How to calibrate calipers?

[MRCCRAWLER1.9]

I just tried searching for this and couldnt find it..

reason i post this is because i accidently hit Zero when i was measuring something, just now, and now it is not hitting Zero when i turn on/off..

is there a certain way to calibrate calipers?

[Trubble]

Wouldn't you just close it down 'til the jaws meet and hit zero again?

[MRCCRAWLER1.9]

Originally Posted by Trubble

Wouldn't you just close it down 'til the jaws meet and hit zero again?

Yes, ive tried this many times, but everytime i turn it on or off, it gives me a different reading, so i was wondering if i was doing something wrong.

[Trubble]

If I remember correctly my ON button is also the zero button, I've just gotten into the habit of always turning it on in the closed position and giving another tap on the button. Never thought to check if ever did what you're describing.

Well, sorry I can't be more helpful.

[MRCCRAWLER1.9]

Originally Posted by Trubble

If I remember correctly my ON button is also the zero button, I've just gotten into the habit of always turning it on in the closed position and giving another tap on the button. Never thought to check if ever did what you're describing.

Well, sorry I can't be more helpful.

Hmm, thanks for your help.

i dont get what im doing wrong, because i always turn it on/off in the closed position, yet everytime i turn it back on, it always gives me a a reading, rather than 0.00mm. I mean its not too bad, but its quite annoying. it can go from 0.01~0.09mm is this generally normal? or just me being stupid with the "Zero" button?

[C*H*U*D]

Do you have an "origin" button? Press and hold that for a few seconds with the jaws closed. If you don't have an origin button, try holding the zero button in for a few seconds with the jaws closed. Your zero button may also act as your origin button.

[brazwewn]

This is why I use the old school dial version. My larger set uses the slide scale, but the older I get the harder it is to read!

Wes

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by brazwewn

This is why I use the old school dial version. My larger set uses the slide scale, but the older I get the harder it is to read!

Wes

This is true, not to mention not being caught with a dead battery. But I use the Zero feature a lot. It's very handy so knowing how to use it can make life easier.

[losikid]

I'd like to have some digital calipers...all i have is the dial...although i think a digtal mic would be more useful, imo.

[Charlie-III]

OP, did you get the calipers wet? If so, open them up wide, wipe them dry & let sit.
The water messes with the encoder in the caliper. Sweaty hands can sometimes be enough to have issues.

As to "0", open the jaws, wipe the mating surfaces with your finger/thumb, close & turn on. Most use the "on" button for turning it on as well as zeroing it.

I have a large vernier caliper, a couple of dial calipers and a digital. I use the digital the most since it's easier to read (my eyes have gotten older, I haven't) and I can flip between imperial & metric with a button push.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by losikid

I'd like to have some digital calipers...all i have is the dial...although i think a digtal mic would be more useful, imo.

You can get an "OK" set of 6" digital calipers for under $50.
I have "mechanical digital" mics. It uses a gear drive to spin numbers.

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by losikid

I'd like to have some digital calipers...all i have is the dial...although i think a digtal mic would be more useful, imo.

A mic will have a higher degree of accuracy, but for everyday type of use a good set of calipers is hard to beat. You can't do inside or depth measurements with a mic.

[semnmrc]

I have always zeroed out my calipers every time I turn the on and usually each time before I measure a part. I just wipe the internal edges and slide together to set, then recheck zero. Sounds excessive I know, but in a dirty enviroment it is possible that the friction device slides instead of rolling.