How To Properly Store And Maintain Your Calipers 👨‍🏭

You've invested in a high-quality set of calipers to ensure accurate dimensional measurements. But have you considered how you're storing and maintaining them?

Neglecting proper care can lead to inaccurate readings and costly mistakes.

Don't let your investment go to waste.

In this article, I'll explore the essential steps to properly store and maintain your calipers, ensuring they stay in tip-top shape and provide accurate measurements for years to come.

Let's dive in and protect your investment!

Key Takeaways:

There are different types of calipers available for dimensional measurement, including dial calipers, digital calipers, vernier calipers, micrometers, spring point calipers, jenny calipers, and vernier depth gauges.
Proper cleaning and maintenance of calipers is important to ensure accurate measurements and extend the life of the tool.
Calibrating your calipers is important to ensure accurate measurements.
There are common mistakes that people make when using and storing calipers, such as not cleaning the brake slides and hardware or installing the brake pads backwards.
There are ways to troubleshoot common issues with calipers, such as inaccurate readings.
When using calipers, it's essential to follow safety precautions to ensure accurate measurements and prevent damage to the instrument.
When choosing calipers, consider factors such as accuracy, measurement range, output method, type of caliper, ease of use, and cost.

Types of Calipers and Their Uses:

Calipers are versatile tools used for making precise measurements of objects. Here are the different types of calipers and their specific uses:

Type of Caliper	Specific Uses
Dial Calipers	Measuring outside, inside, depth, and step dimensions. They have a dial that displays the measurement.
Digital Calipers	Similar to dial calipers, but with a digital display that shows the measurement.
Vernier Calipers	Measuring outside, inside, depth, and step dimensions. They have a sliding scale with a vernier scale that provides a more precise measurement.
Micrometers	Measuring small distances and thicknesses. They have a spindle that moves towards an anvil to take the measurement.
Spring Point Calipers	Measuring the distance between two points. They have a spring that holds the points together.
Jenny Calipers	Measuring the thickness of objects. They have a flat end and a pointed end.
Vernier Depth Gauge	Measuring the depth of holes and slots. They have a sliding scale with a vernier scale that provides a more precise measurement.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Cleaning:

Wipe the measuring faces of the caliper and the surface of the workpiece to prevent measuring accuracy from being negatively affected by dirt or dust.
Clean the calipers after use by applying a small drop of oil on the beam of the caliper and wiping with a clean cloth before storing the calipers.
Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth to clean your instruments and ensure the cloth is clean before using it.
Be sure to follow the cleaning guidelines for your specific tools to ensure you thoroughly clean them and avoid damaging them.
Precision measuring instruments should be lightly oiled after each use, and any excess oil should be removed from metal surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.
Use alcohol with q-tips and clean wipes to wipe down dial calipers.
Before taking measurements, brush the surfaces of the workpiece clean to prevent sawdust or other debris from affecting your reading.

Maintenance:

Don't use a caliper as a substitute for other tools (example, as a pry bar or a screwdriver).
Store your instruments away from any equipment that may cause vibration or movement to prevent them from falling out of calibration.
Check for any unwanted residue that may affect the accuracy of the caliper after use.
Inspect your caliper for wear and tear.
Lubricate instruments appropriately to prevent corrosion. Precision measuring instruments should be lightly oiled after each use, and any excess oil should be removed from metal surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.

