Which Micrometer to buy?

[snb73]

I want to buy a micrometer to measure engine componants. Specifically; piston, piston pin, bore ect... I still have a two stroke but will purchase a 450F this summer, so something that can do dual duty for measuring shims would be good. I'd like to keep the cost in the $50-$100 range, but will pay a little more for quality.

Thanks, Steve

 

[Rich Rohrich]

You'll need 0-100mm range (0-4") but you aren't going to find that range for what you want to spend. What you need is closer to the $350-$400 price range and up. Here's a good set of micrometers that covers this range for a very good price :

http://www.jlindustrial.com/FOM-15004H/SEARCH:CATEGORY/product.html .0001" resolution
http://www.jlindustrial.com/FOM-53400M/SEARCH:CATEGORY/product.html .001" resolution

Buying metric micrometers or electronic micrometers that read both SAE and metric in the same range will push the price higher.

 

[BigRedAF]

I just bought a digital one to replace a mechanical one that my wife dropped on the floor. It set my back $45.00 from Dillon Precision. It works just fine for valve adjusting and reloading ammo. It goes out to four inches. I probably wouldn't use it to launch the Space Shuttle...

Yes, it's made in China :nener:

 

[BSWIFT]

I use starrett micrometers. Mine are like 40 years old so I have no idea what they cost now a days.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

None ratchet starrett micrometers, perfect.

 

[Rich Rohrich]

The Starrett stuff is outstanding, but it gets even further from the price range that he was looking for.

Most of my stuff is Starrett that I bought from a retired machinist 30 years ago, so most of it is at least 50 years old. Buying used tools from retired pros is a great way to get high quality measuring tools for a good price. Good tools, stay good tools forever if you take care of them.

I also have a few Fowler pieces that I've owned for years and they have proven to be good quality pieces. For my money they are as cheap as I would go with precision tools.

The only thing I would measure with a cheapo Harbor Freight style Chinese do everything micrometer is the distance I could throw it in a lake. But that's just me. ;)

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Widow's yard sales are a gold mine. Good machinist's always keep their tools. I recently landed a new set of 0 to 6", with stanards and in their birch box. At least once a week I have to look at them.

 

[snb73]

Thanks guys. I guess I need to increase my budget. I don't mind paying for quality.

Steve

 

[BSWIFT]

Check pawn shops as well. Estate sells are good, just a bit more pot luck.

 

[mtk]

The Starrett stuff is outstanding, but it gets even further from the price range that he was looking for.

Most of my stuff is Starrett that I bought from a retired machinist 30 years ago, so most of it is at least 50 years old. Buying used tools from retired pros is a great way to get high quality measuring tools for a good price. Good tools, stay good tools forever if you take care of them.

I also have a few Fowler pieces that I've owned for years and they have proven to be good quality pieces. For my money they are as cheap as I would go with precision tools.

The only thing I would measure with a cheapo Harbor Freight style Chinese do everything micrometer is the distance I could throw it in a lake. But that's just me. ;)

What Rich said.

It is even better if your retiring guy has some Mitutoyo digital micrometers in his collection. :cool: