Mitutoyo will treat you with a problem like this. Give them a ring - they may repair or replace it for FREE. I had an experience with them recently that was very positive.