Calipers? Dial or digital and why - The Firearms Forum

Gibill · 08-20-2012, 03:40 PM

Seems to be a debate on which is the best to use and why. Any input would be appreciated

DixieLandMan · 08-20-2012, 03:56 PM

I prefer digital because they are easier for me to read.

Deacon_Man · 08-20-2012, 04:31 PM

Digital are very accurate and have a lot less moving parts to wear out.

Alpo · 08-20-2012, 04:40 PM

Analog either are or they aren't. It's pretty easy to tell, and if they "aren't", they can be adjusted so they "are".

Digital either are or they aren't, but it's a pain in the butt to determine, and if they "aren't", you toss 'em and buy a new set.

When I want to use my digital scale, I turn it on at least a half hour before-hand, so it had time to warm up and settle down. Otherwise it sometimes gives me wrong readings. Logic says digital calipers will work the same way, and when I want to measure something, I don't want to wait for the tool to warm up. I want to use it now.

And then, of course, there is no battery to die on an analog tool.

Learn on a vernier. Then when you switch to a dial it is soooooo much easier that you won't even think about messing with a digital.

RustyFN · 08-20-2012, 05:11 PM

Dial because the batteries never wear out.

rcairflr · 08-20-2012, 05:17 PM

Digital, easy to use, and easy to read. I have a $9.99 digital caliper from Harbor Freight that I've had for 4 years with no problems.

Bindernut · 08-20-2012, 09:10 PM

I have both dial and digital calipers. The dial ones are cheaper sets, either Midway (Frankford Arsenal now) or Harbor Freight, with one old Starrett that wasn't so cheap when the original owner bought it.
For digitals, I've got one Frankford Arsenal (cheap) and one Mitutoyo (not so cheap).

My cheaper ones (dial and digital) live in my portable tool kits but seem to be just as accurate as the spendy ones. The high-priced ones live in my shop where they don't get beat around out on the road.

As for dial vs digital...
As Rusty said, you don't need to worry about the batteries going dead with a dial.
The main reason that I use my digitals is when I'm measuring metric since I don't have a metric dial unit...but it is nice to be lazy and just read the LCD though too.

A digital is nice when you're measuring "absolute" too. Much easier to rezero them at a non-home position than a dial unit.
It boils down to personal preference I suppose. I'm not picky so I'll use either.

Note: I don't use metric when reloading...that's for other hobby and work-related stuff.

Now as for micrometers...I stick with the good old fashioned vernier style. these I do have in both SAE and metric.

woolleyworm · 08-20-2012, 09:36 PM

Bindernut summed it up better than I could have. I use the digital most, but sometimes I will break out the dial just to keep my brain thinking a little.

76Highboy · 08-20-2012, 09:42 PM

The analog kind of makes you think more and I like that. Kind of like my balance beam scale, it's nice to be able to read the older stuff. Plus I can use the old school anytime, anywhere.

The sad thing, I need to go buy a new analog caliper.

steve4102 · 08-20-2012, 10:01 PM

I have both, digital get the most use.

312shooter · 08-20-2012, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyFN

Dial because the batteries never wear out.

+1 my digital has been in the drawer for two years with dead batteries. Been using the dial ever since.

76Highboy · 08-20-2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 312shooter

+1 mine has been in the drawer for two years wuth dead batteries. Been using the dial ever since.

One thing that drives me crazy is when I set my digital calipers down they don't automatically shut off. So, sometimes when I am using them I will set them down and realize a day later that they are still on. It's murder on batteries.

CampingJosh · 08-20-2012, 10:18 PM

I've had OK luck with the cheap-o digital calipers I bought, but I found a nice set of dial calipers in my (deceased) grandfather's old toolbox, and I use those now.

I just like the dial better.

Hugh357 · 08-20-2012, 11:46 PM

Dial. None of my reloading equipment requires batteries or electricity for obvious reasons. But then again I have a well, two mules, a wood burner and a lot of toilet paper. I just can bring myself to corn cobs and magazines.

JLA · 08-21-2012, 06:50 AM

Ill take em either way. I have a fowler DIgital the worm here gave me and I lov eit. But I also have a starrett dial that I do love also.

gun-nut · 08-21-2012, 07:57 AM

I go dial. Dont have much use for the digital. Yes digital is faster to read, but i have been known to miss read them at such a fast glance, that i have scraped parts at work.

Made wrong adjustments with the CNC mills because i read the digital to fast. I will stick to the dial you have to take that few Sec. to read them. Less mistakes in the reloading world as well. Safty first!

