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USING VERNIER CALIPERS

 

The vernier caliper is a very common tool in many precision measuring applications. Although there are many quality levels and sizes of vernier calipers, they all typically perform the same functions that the user uses to measure the part. We are going to explain how to use vernier calipers.
 

Vernier calipers have two jaws at the bottom of the calipers, with one stationary and the other moveable. This set is used to measure the outside of a part. The other set of jaws on the top of the calipers are for

 Inside measurements. The left end of the calipers is designed to measure a step of a part, and the right end is designed to measure the depth of a feature of a part. We will explain all of these uses and more so that you can measure comfortably with a pair of calipers. 
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We should first discuss how to start using calipers when picked up from the bench. Calipers should always be checked for zero every time they are picked up, whether dial, scale, or digital style. This should become a common practice.
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Open the jaws by sliding the moveable section away from the stationary section far enough so that a thumb can fit between the two jaws at the bottom of the jaws that measure the outside of a part. Wipe both jaws with your thumb and then close the jaws together and verify if the dial or display is showing zero. Suppose it isn’t showing zero on the dial or display. In that case, you must set zero by pressing the zero button on the dial calipers or turning the dial face on the dial calipers. At the same time, the jaws still touch each other. 
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Measuring the outside of the part with lower jaws on the caliper is just opening the jaws far enough that the caliper will fit around the piece that is being measured. Withholding the left jaw in one hand and the right end of the caliper in the other hand, use your thumb to slide the caliper jaws until they make contact with the part that is being measured, a little bit of soft movement or wiggling by the caliper or the part might be required to make sure that the jaws are making a correct contact. Read the measurement on the dial or display.

Measuring the inside of the part with the upper jaws on the caliper ensures that the caliper is closed enough so the upper jaws fit inside the feature of the measured part. Pull the two jaws apart with your thumb until both jaws touch the feature on the measured part. A little bit of soft movement or wiggling by the caliper or the part might be required to ensure that the jaws make the correct contact. Read the measurement on the dial or display.

Measure the depth of a part with the left side of the calipers. Open up the calipers enough so the two end pieces are separated more than the depth of the step amount. Put the stationary end of the caliper on the lowest part of the step with the right side of the caliper pointing up, and then lower the moveable side of the caliper down until it touches the top of the part. Read the measurement on the dial or display.
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The right end of the caliper does almost the same thing as the left side; its smaller width allows the caliper to measure smaller spaces.

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