Storing Calipers:

Here are some best practices for storing calipers to prevent damage:

Clean the caliper before storing it. Wipe the measuring faces of the caliper and the surface of the workpiece to prevent measuring accuracy from being negatively affected by dirt or dust.
Apply a light coat of high-grade instrument oil and wipe it clean with a cloth.
Store the caliper in its storage case when not in use.
Avoid sudden shocks or rough treatment that may damage the caliper or put it out of calibration alignment.
Do not exceed the measurement range of the caliper.
Do not use a caliper as a substitute for other tools, such as a pry bar or a screwdriver.
Inspect the caliper for wear and tear, such as burrs and scratches on the jaws, which can affect its accuracy.
Avoid laying the caliper on the bench where it can be damaged or in any kind of debris (metal chips or grinding grit).
Do not pair the caliper with other tools.
Brush off any dirt or dust that may settle on the caliper or the item surface before using it.
Keep the caliper in a properly allocated space and avoid placing it close to magnetic fields or other sources of interference.
Do not use penetrating oils or other compounds designed for purposes other than light lubrication, as they may leave a film that can alter the calibration of the instrument.

Calibrating Calipers:

Calibrating your calipers is important to ensure that the measurements you obtain from them are accurate. Here are some key points on how often you should calibrate your calipers and the process for doing so:

How often to calibrate: The frequency of calibration depends on how often you use your calipers and the conditions under which they are used. It is recommended to calibrate your calipers at least once a year, but if they are used frequently or in harsh conditions, more frequent calibration may be necessary.
Calibration process:
The calibration process involves comparing the measurements taken by your calipers to a known standard of measurement to check for any errors. The process can vary depending on the type of caliper you have, but generally involves the following steps:
1. Clean the caliper to remove any dirt or foreign materials using a lint-free cloth.
2. Check the alignment of the measuring faces of the caliper's lower jaws to ensure they are parallel to each other.
3. Verify the humidity and room temperature before starting the calibration process.
4. Open the measuring jaw and move the measuring jaws together to read the zero reading.
5. Use a reference standard, such as a gauge block or a pin gauge, to check the accuracy of the caliper's measurements.
6. If any errors are identified during the calibration process, correct them and repeat the process until the measurements are accurate.
Maintaining calibration records: Please maintain calibration records for your calipers, which should include calibration labels for your tools and a database where you record calibration information.

Common Mistakes When Using and Storing Calipers:

When using and storing calipers, there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are the most common mistakes:

Not cleaning the brake slides and hardware: The caliper bracket slides need to be clean and free from rust. Make sure to clean them properly.
Not lubricating the guide pins: Caliper guide pins on floating calipers should always be cleaned in solvent and new grease should be applied. The grease is under extreme heat and pressure, so always use caliper-specific grease. NEVER put a torn boot back on a car. Failure to service the guide pins is the leading source of uneven pad wear.
Not measuring the rotor: Before installing new brake pads, please measure the rotor to ensure that it is within the manufacturer's specifications.
Installing the brake pads backwards: Installing the brake pads backwards can cause uneven wear and poor braking performance.
Not properly torqueing the caliper bracket bolts: Not all caliper bracket bolts are the same. Torque ranges can vary from 30 to 110 ft./lbs. Also, some bracket bolts can be torque-to-yield or require liquid thread lockers.
Installing a caliper upside down: The bleeder needs to be at the top of the caliper to remove all the air. Always check the box to make sure the caliper is installed correctly.
Not servicing the caliper assembly: For disc brake systems to work efficiently, the brake pads need to be in perfect alignment with the rotor. The caliper assembly should be serviced regularly to ensure proper alignment.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Calipers:

Here are some ways to troubleshoot common issues with calipers, such as inaccurate readings:

Check the battery: If you're using an electronic digital caliper, the battery may be low or dead. Try changing the battery and see if that resolves the issue.
Clean the circuit board and rubber switch: Over time, dirt and grease can accumulate on the circuit board and rubber switch, causing inaccurate readings. Use an automotive electrical spray to gently clean and degrease these areas.
Restore zero repeatability: If your caliper is giving inconsistent readings, you may need to restore zero repeatability. This can be done by following a simple fix that works on most digital calipers.
Fix the display: If the display on your digital caliper is not working properly, you can try fixing it by putting some thin Scotch tape over the back of the circuit board.
Avoid contamination: Ensure that your caliper remains clean by wiping the various surfaces regularly, which will help prevent errors in measurement. Also, avoid exposing your caliper to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can affect its accuracy.
Seek professional help: If none of the above troubleshooting steps work, it may be time to seek professional help. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician to diagnose and fix the issue.

