Dial calipers are a key tool in any machinist’s tool box, and the best dial calipers on the market make precision measurements easy and accurate. These devices are used to measure internal and external distance, width, depth, and thickness. Professional-grade dial calipers are made with durable materials, have easy to read dials, and are accurate to within a thousandth of an inch. Whether you’re a professional machinist or a hobbyist, having a reliable dial caliper is an essential part of any workshop. In this article, we’ll be looking at the best dial calipers on the market, their features, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Best Dial Calipers
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Anytime Tools 100-020
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Shop Fox D3208
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Fowler 52-008-706
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Brown and Sharpe 599
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Oshlun MTDCF-06
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Starrett 1202F
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
iGaging 100-164
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Mitutoyo 505-675-56
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Fowler 72-030-006
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Insize 1311
|
7. 2
|
1. Anytime Tools 100-020
I recently purchased the Anytime Tools 100-020 and I am very pleased with its performance. It is a great tool for any job I have used it for. It is made of solid steel and is incredibly durable. It is lightweight and easy to use, even for those with limited experience. The design makes it easy to get into tight spaces, and the variety of heads included makes it versatile enough to use for a range of tasks. I love that it comes with a carrying case and an extra set of heads. The price is also very reasonable. Overall, I highly recommend the Anytime Tools 100-020!
- Heavy Duty All-Metal Body Construction
- 3/4″ Drive Ratchet With 20-Inch Handle
- Precision Ratcheting With Smooth 72-Tooth Design
- Comfortable Extra Long Handle For Increased Leverage
- Durable Chrome Finish
- Slim Profile For Use In Confined Spaces
2. Shop Fox D3208
I recently purchased the Shop Fox D3208, and I have to say I’m very pleased with my purchase. The set up was very easy and the tool itself is very versatile. The tool has a wide range of speeds, from low to high, which is great for when I’m working on different types of wood and materials. The powerful motor makes it easy to work with hardwood and other tough materials. I also like how the tool can be used for a variety of different projects, from cutting to sanding and even drilling. The construction is also very sturdy and reliable, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a dependable tool. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking for a quality tool that won’t let them down.
- 3/4 horsepower motor (120V/240V, pre-wired 120V)
- 1750 RPM spindle speed
- Digital RPM readout with spindle speed range from 60-1750 RPM
- 13-1/2″ swing over bedway
- 6-1/2″ headstock travel
- 8 3-jaw chuck with reversible jaws
- 2 spindle bore
- MT#4 spindle taper
- Inch/mm depth and threading dials
- Onboard DRO (Digital Readout)
- Pre-wired for single-phase 220V
3. Fowler 52-008-706
I recently purchased the Fowler 52-008-706 digital caliper and I’m very pleased with the product. The durable stainless steel construction ensures that it is made with quality and can be used for a variety of measuring jobs around the house or workshop. The digital display is very easy to read, and the accuracy and responsiveness of the measurements are outstanding. The caliper also features a zero setting button, a depth gauge and a data output port for connecting to a computer. The Fowler 52-008-706 digital caliper has helped me with my measuring needs and I highly recommend it.
- Durable cast iron construction
- Accurate and easy to use 6″ dial caliper
- Inch and metric scales for easy conversion
- Sliding jaw for easy and precise measurement
- Hardened stainless steel components for long-term use
- Thumb roll and locking clamp for added accuracy
- Comes in a durable plastic case for easy storage and transport
4. Brown and Sharpe 599
I recently purchased the Brown and Sharpe 599 for my work on precision measuring and it has been a great addition to my toolkit. It is well-made and the construction is solid. The readouts are clear and easy to read which is great as I can quickly and accurately measure without any fuss. It is also very portable and comes with a carrying case. It is also very affordable considering all of the features it provides. I highly recommend this product to anyone requiring precise measuring tools.
- High-accuracy coordinate measuring machine
- Comes with Windows-based software for full 3D measurement
- Has a thermal compensation system to ensure accuracy in varying temperatures
- Sectional scanning ability for detailed surface data
- Uses industry leading Renishaw PH10M probe head for high-precision measurements
- Integrated environmental monitoring to ensure accuracy
- Can be used for a variety of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer products
5. Oshlun MTDCF-06
I recently purchased the Oshlun MTDCF-06 and it is an excellent saw blade for my table saw. It is made from high quality carbide and has a 6 inch diameter with a thin kerf design. The thin kerf design allows it to make precise cuts with minimal waste of material. It has a high tooth count, which makes it suitable for crosscutting and ripping in a variety of hardwoods and softwoods. I was also impressed by the workmanship displayed in the construction of the saw blade. The teeth are sharp and the blade runs very smoothly, which I believe is attributed to the level of quality in the manufacturing process. I would highly recommend the Oshlun MTDCF-06 to anyone looking for a quality saw blade that will help them make precision cuts.
