Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Advanced Onsite Sensor (AOS) Absolute Scale Digital Caliper, 0 to 6/0 to 150mm Measuring Range, 0.0005/0.01mm Resolution, LCD

I ordered this to measure shims while doing a valve adjustment. The first order got lost but I had to wait another week for Amazon to make sure it really was lost before I could reorder and then another week plus for it to arrive. Did the job with my brothers digital caliper that cost a third what this one does and it did work fine once I figured out it was always .02mm over. Is this one worth three times the cost? I appreciate the craftsmanship, precision, fit and finish of the Mitutoyo and the pleasure using of a premium tool so for me it is worth it.

Every time I close it, it reads -0.01mm If I move it in mid air it goes back to zero. Or if I slightly tap it against something. Sometimes it goes to zero all by itself... This makes me cringe, will it go back? Will it stay?? Randomness.... It is exactly the opposite of what I want. Is it significant? No But it feels anoying There is no way around it. I have zeroed it many times. By doing a long press to zero to absolute. Everything else works and feels quality.

I rarely have need for a caliper, and could probably have gotten by much more cheaply, but I appreciate well-crafted items that last, and Mitutoyo has a reputation as the ne plus ultra of digital calipers. I was afraid I would feel like a fool for having spent this kind of money on a tool I will likely rarely use, but I have no regrets. This thing is worth it. It could have cost twice as much and Id probably say the same thing. The fit and finish are superb. The edges are crisp and have no burrs, the movement is silky smooth, and it just generally feels great in the hand. This is how tools should feel. I see no reason to suspect it wouldnt last for decades if properly cared for. The case could be a little more robust (the hinges are just a single piece of plastic, the type you may recognize from every plastic case with broken hinges youve ever seen), but thats a relatively small gripe. Note: I purchased mine directly from Amazon, and Im confident that what I received was authentic, but things happen. These things are widely counterfeited. Even if you are buying from an authorized channel, it doesnt hurt to do some research on what to look for so you can be confident that you have the real deal. Also, if you are a nerd about such things like I am, it will help you appreciate just how excellent the real deal is.

Ive used these for 20 years at work so Im very used to them. Now I have a set of my own! Smooth action, big readout, bigger than the older style, that resolves 0.0005 inch in five full-sized digits. Simple to flip to mm. Does not turn itself off (a good thing!). Super stable---maybe due to the submicron internal resolution? Great finish and fit. Thumbwheel feels good. Batteries, per catalog, state 3 to 5 years but I suspect longer based on past experience---and I have left them on over many a weekend! This is not not a review of a counterfeit. This purchase was fulfilled by Amazon and their inventory control is impeccable. These calipers came in a sealed bag with a piece of Ferobrite VCI paper. That was placed in the one-piece molded case. On top of that, stapled all together, was the Ferobrite warning notice, a notice of the launch of Mitutoyos Smart Factory solutions website, a fold-out manual with 11 languages, a small notice to wipe excess oil from the calipers, a China RoHS compliance certificate (helping them to Import into China), a reminder to recycle batteries for the EU (in 7 languages) ---and--- an SR44SW battery made by Saizaiken, Japan. Batteries last a very long time in a real Mitutoyo and, just to be sure this is not a counterfeit, I made some measurements: Current when on was pulsing 2 to 6 μA and when off dropped to a stable 0.5 μA: very good. When a Mitutoyo wants a fresh battery a B is seen in the upper-right corner of the display. I measured this threshold at about 1.40 Volts. If you dont heed that warning, a Mitutoyo will not give bad or unstable readings but will instead simply turn off. I measured this cutoff threshold at 1.3 Volts and the readings were dead-stable up the that point. Other things that tend to indicate this is authentic is a CE mark with compliant dimensions, surface finish marks that are parallel with the tool, ABSOLUTE molded into the battery cover and gold plated battery contacts.

This caliper is well worth the money. I had some other brands, but they never last. You can not go wrong with Mitutoyo.

I was a little leery to buy an expensive caliper with all the other less expensive ones but my neighbor had one and I liked the way it worked. This is easy to use and seems accurate to me. The thumb scroll is easy to use and can do small increments as well as moving faster for larger ones. You can lock it in on a measurement and then compare it to anther item. You can also take measurement, zero it out, take another one that’s thinner or wider and get a difference. I didn’t think that would be useful but I used it the first day. It’s sturdy and well built. Uses a common battery which is easy to change. Overall it’s been a great addition to the measurement line of my tools. I recommend it. Spend the extra money for accuracy and durability.

I’ve used these calipers and many other mics and tools offered by Mitutoyo in my career. They never failed me. Tough. They take the oily, dirty jobs you are work on.

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I went with a 35$ digital caliper initially. it seemed good, but when i got some extra money i decided to try what everyone else recommended. The size of my groups not only shrunk but also got more consistent. Using these I found the cheap ones were usually off by .001 often more. Im sure these will make up the cost difference over time.

Just holding it and looking at it you can tell the difference in quality. The fit and finish are amazing. The slide is smooth and doesnt wobble or feel loose. The display is easy to read and its spot on. You dont have to re-calibrate. It knows its exact position wherever it is when you turn it on. Ive had it for a few months now and the battery isnt dead unlike all the other look-a-likes you can find for $25-$30. Made in Japan not China. It does not have an automatic shutoff. some like that, some dont. I kinda like it when you get distracted (wife, kids, buddy with beers in hand) the measurement is still on display when you come back.