RandyP · 08-21-2012, 03:05 PM

Either is a fully acceptable tool more than capable of achieving the level of accuracy reloading needs....which honestly isn't that much for most of us.

I am very satisfied with my $12 Harbor Freight digitals and my very affordable battmanaz batteries for it (an e-bay vendor) just an example - 10 batteries for $2 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-CR2032-...item4ab152a62f

My tired old eyeballs appreciate the digital readout and for my needs it ain't rocket surgery. lol

flintlock · 08-21-2012, 05:02 PM

I'll stay with the dial version. Used them, or verniers, for forty years with out complaints, but I got some cutting oil on a set of digitals and that was it for them. Yes, I know they make them better now.

gdmoody · 08-21-2012, 06:27 PM

I like the digital. I'm too damn old to have to think so I just look at the screen and know the measurement right away .

mikld · 08-22-2012, 12:22 PM

It all boils down to personal preference. I have been using precision measuring tools for 50 years and I like to SEE the measurement on a dial rather than trust some seemingly random numbers pop up on a display. Plus there are no batteries to die and leak all over the battery compartment...

soundguy · 08-22-2012, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DixieLandMan

I prefer digital because they are easier for me to read.

same here!

I do have a dial, and a straight rule.. but the digital wins for ease of use and tired eyes!

aa1911 · 08-22-2012, 12:52 PM

dial gives me a better visual when I'm checking a large batch of case OAL or whatnot; so dial only for me although for working on Toyota's, I plan on getting a metric digital to try out. But I do like not worrying about batteries...

soundguy · 08-22-2012, 01:07 PM

i keep a dial in the house as a backup to the digital.. but I got a spare battery in a sealed blister pack too. as much power as they use.. I bet it goes a couple years before an issue..

gdmoody · 08-22-2012, 04:36 PM

Ya'll are too worried about the batteries dying. How much trouble is it to throw another battery in it? Price of batteries is so cheap if you buy them on eBay, about a dime each!!

soundguy · 08-22-2012, 04:49 PM

.. they make ammo out of explosive powder and primers.. and changing the caliper battery is an issue..

I love it..

I'm cynical too..

08-20-2012, 03:40 PM	#1
Gibill Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 24	Calipers? Dial or digital and why Seems to be a debate on which is the best to use and why. Any input would be appreciated -->

08-20-2012, 03:56 PM	#2
DixieLandMan Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Alabama Posts: 606	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why I prefer digital because they are easier for me to read.

08-20-2012, 04:31 PM	#3
Deacon_Man V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Weatherford Texas Posts: 452	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Digital are very accurate and have a lot less moving parts to wear out.

08-20-2012, 04:40 PM	#4
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,651	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Analog either are or they aren't. It's pretty easy to tell, and if they "aren't", they can be adjusted so they "are". Digital either are or they aren't, but it's a pain in the butt to determine, and if they "aren't", you toss 'em and buy a new set. When I want to use my digital scale, I turn it on at least a half hour before-hand, so it had time to warm up and settle down. Otherwise it sometimes gives me wrong readings. Logic says digital calipers will work the same way, and when I want to measure something, I don't want to wait for the tool to warm up. I want to use it now. And then, of course, there is no battery to die on an analog tool. Learn on a vernier. Then when you switch to a dial it is soooooo much easier that you won't even think about messing with a digital. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

08-20-2012, 05:11 PM	#5
RustyFN Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 592	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Dial because the batteries never wear out.

08-20-2012, 05:17 PM	#6
rcairflr Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wichita, Ks Posts: 1,317	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Digital, easy to use, and easy to read. I have a $9.99 digital caliper from Harbor Freight that I've had for 4 years with no problems.

08-20-2012, 09:10 PM	#7
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,440	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why I have both dial and digital calipers. The dial ones are cheaper sets, either Midway (Frankford Arsenal now) or Harbor Freight, with one old Starrett that wasn't so cheap when the original owner bought it. For digitals, I've got one Frankford Arsenal (cheap) and one Mitutoyo (not so cheap). My cheaper ones (dial and digital) live in my portable tool kits but seem to be just as accurate as the spendy ones. The high-priced ones live in my shop where they don't get beat around out on the road. As for dial vs digital... As Rusty said, you don't need to worry about the batteries going dead with a dial. The main reason that I use my digitals is when I'm measuring metric since I don't have a metric dial unit...but it is nice to be lazy and just read the LCD though too. A digital is nice when you're measuring "absolute" too. Much easier to rezero them at a non-home position than a dial unit. It boils down to personal preference I suppose. I'm not picky so I'll use either. Note: I don't use metric when reloading...that's for other hobby and work-related stuff. Now as for micrometers...I stick with the good old fashioned vernier style. these I do have in both SAE and metric. Last edited by Bindernut; 08-20-2012 at 09:12 PM..

