Can anyone suggest a micrometer for measuring bearings? I clean freshwater reels as a side job in the winter. Normally I've only had to worry about spool bearings, but this year I've ran into enough rusty and/our rough frame bearings that I'm looking into getting measurements and buying a few common sizes of stainless bearings in bulk (aka China).
Mitotoyu
You don't need a micrometer to measure bearings, calipers are good enough.
I bought a caliper from harborfright and it works fine, battery hog though.
Same for micrometer from amazon, battery dead in a few months.
FYI: make sure you check zero and check calibration with a known diameter item, I use 30 cal bullets
Regarding battery life: Some of the cheap digital calipers will turn on if the jaws move. And there is no timeout mechanism. So a little jiggle of the case will cause the battery to turn on and stay on.
Tightening the locking screw for storage will take care of this problem.
Agree with the others. cheapo digital calipers are fine for measuring reel parts.
-J
I've had it with cheap digital calipers. They only last six months to a year in our humidity. So, I went back to cheap dial calipers. Dual scale. It's a little harder to read without glasses, but should tolerate our humidity and does no auto shut-off and loose the number every time it is set down.
-steve
An excellent dual-scale Mitutoyo caliper costs about 40$ and lasts several lifetimes .
Thanks for the replies. Since I only work indoors in climate controlled environments I think I'll order the "el cheapo" digital caliper off the interweb. Found one for 9 bucks with good reviews. Bearings are pretty standard in my realm (freshwater light-tackle reels) so I will most likely use it rarely. Still something handy to have around.
Anyone that has a use for a $80+ caliper knows where to shop for one. The hobbiest is looking for an economical caliper for occasional use. Rudy
I'm done with el cheapo tools (with a few exceptions) so I buy the best I can afford. For reel work calipers are more of a universal measuring tool than micrometers. I use Mitutoyo Absolute - worth every last penny.
Amazon has this 8 inch caliper for $20.44 with thousands of good reviews. You can get a 6 inch for a few bucks less, but I like the extra length as more of a handle. It has a case and a spare battery (comes with two). I am happy with it and should have bought one years ago.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NEA0P8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NEA0P8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61nhuKgaWkL._SL1500_.jpg)
I got my hb one free with a coupon or something and another for few $$$.
I spent many hours in labs in college using the top names. As long as the cheapo ones are somewhat accurate, it works for me ;D
I am hesitant in spending $$$ for tools as my girls demands to play with them.
Even with a name brand, it is a good idea to recheck calibration.
I have a set of 28 year old Tesa calipers. I also have a set of mitutoyo 0-6 inch micrometers. I have owned several cheap sets of calipers. That's just what they were cheap. Lasted less than a week.
Mike
These work for me.
And even an old brass one from West Germany works just fine.
The two fancier ones were gifted to me by members — and they work great.
Best,
Fred
The ones I have turn on when you move the dial and automatically turn off. It takes 2 batteries a year using them many times throughout the day.
Ill post a picture later.
Keith
I have a HF digital one (30.00) seems to work fine for my needs.
Here is my HB caliper measuring a Barnes TEZ 50 cal muzzleloader bullet
I think the spec on it is .451
the caliper reads .4515
I think it was $8
:D
(https://i.imgur.com/1naa1nHl.jpg)
;D
Thanks EXchadlie, I cringed when putting a face on some of my ex co workers reactions......If i,d done this i would have to be the big boss.
Quote from: xjchad on January 09, 2019, 04:54:52 PM
:D
(https://i.imgur.com/1naa1nHl.jpg)
:D
Good one...
That is exactly why I don't lend TOOLS! >:(
Joe
No need for a micrometer to identify bearings. Calipers are generally accurate to plus or minus .005", which is plenty accurate enough to pick the closest bearing.