Calipers

[Don Wattenhofer]

I have been told that many small electronics (like calipers) continue to draw power when switched off. I pull the button battery holder partially out of the slot, disconnecting the battery, when not in use. This does seem to improve battery life.

Most of thee low cost calipers and similar measuring instruments will turn on when you open them therefore they must have a standby mode that will use a small amount of power.
I have a two bladed compass that I don't use very often that is very handy when needed so I have started to remove the 2032 cell when not in use.

 

[Jamie Straw]

Great info here, the Veritas looks appealing. My pet peeve is not being able to find the exact replacement battery, with a shape that makes full contact. Recently bought a new one that uses the larger battery size (2032?), and comes with extras. Fingers crossed.

 

[Tom Lucas]

Only when they are poorly designed.
There is a "fix" once it gets annoying enough.

View attachment 69801

The fix is dial calipers. I hate the battery ones. The dial caliper's battery never fails

 

[John K Jordan]

I’ve gone to dial calipers for most measuring, except for precision work in my little machine shop.

I keep two of these at the lathe, for inch/fractional measurements, others for metric.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FRGF1Q

I like the distinctive green circle at the 1000’sths dial - easy to spot among the others.

JKJ

 

[Steven Borruso]

1st pic - Repurposed this one for a segment cutting jig, slides on T track & with a couple mini magnets imbedded in the wood base ... works great.
2nd pic - Home made Fibonacci calipers for "rough designing".
Last pic - from here is my "every day" set ... I really like the multiple modes
Also use multiple "analog" old school calipers.
Always wanted to try one of the calipers that clamps onto parting tool but have't sprung for one yet (seemed like they were a bit pricey last I checked)