08-20-2012, 09:36 PM	#8
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,883	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Bindernut summed it up better than I could have. I use the digital most, but sometimes I will break out the dial just to keep my brain thinking a little. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

08-20-2012, 09:42 PM	#9
76Highboy Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Meridian, Idaho Contributor Posts: 6,947	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why The analog kind of makes you think more and I like that. Kind of like my balance beam scale, it's nice to be able to read the older stuff. Plus I can use the old school anytime, anywhere. The sad thing, I need to go buy a new analog caliper.

08-20-2012, 10:01 PM	#10
steve4102 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 2,760	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why I have both, digital get the most use.

08-20-2012, 10:18 PM	#13
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why I've had OK luck with the cheap-o digital calipers I bought, but I found a nice set of dial calipers in my (deceased) grandfather's old toolbox, and I use those now. I just like the dial better. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

08-20-2012, 11:46 PM	#14
Hugh357 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Iowa Posts: 73	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Dial. None of my reloading equipment requires batteries or electricity for obvious reasons. But then again I have a well, two mules, a wood burner and a lot of toilet paper. I just can bring myself to corn cobs and magazines.

08-21-2012, 06:50 AM	#15
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,309	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Ill take em either way. I have a fowler DIgital the worm here gave me and I lov eit. But I also have a starrett dial that I do love also. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

08-21-2012, 07:57 AM	#16
gun-nut Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: ohio Contributor Posts: 931	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why I go dial. Dont have much use for the digital. Yes digital is faster to read, but i have been known to miss read them at such a fast glance, that i have scraped parts at work. Made wrong adjustments with the CNC mills because i read the digital to fast. I will stick to the dial you have to take that few Sec. to read them. Less mistakes in the reloading world as well. Safty first! __________________ Don't retreat just reload.

08-21-2012, 03:05 PM	#17
RandyP V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 430	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Either is a fully acceptable tool more than capable of achieving the level of accuracy reloading needs....which honestly isn't that much for most of us. I am very satisfied with my $12 Harbor Freight digitals and my very affordable battmanaz batteries for it (an e-bay vendor) just an example - 10 batteries for $2 - http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-x-CR2032-...item4ab152a62f My tired old eyeballs appreciate the digital readout and for my needs it ain't rocket surgery. lol __________________ Lee Anniversary and Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret, presently reloading .380, 7.62 Nagant (32-20), 9mm and 45ACP

08-21-2012, 05:02 PM	#18
flintlock Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Upstate NY Contributor Posts: 896	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why I'll stay with the dial version. Used them, or verniers, for forty years with out complaints, but I got some cutting oil on a set of digitals and that was it for them. Yes, I know they make them better now.

08-21-2012, 06:27 PM	#19
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,311	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why I like the digital. I'm too damn old to have to think so I just look at the screen and know the measurement right away . __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

08-22-2012, 12:22 PM	#20
mikld Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 573	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why It all boils down to personal preference. I have been using precision measuring tools for 50 years and I like to SEE the measurement on a dial rather than trust some seemingly random numbers pop up on a display. Plus there are no batteries to die and leak all over the battery compartment... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast.

08-22-2012, 12:52 PM	#22
aa1911 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 3,113	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why dial gives me a better visual when I'm checking a large batch of case OAL or whatnot; so dial only for me although for working on Toyota's, I plan on getting a metric digital to try out. But I do like not worrying about batteries... __________________ "Loud noises don't end gunfights.... well placed shots do."

08-22-2012, 01:07 PM	#23
soundguy Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: florida Contributor Posts: 4,411	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why i keep a dial in the house as a backup to the digital.. but I got a spare battery in a sealed blister pack too. as much power as they use.. I bet it goes a couple years before an issue..

08-22-2012, 04:36 PM	#24
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,311	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why Ya'll are too worried about the batteries dying. How much trouble is it to throw another battery in it? Price of batteries is so cheap if you buy them on eBay, about a dime each!! __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

08-22-2012, 04:49 PM	#25
soundguy Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: florida Contributor Posts: 4,411	Re: Calipers? Dial or digital and why .. they make ammo out of explosive powder and primers.. and changing the caliper battery is an issue.. I love it.. I'm cynical too..