Machinists/Builders: What brand measuring tools?

[DeXteR]

If you're a machinist with any amount of experience at any level (professional, hobbyist, hack); I'd like to know what brand tools you prefer/recommend - especially metric.

Will cheap stuff from Harbor Freight or McMaster Carr get the job done or should I invest in something else? I'm sure I can find some good stuff on ebay for a good price, but I'm not really sure where to start.

I'm not looking to do a lot of machining, but I'm interested in taking my engine building to the next level which will necessitate some fine measuring tools. I prefer metric as all of my tools and parts are metric. In the rare occasion that I need non-metric dimensions, I'll convert. I don't want to have to convert to metric constantly.

Thanks.

[C-Kwik]

I can't recall the brands of tools off the top of my head, but you should post the level of accuracy you want. For the most part, the biggest differences are in the accuracy of the tools.

[Rager]

If you're a machinist with any amount of experience at any level (professional, hobbyist, hack); I'd like to know what brand tools you prefer/recommend - especially metric.

Will cheap stuff from Harbor Freight or McMaster Carr get the job done or should I invest in something else? I'm sure I can find some good stuff on ebay for a good price, but I'm not really sure where to start.

I'm not looking to do a lot of machining, but I'm interested in taking my engine building to the next level which will necessitate some fine measuring tools. I prefer metric as all of my tools and parts are metric. In the rare occasion that I need non-metric dimensions, I'll convert. I don't want to have to convert to metric constantly.

Thanks.

ive done a bunch of machine work and the best really is starrett tools are the best when it comes to micrometers and dial indicators. i dont think that they deal with metric but that can always be converted.

what level of tolerance are you trying to hold?

are you trying to manufacture car parts or just need something to measure with. if you only need to take measurments and can deal with +/- .001 then you can deffinatily get something cheeper than starrett .

[4cefed]

I've had a lot of luck with this site:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM

They have a giant catalog and have ranges of tools for all budgets. I've been surprised at the level of quality I've gotten from seemingly budget items. I've put a few engines together with a $50 set of mics (Mittutoyu sp?) and a $20 Starett dial caliper. They have damn good accuracy and repeatability.

[asoomal]

[raremotive]

Mitutoyo are Japanese precision equipment, they are world class for accuracy. And they are in metric, but I think they have some standard units too. They sell .01 units and 0.001 units.

In my opinion:

As far as which tool you get depends on the accuracy you are trying to match. If you are trying to get 1 mm then use a tape measure, .1 a cheap habor freight one should do, .01 Fowler, Craftsman, Starett, Mitutoyo, .001 Mitutoyo, Starett. But keep in mind the human and the environment is most common error at .001, if the tool doesn't have rubber holders, and even room temperature can play with you.

Don't go buying the thinking best accuracy right for a job when it only needs 1mm tolerance it's a waste of money and time. Look over you engine manual, see what tolerances are called for and use the right tool for the job.

Also telescoping bore gauges are junk and a headache. Inside bore indicators are where it's at.

I like to keep a set of standards to check my measuring equipment in check for accuracy, it's a just a method of ruling out all possible causes. But even using standards is touchy, your body heat will change it's dimensions and even the room temperature. This is one of the reasons why work places pay professionals to calibrate their equipment to eliminate everyone messing with the settings.

In the end each is to his own. My great grandfather rebuilt several tractors, ATV's and a Jaguar with using craftsman measuring tools. To this day they still run as they should.

[themadscientist]

I use Mitutoyo stuff.

[Red coupe]

I have a mitutoyo caliper and a few centech ones....

The Mitutoyo is nice, it reads the same as the centech ones. Plus I don't feel bad using the centech ones to scribe lines

Occasional use stuff, I really wouldn't sweat using HF/centech stuff... I have used them plenty and they have never really caused problems or proved to be inaccurate. I have seen more error from technique then from using centech stuff tbh.
This is working in thousands, or even half thousandths... any further then that and you may have issue.
(edit: I work in inches :P, what ever accuracy this is in mm.... I mean that.)

I have not used there micrometers much, but when I took engine building classes with toyota they were all cheep HF stuff and I could use pretty much what ever mic to get the same measurement, and the parts went together like the measurements were right.

Of course if you can spend more you will only get better tools

[DeXteR]

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm very concerned about the environment. I don't have a climate controlled clean room for building engines. My polebarn is old and drafty and in the spring and fall, the humidity is terrible. I'm going to pay close attention to try to find non-corrosive materials of construction for these tools.

I have an old steel vernier caliper that I use for all kinds of stuff. It's old and it gets rusty, but it's gotten the job done for most of the low accuracy jobs I've needed it for.

Quickly glancing at one of my FSMs, I need precision to .001mm or .0001in - yikes.

My Google searches for metric measuring tools did bring up the Mitutoyo brand frequently. That seems to be the general consensus here as well.

I appreciate the advice.

[themadscientist]

If you are going to go to the trouble and expense to aquire quality tools, treat them with respect. Precision measuring tools are compact and there is no excuse you can't put them in a small toolbox and keep them in the house. I have a non-climate controlled driveway. I don't keep my tools there.

[raremotive]

Quickly glancing at one of my FSMs, I need precision to .001mm or .0001in - yikes.

Yes, but what's the tolerance gap/spread at? For example If the tolerance says it needs to be within 1.005 mm and 1.01 mm, .005 tolerance gap, then you will need a 0.001 tool and temperature and other things can mess with you. If your tolerance gap is .05.. then you can use the 0.01 mm tool, without worrying about temperature.

You should pick up 4 micrometers that measures in 25 mm increments.. ie 1 measures 0-25, 2nd measures 25-50. 3rd measures 50-75, and last 75-100 mm. Get 0.001 mm units, and not worry too much about environment until your tolerance levels requires you.