I have a set of late 80's mitutoyo digital mics, the 0-4" set. I find
these run through the sr44 batteries pretty fast. I stopped putting
batteries in the 2-3 and 3-4 because of limited use, maybe once every 6
months, at which point the batteries were usually dead. I just kept the
batteries in the case and put them back in when required. It ment
having to reset them but that only took a moment.
As for the cheap calipers, I got a set a couple of years ago for the
basement, and still has the original battery in it. Must be one of the
low draw ones :-) I also have a 6" and 12" set of mitutoyo calipers,
also from the late 80's. Still good tools but they don't have the auto
off and don't hold their position like the newer style. But I don't
have any problems with batteries with them, maybe 1-2 years with daily
use.(if I remember to turn them off)


http://www.jamescrombie/com