Best set of calipers?

I have a Craftsman analog (vernier) calipr that I've owned for probably 40 years.

It's a little stiff, but it works well and doesn't move on me.

At least for me, it's most useful transfering a dimension, as opposed to giving me a number.

Probably cost around $ 25.00.

Starrett? Nice, but don't those cost thousands?

Worked in a machine shop and the measuring tools of choice were Mitutoyo.

https://ecatalog.mitutoyo.com/Calipers-C1331.aspx

I check my Harbor Freight cheapies every so often.  They seem to be both accurate and repeatable.  Reliability is something else- had to replace them after seven or eigth years, but for that price I am not complaining.

I reckon you're using a calper to get precise measurments.  If not use a ruler.  But if you're looking for accuracy, why fool around with hit or miss.  Get a good quality measuring tool and you'll have it for life.  I strongly suggest either Starrett or Mitutoyo. Something you can count on.

Paul

http://paulbudzik.com/tools-techniques/Measuring%20Tools/measuring-tools.html

Got two of these, one for the shop, one for the model cave. decimal inches, fractional inches, MM. I use it to convert from one to the other as well as actually measuring things.  https://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=3124&category=   

They have other models as well.

I agree with Clint and Don, get a cheaper caliper.

I still have my original Starrett analog caliper from work in the 70's in my toolbox (now for models) downstairs. Even it is overkill. Except maybe when measuring some of the tiny drill diameters we use.

I must admit, though I don't use it much, it comes in handy occasionally.

I also bought a set at harbor freight there probably 6or 7 years old still work great

Rambo

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LPIWAYO/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1526251478&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mitutoyo+caliper+digital&dpPl=1&dpID=31gy93QtegL&ref=plSrch

This is what I use at work best set I ever had. Overkill for model building but if wanting to use for other purposes as well I would go for them. Just for model building you could probably use some from harbor freight.

 

I bought mine from Harbor Freight, on sale for, I believe, 7 bucks.  Works great.  Reliability may not be great- it is my second one.  The first lasted four or five years.  But at the prices they ask I consider it worth it, as high end ones go for several times what I paid at H F.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LPIWAYO/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1526251478&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mitutoyo+caliper+digital&dpPl=1&dpID=31gy93QtegL&ref=plSrch

This is what I use at work best set I ever had. Overkill for model building but if wanting to use for other purposes as well I would go for them. Just for model building you could probably use some from harbor freight.