Dial calipers are nearly always reliable, as long as they're kept clean and
not dropped. Requiring no batteries is a feature.

Readings to .001" usually aren't a problem, with reading glasses if needed.

Dial models generally have a numbered scale showing inches in tenth-inches,
or mm/cm for metric models, so counting turns isn't required.

You've brought up a potential problem for many digital caliper users, I hope
I remember the issue if I encounter it.

--
WB
..........
metalworking projects
www.kwagmire.com/metal_proj.html


"Michael Koblic" wrote in message
...
I have three sets of cheap digital calipers bought in Canadian Tire. The
have all been working fine and agree with a micrometer to within 0.001".
Two weeks ago I tried to use the one I keep in the workshop to measure
something of the order of 4" when the calipers refused to measure anything
past 1.5". I brought them into the house where they started working fine as
soon as they warmed up.

The second set did exactly the same thing today.

The temperature in the workshop is 9.5 deg C.

Replacing the battery made no difference. What is the likely cause?

--
Michael Koblic
Campbell River, BC