Posted on Tech Forum, as well.

Have been living on my Dad's very worn, mechanical read-out micrometers for some time - never have gotten around to buying an inside micrometer ... getting ready to rebuild an engine and wanted to finally buy some quality (but not too expensive) measurement tools.

Would appreciate recommendations on what I should get ... I was planning on LCD readouts - will a high res caliper work for micrometer duties on journal measurements - what is best method for measuring cylinder bores?

Thanks!!!

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

Digital Caliper. Snap-On's has a 0.01mm (0.0005") resolution.


Telescoping gauges.

So, for most applications I don't really need a micrometer? Can use hi res caliper instead? And, then just use caliper to measure the transferred inside measurements from bores, etc?

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

If you're going to be doing multiple engines I'd say to invest in a good set of micrometers. But, if its just your one engine I think a good caliper should be fine if you always double check your measurements.

we always called calipers guess sticks in the shop. you can get any number you want. .0005 accuracy is laughable but thats what they sell. I wouldnt trust a caliper on close measurements any better than 2-5 thousands. we used them for roughing only. if you want the true measurement and your not experienced with micrometers get a ratchet or slip spindle type micrometer, fowlers are inexpensive and accurate. mititoyos are good. starrets and brown and sharps are my preference but they will cost you. once you get time with them you wont need the ratchet or the slip spindle. get carbide tip later if you end up using them a lot. if you start with carbide tipped mics, be gentle as they chip edges easy. remember these are not fancy c-clamps.

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

Mitutoyo is very good. I have (2) 8 in, (1) 6" carbide tips, (1) 24inch, (1) 12" carbide tips for calipers.

$150-$2000

Inside Mike, Ive got the Mitutoy 0-2 inc. ($500)

Telescoping gauges are always handy. Get yourself a good set of Calipers though. Start off at 8inch models. Starrett are good for the money. your local AIRGAS / rutland tool can get you them, or try SPI (swiss precision instruments)

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Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

I only trust mic's for crank journals and such.. and by time you spend the money to get a very high res caliper you could go buy a set of mics.

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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

As long as they would add one additional commandment for you to keep thy religion to thyself.
George Carlin (Wonder where he is now..)

1981 240d (engine donor 1983 240d) recently rebuilt engine hurray! - No more.. fought a tree and the tree won.

pearl black 1983 240d 4speed (Converted!@$$%) atleast the tranny was rebuilt.

A nice set of depth mics is useful also, and for Christmas, a dial-indicator with a mag base.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff