How to Use and Read Dial Vernier Caliper

Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: December 28, 2024

The Dial Vernier Caliper is a very easy and reliable precision tool. This will show how to properly measure parts and how to read to the thousandths. This tool is usually used for machining and automotive applications.

Steps

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If there is this means the caliper needs to be clean thoroughly or there is a metal burr on the jaws that needs to be filed off.
With the clamp still closed, loosen the bezel nut and twist the outside of the dial until the needle is set to zero and tighten the bezel nut.

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The inside is used for gaps and holes and outside is used for thickness, length, width.^{[2]
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Make sure that there is a snug feel when closing the jaws but that the part can slide in and out of the jaws without complication. Tighten the lock screw to hold the position on the caliper.^{[3]
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Every mark equals 1/10 or .1 and every 10 marks equal 1 inch (2.5 cm) and on the dial indicator, the number that the needle rest on needs to be expressed in thousandths so whatever number you receive should be multiplied by .001.^{[4]
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First find how many inches the straight edge went past and then see how many tenths the straight edge went past and write this down. Now look at the dial indicator take the number under the needle and multiply it by .001 and write it down.^{[5]
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