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.

Constructed to last. Good accuracy

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

I have never used one of these tools before, but I was able to figure it out pretty quickly and easily. It helped that I watched some videos while I was waiting for it to arrive of course. It also comes with directions in a whole bunch of different languages Japanese being the first and English being the second and so on, and I am lucky enough to have my husband give me a few pointers as he is more familiar with these tools. The tool seems to read accurately and Ive had fun playing with it by measuring random things around the house. Oh and one important thing to note, if you are a newbie like me, be careful how much you push on the wheel when measuring as this can cause a lot of fluctuation and false numbers in your readings. Dont forget to shut if off when not in use as I guess it does not turn off automatically (forgot to get one with that feature as Im forgetful, oops). The battery comes with it, but you have to install it yourself, which is easy to do. I did not see or read the caution on one of the smaller white papers (they are all white papers) before I opened the tool, maybe they should make that page a caution yellow or red color to grab your attention better, anyways it said to be careful handling the brown paper that is in the bag with the tool as it is a special paper called Ferobrite used to protect the tool from corrosion. I didnt realize that and touched it anyways, nothing bad happened but I did go wash my hands after I finally saw the warning paper. I got this tool to use with 3D printing primarily and I cant wait to start crafting my own versions of stuff. My husband will also be using it for his own various projects. He is the one who recommended this brand stating that it is a great brand for some really accurate measurements at a fair price (he does mechanic work as a hobby and as we need for our vehicles along with other technical stuff that these tools are generally used for, he has a lot of neat hobbies) Overall it seems like a good purchase and Ill update if that changes.

This things amazing! Need a precision measurement tool? Want to buy something made in Japan with love by people who care about making a nice thing actually really really nice! ‽ This is the thing for you! Sure it’s a bit more expensive than the cheapy trash ones but you will definitely have this for a long time and know that you are measuring with confidence!!! 100/10 recommend.

No comparison to the cheap calipers.

Mine was legit. Watched a few YT videos to make sure. No red flags (no pun intended).

This is not a cheap Chinese nock off. Smooth action and holds it calibration well. The only reason I rated “easy to use” as a 4 was because it doesn’t have an auto on feature like my 12” Mitutoyo. Mitutoyo evidently did this to help save the battery, but this isn’t the fault of the seller.

There is no suggestion of non-Japanese manufacture in my caliper. The box stripes, the least significant digit readout, shipping papers, all indicate Japan origin. Its a beautiful caliper. Smooth as heck. Readout not jumpy. No need to constantly re-zero. Button layout is logical and intuitive. I could never understand why some calipers have a separate on and off button. Im quite satisfied with mine. It seems genuine. Id buy it again.

Works a sdesigned and well constructed. Silky smooth operation and smooth operating wheel for nominal adjustment.