I just found my old, slide-rule type calipers. And in the six years since I thought I lost them, I seem to have forgotten how to read them. I fill like a pinhead. Can anyone remind me how to do this?

Here is a site that shows a video to explain:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/class/phscilab/vernier.html

This is a pretty cool site that lets you slide the caliper's jaw and see how it would read:

http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/java/ruler/vernier.html

Another one, but no Java:


http://www.rit.edu/~uphysics/VernierCaliper/caliper.html

Gracias, Ken.

I feel like such a fool.

What is obvious to me, may not be obvious to you. A Fool is someone who doesn't ask the question. A Damn Fool is the ignorant [censored] who jeers at him for asking.

The best thing to do is sell that on eBay & buy a Starrett dial caliper (American made).

The dial calipers are much easier to use. If you don't need high accuracy inexpensive dial calipers can be had for $20, these are of far east manufacture. Will have to disagree with 0311, if you want good calipers buy Brown & Sharpe. That is not to say that Starrett isn't good, but the Brown & Sharpe (Swiss made) are the smoothest calipers i have ever used.

I have never used much stuff from Brown & Sharpe. If I should get the chance, I will be sure to check for the smoother operation. I have been happy with the Starrett ($116) so far.

I've got a better idea- since I only need 1/100th of an inch, I'll stick with my 5 dollar calipers for the maybe three times a year that I need them, and slip a set of directions into the case in case I forget how to use them again. :P

Ironraven, you are missing the point. A chance to buy a new tool to use and to show off. But if you only need to be within .010 a vernier is fine for that, but as i get older those fine lines are harder to read. And if you really don't use it very often, use what you have and save your money for some new psk enhancements.

0311, i always thought that the Starrett's were the top of the food chain in everything and in some tools theirs are the only ones to use. The Browne & Sharp calipers are Swiss made by Tesa (Interapid). Cost $90 though enco. I work in a machine shop and have used a number of different brands and the Browne & Sharp are the smoothest feeling calipers i have ever used. Whether or not you will think the same i don't know, but if you get the chance give'em a try.