SPI or Mitutoyo dial caliper?

G

gi_984

Active User
Registered
Dropped my dial caliper (B & S that was ancient) and need to replace. I'm looking at 6 inch SPI and Mitutoyo calipers with carbide tips on the outside jaws. The SPI runs $76 and the Mitutoyo is $146. I've got several Mitutoyo micrometers that I really like but have never handled any of their calipers. Anyone have experience with either brand dial calipers?
Chris
 
No doubt it comes down to personal choice ... so, my personal choice is hands down the Brown & Sharpe. I have a Mitu and 2 B&S and 2-3 other misc brands - if I can lay my hands on one of the B&S thats what I'm gonna pick up.
 
I'm pretty sure the SPI's are made in China nowadays and the Mitutoyo's are made in Brazil. I have two Mitutoyos and they are tough, accurate and have a TiNi coating on the beam to resist wear. I would opt for the Mitutoyo.
 
Trigrman said:
I'm going to recommend a Mitutoyo! I've had one for years and its served me very well. They have a battery management scheme that's really remarkable! I've left it on overnight, all day, all weekend, you name it! I probably change the battery once a year! I've had others (HF) that burn thru batteries. It also has a thumb wheel that I find useful for pre-setting a measurement to within .0005. I use it primarily for measuring the diameters of slot car tires while calibrating Tire Grinders. (It's a long story)

this is the one. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INLMKD&PMPXNO=2687672&PMAKA=610-0046
Click to expand...

I have the same caliper. Absolutely no complaints here. Very decent quality and I'd buy another one if I dropped this one!

Paul.
 
I want a mechanical jeweled movement, not digital. Just my preference. But there are several digital Mitutoyos that have been used and abused at the technical college that seem to work fine.
Anybody use the better grade SPIs?
 
Chris,

Why on earth would you want a dial caliper? You can get a 6" Mitutoyo digital caliper for around $100 that will measure english or metric, can be zeroed at any position for relative measurement, is easier to read than a dial caliper and MUCH more durable. If you get one though, do not get carbide jaws. It's unnecessary on calipers and since they lead a pretty rough life, carbide jaws are easily chipped.

Tom
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top