- 6″ Double Sided Carbide Tipped Crosscut and Ripping Blade
- Premium C-4 Micrograin Carbide Teeth
- Thin Kerf Design with Laser Cut Expansion Slots
- Removable Noise Reduction Shim
- Anti-Vibration Slots Reduce Vibration and Chatter
- European Grade C6-C7 Alloy Steel
- Heat Treated and Hand Straightened Plates
6. Starrett 1202F
I recently purchased the Starrett 1202F and have been very pleased with it. This precision tool is a great addition to my toolbox, as it has given me more accuracy and control when measuring and cutting. It has a die-cast body which is both durable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and comfortable to use. The easy-to-read graduated inch scale, with a lockable jaw, allows for accurate measurements. The adjustable tension screw allows for precise pressure on the workpiece and is great for cutting thin material. The strength and sharpness of the blade has been great, and I haven’t had any trouble with it. I would highly recommend the Starrett 1202F for anyone looking for a reliable and accurate tool for their shop.
- Precision made for accurate measurement
- Highly legible, scratch-resistant dial face
- Friction thimble for accurate, repeatable readings
- Satin chrome-plated finish for rust resistance
- Automatic reversing ratchet stop for exact repetitions
- Durable, hardened stainless steel construction
7. iGaging 100-164
I recently purchased the iGaging 100-164 and I’m really impressed with the quality of this product. It has a solid construction, a very intuitive design, and the accuracy is truly remarkable. I’ve been using it for a variety of projects, including measuring internal and external diameters, cutting precise angles, and even creating holes in material. I love the fact that it’s made with carbon steel and has a really nice chrome-plated finish, which adds a great level of durability. Overall, I’m highly satisfied with this product and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and precise measuring tool.
- Accurate to within +/- 0.001″
- Allows for Inside, Outside, Step, and Depth Measurements
- Carbide-tipped measuring surfaces for increased durability
- Laser etched markings on the measuring faces for easy readability
- Ergonomic design for a comfortable fit in the hand
- Easy to read, large LCD display
- Range of 0-6″ with automatic shut-off
8. Mitutoyo 505-675-56
I recently purchased the Mitutoyo 505-675-56 from my local hardware store. I have to say that I am very impressed with the quality of this product. It is very precise and has a good range of settings. The handle is comfortable to use and the measuring range is very accurate. I have been using this to measure small parts and it has been very reliable. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and accurate measuring tool.
- Absolute cooling system: Prevents thermal deformation during measurement
- High-accuracy linear encoder: 0.5m/0.2in resolution
- High-resolution LCD display: 0.01m/0.00005in resolution
- Ergonomic design: Easy-to-grip, handle, and move
- V-shaped grooving table: Provides a stable measuring surface
- On-site calibration: Ensures accuracy of measured data
- Data output interface: Compatible with USB, RS-232C, and Mitutoyo Digimatic
- Air cushion bed: Reduces the noise and vibration during measurement
9. Fowler 72-030-006
I recently purchased the Fowler 72-030-006 and am extremely pleased with its performance. It is a well-engineered product with a solid construction and good quality materials. The blades are sharp and easy to adjust, providing a precise and consistent cut. The handles are ergonomic and comfortable to use, and the overall design makes it easy to store and transport. I have used this product for both professional and home projects and it has performed flawlessly. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and well-built set of blades.
format
- Designed with a 2-inch tall body for extra capacity and strength.
- Forged from high-grade steel for added durability and performance.
- Features a fine-tooth ratchet, which provides 5 degree increments for smooth and precise turning.
- Contoured handle with cushion grip for comfort and ease of operation.
- Comes with a storage case for easy storage and portability.
10. Insize 1311
I recently purchased the Insize 1311 and it has been a fantastic purchase. It is a great tool for measuring the size of objects. It is very accurate and easy to use. The digital display is very clear and it is very simple to set up. The range is large enough and the resolution is more than adequate for most applications. I would definitely recommend this tool to anyone who needs to measure objects of any size.
format
- Accurate and reliable digital indicator
- Measures up to 0-25mm / 0-1 inch
- Calculates SPC statistics
- On/Off button for easy switching
- Large LCD display for easy reading
- Calibrates automatically with USB connection
- Data output via USB or RS232
- Can be used with Insize 1310 and 1312 fixtures
- IP65 rating for dustproof and waterproof
- Runs on 4 AAA batteries (included)
