How to Use a Vernier Caliper

Edited by Timmiej, RMunsonNJ, Maluniu, Kit Santos and 10 others

A vernier caliper is used to take measurements that are accurate to within .001 of an
inch or .02 of a millimeter, depending whether the vernier is imperial or metric. This set
of instructions will focus on imperial, but the same methods can be applied to a metric
vernier caliper.
Steps
1.
1
Make sure that whatever you are measuring is clean and has no burrs on the
edges.
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2.
2
Open the jaws of the caliper and position them on both sides of the piece you are
measuring.
3.
3
Push the jaws firmly against the workpiece.
4.
4
Lock the clamp screw so that the jaws don't move.
5.
5
On the vernier scale is a small number 0. Look at how many inch divisions it is past
on the bar scale.
6.
6
See how many smaller (numbered) divisions the small 0 has gone past. This
represents how many tenths of an inch the workpiece is measuring in addition to the
number of whole inches.
7.
7
How many smaller divisions has the small 0 gone past the last numbered
division, this number multiplied by 25 is how many hundredths of an inch.
8.
8
Determine which division line on the vernier scale best lines up with a division on
the bar scale. This is how many thousandths of an inch.
9.
9
By adding the inch measurement, the tenths of an inch, the hundredths, and the
thousandths, you will have a measurement to a 3 decimal place accuracy.
Parts of a Micrometer Caliper
By Shane Grey, eHow Contributor




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Micrometer measuring a metal milling bit
Measuring a screw's shank with a ruler is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole;
for precision or small-scale measuring, the right tool for the job is a micrometer caliper.
Micrometer calipers measure the outer dimension of an item to within 1/10,000 of an inch
or more--a degree of accuracy that distinguishes micrometer calipers from standard
calipers. An understanding of the precision parts that allow micrometer calipers to
function is essential for both beginning micrometer caliper operators and potential
buyers.
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Types of Micrometer Calipers
How to Use a Micrometer for Measuring
1. Frame
o The frame is the primary component of a micrometer caliper. The frame appears as a
roughly U-shaped piece of metal. Etched upon the frame's exterior is a legend, or list,
explaining the graduations indicated on the tool's barrel. A handle protrudes from one side
of the frame so that its appearance resembles a small scythe.
Anvil
o Opposite the handle, on the frame's interior, a small, flattened area called an anvil provides
a stationary surface upon which objects rest. More importantly, the anvil provides a
stationary point of reference for measurement--the micrometer provides accurate
measurement by gauging the distance between the anvil and its movable counterpart, the
measuring rod.
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Barrel
o The barrel forms the uppermost part of the handle; the part closest to the frame's "U." The
barrel is a cylindrical piece of metal, integral to the frame; the frame and barrel are molded
as one piece. The barrel's circumference features marks that indicate measurement. Because
the micrometer caliper measures on a micro scale, its measurements are often lengthy
decimals. To save space on the barrel, the marks appear as whole numbers that refer to a
legend printed on the frame's exterior.
Thimble
o The thimble refers to the rotating portion of a micrometer's handle. Twisting the thimble
opens the tool's jaws for reading inside dimensions, or extends a rod for measurements of
outside dimensions or depth. Markings on the thimble rotate along with the handle to align
with the barrel's scale and provide a measurement.
Measuring Rod
o The measuring rod, also called the spindle, extends from the thimble. As the operator turns
the thimble, the spindle pushes the object to be measured against the anvil. The spindle
holds the object snug against the anvil, and a reading is taken.


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