Calipers: Advantages and Disadvantages of the 3 types

While many people generically refer to calipers as “Vernier Calipers”, there are actually 3 types of measuring caliper: vernier, dial, and digital. The difference is primarily in the indicator, which brings both advantages and disadvantages.¹⁾

Parts of a Vernier Caliper

Advantages:

• Available in many lengths
• Available in many versions (e.g. leg length and form)
• Fewer moving parts than dial or digital calipers
• Virtually impervious to damage from many liquids (e.g., machine oils, coolant)
• Normally cheaper than the digital equivalent (there is almost always a digital equivalent to be found)
• No battery required

Disadvantages:

• Not as accurate as dial and digital
• Reading a vernier isn't as easy as reading a dial or digital
• Typically only available in either inches OR metric (not both on the same scale)

Advantages:

• More accurate than vernier
• Easier to read than vernier
• Analog display is preferred over digital by some users
• No battery required

Disadvantages:

• 300mm / 12“ is usually the maximum length available
• Legs only available in “standard” versions
• Sensitive to dust and grime
• Difficult to repair

Advantages:

• Available in many lengths
• Available in many versions (e.g., length and form)
• Most can display both metric and inches
• More accurate than vernier or dial calipers
• Easier to read than vernier or dial calipers
• Available power sources include battery OR solar
• Able to set zero at any point (very handy for “distance to go” measurements, such as turning or boring a set size. Does the math for you.)
• Many are available with data output and other useful functions such as providing:
  1. Easier & quicker data recording
  2. Wireless recording via bluetooth
  3. Error free recording (i.e., the reading is recorded directly)
  4. SPC,(required by some QA systems) performed with a couple of clicks.
  5. Digital output (e.g., that can be provided to your customer)

Disadvantages:

• Battery life in “cheaper” types is often very limited
• Solar powered versions may not function in low light situations (Users report that a flashlight quickly remedies that problem)
• Susceptible to environmental damage (e.g., liquids such as oils or coolants can cause them to malfunction)
• If non-functioning (after replacing the battery) they can be difficult or impossible to repair