im on the market for some measuring tools and the two companies i know about are Mitutoyo and Central. Im looking to get a micrometer set (0"-1", 1"-2", 2"-3"), dial bore gauge, and digital caliper. I was just wondering what you guys prefer as well as the pros and cons. also......if there are any other brands out there, please let me know. thanks!

 

it really depends on what you'll be using them for, and how often. if you've got the cash, i like mitutoyo personally. lots of guys also like starret. if you look in a tool catalog, some times you'll see some marked as "import", even these are fine for the average enthusiast/hobbiest. for something in between, you might look at fowlers, they're generally cheaper than the big names, but still a good tool, in my opinion.

mics are a funny thing man, you get two guys that have been around for a long time, one likes mitutoyo, the other likes starret......they'll probably fight that argument to the death for no other reason that thats what they like.

 

look up J&L industrial, and order there catalog. this was a while back, but when i ordered mine (free), they overnighted that ****, and the ups guy showed up at my door on a saturday morning with the catalog. i buy a lot of my tools through them.

 

I can't help but lean to Mutitoyo myself. I have used them in college for some time and just developed a liking for them, as well as Starrett. It basically comes down to your financial situation and your needs.

 

cool....thanks for the info...... im going to be using them to mic my cranks and check the clearances on mains and rods. the reason i was asking about central was because they're the ones that make the micrometers and calipers for matco tools and i can get a pretty good deal on them. but im willing to pay more for better quality and accuracy.

 

Central also makes the measuring tools that Snap-on distributes as well.

I like and own a lot of Mitutoyo stuff, but you really can't go wrong with Starrett, Sunnen, or Brown & Sharpe either.

I order all of my Mitutoyo stuff from Enco. http://www.use.enco.com
Buy the $16 enco mic stand. You'll need one.

I also use engine building tools from ARP, Moroso, Proform, Tavia, Comp Cams, and Summit. You can find all of those at Summit Racing. http://www.summitracing.com

The harder to find/specialty tools I get from Goodson. http://www.goodson.com
They sell Mitutoyo measuring instruments as well, but it's a bit more if you buy it from them.

 

Mitutoyo without a doubt. asking which one between central and mitutoyo is better is kinda like asking if a geo metro can beat an Integra.

BTW I have a brand new 0-1 mitutoyo mic for sale. Pm me for details.

 

I persoanlly ahve some starrett products but the machine shop I work at also has a bunch of Mitutoyo pieces.

Starrett is all American...


But yeah quality names have been posted above.

Pirate

 

how about some digital mics and calipers? i was thinking about getting them but i get skeptical about the accuracy. it also applies to digital torque wrenches and stuff too. it may sound crazy, but i dont really trust digital tools......

 

I wanted to convert all of my mic's and indicators to digital units. Zero'ing out the indicator on the bore gauge is a lot easier with a digital indicator. They can also carry more precision if you buy the proper model.

I don't think you need to spend the money on a digital caliper. A $16 Enco dial caliper gets the job done just fine for rough measuring and general around-the-garage use, and you never need to replace the batteries. Use the mic's for precision measuring, not the caliper.

 

I build precision machines, and we use nothing but Mitutoyo. I have nothing but good things to say about them.