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

Please note that this product review is for both: the digital caliper and the company producing them (Mitutoyo). In my opinion, a good review should take into account both facets when determining a products overall price/performance. With that said: SUMMARY In summation, this digital caliper from Mitutoyo works great as advertised BUT the shortcomings in the calipers functionality and the companys performance leads me to rate this product just three-stars. As a discerning customer who is spending $$$, I EXPECT a little more from a well-established company like Mitutoyo. Here is why: PRODUCT REVIEW The caliper (Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Advanced Onsite Sensor Absolute Scale Digital Caliper, 0-6 Range) is a wonderful device that works great. Ive used it to measure the dimensions of various KNOWN objects and I found it to be fairly accurate. For example, comparing the known dimensions of an iPhone 5 against the calipers readings, I found the measurements to be pretty exact; my measurements varied only slightly (+/- .01-.02mm), as expected. To achieve consistent readings, I had to ensure I applied the SAME continuous force for both: taking measurements and when setting the origin. Using the same amount of force I was able to achieve fairly consistent and accurate results as mentioned above. However, there IS a significant shortcoming or two from my experience. The first has to do with the lack of an auto-off feature; this digital caliper from Mitutoyo has none. Once you turn on this digital caliper, you MUST remember to turn it off or else the battery will continuously drain until you do so. In addition (but not as important) the caliper requires a battery, an (SR44SW), that is not commonly available locally in most areas. If Mitutoyos engineers decided on a more common battery like a (2023) ,the overall design would have been superior. Due to these shortcoming, the calipers rating was reduced one star lower. Overall, the caliper is great at taking consistent accurate measurements but you should already expect that given the price $$$ you are paying for this device; its not exactly inexpensive. COMPANY REVIEW In my opinion, the only technical reason for excluding such a BASIC feature as auto-off in this day-and-age is purely a Marketing technique to create product differentiation. This type of practice allows companies to create additional versions of the same exact product by varying features across their product line. This practice attempts to sway more customers towards EVEN more expensive versions of their product line and this is type of general practice is one I dont agree with. Why cant Mitutoyo just make a SINGLE highly accurate version of their caliper (one digital and one analog) that works for ALL their discerning customers (designers, engineers, hobbyist, students, etc)? Mitutoyo lists 27 different calipers on their corporate website.

Purchased this to replace a Mitutoyo caliper that Ive been using for over 15 years. This set works great.

What can I say, I LOVE THESE CALIPERS!!! Ive had around 12 sets from various makers over the past few years and every set has had a week point whether it be jumpy, inaccurate, constant need to rezero, rough sliding mechanism, extremely sensitive to pressure, you name it. Not with these! I primarily use them in my reloading and occasionally to get a rough measurement on parts I make on my lathe. If you are thinking about getting them just go ahead and do it, and save yourself some time and aggitation. If I had bought these to begin with I wouldve even saved a few bucks overall.

This is a highly accurate tool and the best quality. Except nothing but the best. That is what you get with this item.

Im a mechanical engineering student. Im using this for various projects and in the machine shop. Despite it costing more than competitors, I think it was worth it. The absolute feature is nice, not having to keep zeroing it every time you turn it on. I think the battery lasts longer in these than the competition; everybody elses calipers are always fritzing out because of low battery, but not mine. Oh, and these were authentic; I did a fair bit of research on how to differentiate from knock-offs. I made sure to buy from Amazon as the seller. I feel like these are the last calipers Ill ever have to buy -- a lifetime tool.

This device is easy to use and understand which is just what I needed as I am learning the machining trade.

This is far superior to my generic one which was constantly turning off and rezeroing itself and also giving me inconsistent readings every time I measured. If you make jewelry or another craft where you need precise measurements this one is worth it. The only thing I needed to get used to was that it doesnt turn off by itself so sometimes I forget and am probably wasting battery life. However, in most cases that is a feature not a bug (meaning its not always turning itself off in between measurements). In addition, if the jaws are left open and you turn it off, when you turn it on it still gives you a measurement of where you left off, it doesnt just zero off from that spot. You can press the TAR button for that giving you much more control and saving time. Once in a while it gets unzeroed by a 1/2mm and you can just take the battery out, close the jaws all the way, replace battery and hold the zeroing button to reset. Otherwise very stable and consistent readings.

accurate but battery cap comes off too easy

Great craftsmanship, feels sturdy and doesn’t loose zero like cheaper calipers

For years now, Ive used some cheaper name brand calipers to do my reloading projects at home and though I get a few years of pretty good use out of them, they always become inaccurate and gritty feeling, so this time, I elected to put in some extra coin and go with quality name brand calipers, and I wish I would have just gone this route before. Ive used Mitutoyo products in my profession for many years and they always hold up for long periods of time. The slide, readout, and accuracy of these are unparalleled when it comes to comparing them with pretty much anyones cheaper calipers. I can always trust Mitutoyo to be what Im looking for. Great price too!