IN THIS ARTICLE:
When it comes to woodworking, or any kind of construction, the golden rule is "measure twice, cut once." The fool’s rule is the inverse, "measure once, cut twice." When you sit down to do your measurement, you need it to be as precise as possible, because the slightest mistake can cost you. The usual device, the tape measure, is great for measuring large numbers. However, to measure the tiniest of numbers accurately, you need a caliper. Digital calipers are the best as they do most of the complex number crunching for you.
Because digital calipers are designed to measure distances as little as one-thousandth of an inch, they’re typically small. The standard digital caliper can only take measurements as large as 6 inches. There are larger sizes available, though, if you require them. Usually, these come in increments of 2 inches with few, if any, coming in larger sizes than 12 inches. You can also find smaller ones, though it’s rare or impossible to find one smaller than 4 inches.
The two main measurement systems in the world are imperial, used by the United States, and metric used by essentially everyone else. Lower-cost digital calipers typically use one or the other system, so double-check that you’re ordering the correct type before purchasing. Higher-end ones can swap between both systems at the touch of a button, which is a godsend if your work requires both. However, if you only need one type then go ahead and save your money.
Most digital calipers are made of either plastic or stainless steel:
Some digital calipers offer extra bonuses that, while small, can make the difference when deciding which to purchase:
Digital calipers can be found for $25 or less, though these are only suitable for the occasional basic project. Better ones with more features can cost up to $100. The best calipers that pack in high-end features for serious woodworkers only start around $100.
Husky Three-Mode Digital Fractional Caliper
This 6-inch caliper can swap freely between imperial and metric units and can even record units in fractions. It has an auto-off feature to preserve battery life.
Sold by Home Depot
iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper
This caliper has an extra-large display, an IP54 rating and a stainless steel body. It comes in four sizes from 4 to 12 inches.
Sold by Amazon
Jiavarry Digital Caliper Measuring Tool
This caliper can take measurements from four places to record the inside and outside diameter, depth and step of small objects. It also offers a model with an extra-large LCD screen.
Sold by Amazon
This caliper comes with a storage case, two spare batteries and a miniature screwdriver for opening the battery compartment. It comes in 6-, 8- and 12-inch sizes.
Sold by Amazon
Louisware Electronic Digital Vernier Caliper
This caliper can take measurements in metric or imperial and can instantly convert between them. The thumb roller glides smoothing and can lock into place to prevent inaccurate measurements.
Sold by Amazon
This high-end caliper takes measurements in increments of five-ten thousandths of an inch for projects that require going above and beyond the usual accuracy. It resists oil in addition to dust and water.
Sold by Amazon
This is the perfect budget caliper for those completing a one-time project. It comes in a 6-inch plastic model and 6-, 8- and 12-inch stainless steel models.
Sold by Amazon
Most calipers don’t give you the choice of aesthetics, but this one does. There’s a plain stainless steel, a plain stainless steel with a dark blue line and a light blue with a thin yellow line.
Sold by Amazon
This is another quality budget caliper as it costs little but still offers solid accuracy and an easy-to-read display. It also comes with two spare batteries for extra value.
Sold by Amazon
This is a great caliper for those who have never used one as it comes with a lifetime of free technical support, plus a one-year warranty and a 60-day refund policy.
Sold by Amazon
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Jordan C Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
