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

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

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.

I had a cheap pair that seemed to function fairly well except if you left the battery in even while turned off, the battery would go dead. No big deal, I just took the battery out between uses. After about 3 years, they started to give weird readings at the low end of the scale, where they were used the most. So I pitched them and decided to buy these Mitutoyo calipers. These appear to be the real deal. They are identical to the ones that we use at work. We buy directly from Mitutoyo and pay several dollars more for these. But Mitutoyo is probably the best out there. Them or Starrett. These dont have a data port. We have both at work, ones with a data port and ones without. Also they come in the exact same chintzy plastic box with a folding hinge that will break after repeated use, just like the ones at work. I actually kept the case my cheap ones came in, because it is a better case with an actual hinge that pivots on a pin, and looks like the case our older Mitutoyo calipers came in. Theyre butter smooth and hold zero.

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

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!

I have this one for the workshop. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LPIWAYO/ I wanted a second one for inside the house. So I bought this caliper. Knowing what I know now, Id have spend the extra money to get the one I bought before for 2 main reasons. 1 - This one doesnt auto-power off. 2 - The buttons are small and practically flush with the plastic face. Neither of which was an issue with the other one. The other doesnt even have a power button it powers up and down automatically. Functionally it works fine and seems well made. Id just rather not be annoying by trying to press buttons it should be easy to press. Or opening the carrying case and noticing it was still turned on.

I have been using cheap Chinese calipers for years. The difference between the Mitutoyo and the cheap Chinese calipers is night and day. The machine work of the Mitutoyo calipers is of a very high standard. Granted the price difference is huge, but after using the Mitutoyo calipers I can say the price difference is worth it in my case. I should have bought these years ago. Highly recommend Mitutoyo over anything else.

I bought my first Mitutoyo calliper 50 years ago and its still in good condition except the edges for inside measure gets little round. Now its much easier to read in mm and inches (not guessing), i like it (Ok its all depends how you care for the tools) . . .

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.

According to the online counterfeit guides, everything indicates that these are genuine Mitutoyo Calipers. The quality is superb. I am happy with the peace of mind of having a reputable name-brand product so that I dont have to wonder if they are accurate. I have had them every day for weeks now, and I have not had to recalibrate them once. If they dont indicate 0 when I close them I can be sure wiping the tips is the solution. They continue to reflect proper dimensions even with the display off, so if I turn them on while they are open I still get an accurate reading. According to the enclosed certificate, the accuracy is +/- 0.02mm or less for the entire length of travel. Movement is smooth and controlled. For over $100 they werent cheap, but I feel like they are a great value. If there are better ones out there, I dont want to know what they cost.