UPDATE: see why the cheap ones kill batteries https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8oopG2GpF0
Boltr: calipers. How bad can ten dollar digital calipers be? Take an insider's look at the differences between cheap Chinese calipers and high quality Japanese ones. Sparkfun's Hung Lo brand versus Mitutoyo versus your wallet.
These are the bargain basement calipers that Harbor Freight, Princess Auto, KBC, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, Canadian Tire are selling. Do they hit the "minimum viable tooling" requirements?
Is it actually cheaper to buy quality tools?
I'll also give you a few tips on how to improve the quality of cheap calipers.
reddit link CLICK IT PLEASE, SOMETHING MAGICAL WILL HAPPEN!
http://www.reddit.com/r/EngineeringPorn/comments/2tkh1w/digital_caliper_guts_the_cheap_kind/
I did a follow up on the battery consumption. It's shockingly bad!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8oopG2GpF0
And another follow up on temperature compensation. Equally terrible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDhRqhA_SiQ

By AvvE

15 thoughts on “Bored of lame tool reviews? shake hands with cheap chinese calipers.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eddie Kulp says:

    There allright for occasional use around the home shop

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gravityman55 says:

    Gorgeous, I have one better, analog stamped. Let’s me get within 2 socket sizes of my bolt head

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rusty Broken says:

    It may have already been said but I'm not reading 2.1k of comments. I used a demagnetizer on my 25 year old Mitutoyos. Not the stupid cheap one for screwdrivers, but the 110v commercial one the guys in the machining department have. I was a little apprehensive, but it worked and no ill effects.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fei Cheng says:

    the question is can you make a caliper with 10 bucks? The importer probably made 5 bucks out of it. Dont blame the quality, blame on the importers who encourge the chinese to make these cheap tool. By the way, there are plenty of quality calipers made in China. You spend 20 bucks in China you can get a decent digital caliper with absolute function(Guanglu). 30 bucks you can get one high end Chinese caliper(Shanghai Tool group). They are almost as good as mitutoyo. In your video your micrometer looks like a base model made by QLR(maybe oem and sold as other brand?) . QLR is another trust worthy Chinese micrometer maker.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Aaron1620 says:

    its 8 years later. do you still read all the comments hhhhmmmmm?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ivan Cerovec says:

    You can get a quality calipers for 20-30€ in Europe. But normal calipers,not digital ones. I've never seen anyone using digital ones in real life. Every machine shop I've ever been to uses normal measuring tools, nothing digital.I only see people on youtube use digital calipers 😂

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Swamp Castle says:

    Holy cow! Enjoying this video where out of the blue you bring up witworth, and Austin Healey Bugeye sprites! My favorite. working on a 62 square body now…

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J. Blake says:

    I do tend to agree, however when you bring up multimeters and then say if you depend on them why have anything but fluke.
    Well i am like you never ever cheaped out on tools and im quite a bit older still buying tools through. Lol
    My question is in today's advanced electronics is there that much of a difference. I still own analog Simpsons meters too.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Lobaugh says:

    Guy knows his tools ages. 🤣 Wonder if wifeys birthday is so readily recalled.😆😆💩

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen Sellers says:

    When the batteries get dead on it give you different readings then when you put a fully charged battery in it LOL real junk

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hosocat 1 says:

    $10 for calipers? That's extravagant. The $2 plastic ones from harbor freight are all anyone really needs. Tool snob.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Moody says:

    Sparkfun does a great job sourcing for hobby and student use. This is like comparing a pedal bike and a BMW.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheHeadcrabRepublic says:

    I think I have an even cheaper set of digital calipers I use for quick measurements identification…sometimes it just jumps to the highest value no matter how slow you move the slide

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack Alltrades says:

    I like Adam Savage's methodology in this regard. If you think you need it, buy the cheapest one you can find. If it fits your needs and you use it regularly, buy the good one.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steven says:

    Is that the surface of Titan, the moon? Sure it is, it has to be.

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