Expertpickhub Tools Measuring How To Read A Dial Caliper

How To Read A Dial Caliper

A dial caliper is a tool used to measure the thickness or width of an object. It is made up of two arms, one with a graduated scale and the other with a pointed end. The arms are opened to fit around the object and then the measurement is taken by reading the scale on the arm that has the pointed end.

To use a dial caliper, make sure the arms are open to fit around the object you are measuring. Close the arms until they touch the object and then read the scale on the arm with the pointed end. The measurement is in inches or millimeters, depending on the graduated scale on your dial caliper.

What does each number on a dial caliper mean?

Each number on a dial caliper indicates a different increment or division of the measurement scale. On most dial calipers, each number corresponds to .001 inches or .025 millimeters. This means that the distance between each number on the scale is .001 inches (or .025 millimeters) apart. So, if you were measuring something and the distance between the two arms was .030 inches, the number on the scale that would be directly above this measurement would be .003 (since .030/.001 = .030).

The ways to read a dial caliper

  1. Direct reading
  2. This is when you read the measurement from the scale on the arm with the pointed end.

  3. Indirect reading
  4. This is when you read the measurement from the scale on the arm with the graduated scale. To do this, subtract the number on the arm with the graduated scale from the number on the arm with the pointed end.

  5. Average reading
  6. This is when you take the measurement from both arms and then divide it in half.

read dial caliper

Which method should you use?

The direct reading method is the most accurate way to read a dial caliper. However, if the object you are measuring is not in a straight line, you may need to use the indirect reading method. The average reading method is not as accurate as the direct or indirect methods, but it can be used if you don’t have time to take two separate measurements.

Common mistakes to avoid when reading a dial caliper?

  1. Not opening the arms wide enough
  2. Make sure the arms are open to fit around the object you are measuring. If they are too tight, it will be difficult to get an accurate measurement.

  3. Closing the arms too far
  4. Don’t close the arms until they touch the object you are measuring. This will give you an inaccurate measurement.

  5. Not using the correct reading method
  6. Make sure you are using the correct reading method for the measurement you are taking. The direct reading method is the most common and easiest to use, but if it does not apply to your situation, then use one of the other methods.

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