General Tools 142 6-Inch English and Metric Plastic Dial Caliper

List Price: $36.14 Discount Price: $22.42

Features:

• Fractional conversion table on back
• Measuring capacity 0 to 6"

Accessories:
Big Horn 19066B Taper Jig	Delta 34-183 Tenoning Jig

Customer Reviews:

A Precise Plastic Performer [Posted on 2007-03-01]
I needed a caliper in a hurry and didn't want to spend the money on an expensive metal one. I naturally presumed that this plastic model would be less accurate, and would drift further off with larger measurements.

I was wrong.

The precision on this device is tight. Set the needle adjustment at 0 inches and then test it yourself. As you expand inch after inch, the needle repeatedly hits dead on 0. Would a more expensive metal one be more precise and more rugged? I'm sure it would. But this unit is sure to surprise you with its great performance.

Useless in metric [Posted on 2007-10-22]
It is accurate only to the mm scale in metric readings. So to get better than 0.5mm accuracy you will need to measure in Inches to 0.01" accuracy and then convert units.
The price is also high for a very plastic construction that cannot survive dropping onto a hard surface.
Save money and learn to use a vernier caliper for a cheaper and better product with higher accuracy.

Caliper [Posted on 2007-10-22]
This is a truly precision instrument. Although it is made of plastic the instrument does provide accurate measurements. A Best Buy.

Perfect tool for the job [Posted on 2008-03-28]
I study oysters at Louisiana State University, and these calipers are perfect for measuring shell size. They are durable and plastic so they do not rust in the salty Gulf water.

If you work in fractions (64ths) this is the best unit available [Posted on 2008-05-05]
The heading says it all. I have three of these. The more expensive metal ones just aren't as convenient for my purposes. If you work in metrics, look elsewhere. If you work in US decimals, this works well but you have alternatives. For fractions this is the best thing going...

They did get cheap and dropped the conversion table (from 64ths to smaller denominated fractions e.g. 32 64ths = 1/2 inch) from the back of the caliper. For the 1/2 cent this saved them, they lost a measure of respect from me. I made my own conversion table using Excel, and taped this on the back of the two newer calipers.

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