Safety Precautions When Using Calipers:

When using calipers, please keep in mind some safety precautions to ensure accurate measurements and prevent damage to the instrument. Here are some precautions to consider:

Storage Precautions: Avoid direct sunlight, high temperature, and low temperature, and store in high humidity. If digital calipers are not used for more than three months, remove the battery before storage. Do not allow the outside measuring claw of the caliper to be completely closed during storage.
Cleanliness: Before use, thoroughly remove oil, dust, and dirt from the entire surface of the caliper. Be sure not to damage the measuring and reference faces. Zero the caliper before use.
Handling: Never drop or throw your caliper, lay it on the bench where it can be damaged, or lay it in any kind of debris (metal chips or grinding grit). Do not exceed the measurement range of the caliper. Do not use a caliper as a substitute for other tools (example, as a pry bar or a screwdriver).
Maintenance: Wipe the measuring faces of the caliper and the to-be-measured surface of the workpiece to prevent measuring accuracy from being negatively affected by dirt or dust. Clean the calipers after use. When not in use, be sure to return the caliper to its storage case. Only use your caliper on stationary parts. Inspect your caliper for wear and tear such as burrs and scratches on the jaws.
Usage: When moving the ruler frame, the activity should be free, not too loose or too tight, not to shake. The reading of the caliper should not be changed when fixing the ruler frame with the fixing screw. Fix the measured part with your left hand, do not shake back and forth, and grasp the measurement posture with your right hand. Keep the caliper level, in the direction of the light, so that the line of sight and the caliper are perpendicular.

Choosing the Right Calipers:

Choosing the right calipers for your specific measurement needs can be a daunting task, but here are some factors to consider:

Accuracy: Look for a tool that offers an accuracy within 0.001 inch or 0.02 millimeters.
Measurement range: Always be sure that the range is appropriate for your specific measurement needs.
Output method: Each type of caliper utilizes a different output method for communicating the measurement reading to the user. The type you should choose depends on the application in which the tool is being used and user preference.
Type of caliper: There are several types of calipers, including Vernier calipers, digital calipers, and dial calipers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so please choose the one that best fits your specific measurement needs.
Ease of use: Consider how easy the caliper is to use and whether it requires a lot of operator skill to obtain the best result.
Cost: Consider the cost of the caliper and whether it fits within your budget.

When choosing a caliper, please consider a combination of user preference and the type of application in which the tool is being used. For basic measuring tasks, nothing beats the versatility of a caliper or micrometer.

Summing up the main ideas

As we come to the end of this article, I hope you have learned a thing or two about how to properly store and maintain your calipers. However, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of dimensional measurement in our daily lives.

Think about it, almost everything we use and interact with on a daily basis has been measured and manufactured to specific dimensions. From the clothes we wear to the cars we drive, precision measurement plays a crucial role in ensuring that everything fits and functions properly.

But have you ever stopped to think about the impact that inaccurate measurement could have on our lives? A small miscalculation could lead to a faulty product, a dangerous situation, or even a catastrophic failure.

That's why it's so important to take proper care of your measuring tools, like calipers, to ensure that they are always accurate and reliable. Whether you're a machinist, engineer, or DIY enthusiast, the quality of your work depends on the accuracy of your measurements.

So, the next time you're using your calipers to measure a part or piece, take a moment to appreciate the importance of dimensional measurement in our world. And remember, proper storage and maintenance of your calipers is not just about prolonging their lifespan, it's about ensuring the accuracy and reliability of your work.

In conclusion, by taking the time to properly store and maintain your calipers, you're not only protecting your investment, but you're also contributing to the precision and accuracy of the world around us. So, go ahead and give your calipers some TLC, and let's continue to strive for perfection in our dimensional measurements.