The 7 Best Caliper Sets

While they may seem a little old-fashioned, the Taylor Toolworks Yankee Rapid (appx. $27) incorporate spring nuts that work quickly into their traditional designs to provide instruments that can make adjustments with both speed and accuracy.

The Standard Gage 00524103 (appx. $117) comes with a useful T-bar that attaches to the bottom. With that in place, it is easier to measure the dimensions of holes and recesses that would be difficult, or even impossible, for other types of device.

The stainless steel construction of the Big Horn 19053 (appx. $18) incorporates hardened fulcrum springs and reinforced points that result in measuring tools designed not only to last through the years, but to maintain their accuracy, as well.

The Fowler 52-229-711-0 (around $95) is a three-piece set that includes a caliper that is capable of measuring outside, inside, step, and depth dimensions, as well as a micrometer with a hardened steel spindle that's been ground and lapped for accuracy.

The Brown & Sharpe 590093 (appx. $126) feature a smooth and responsive thumb wheel that allows for precise adjustments. They a TESA port on the LCD, which is useful if you use data collection software and want to upload measurements directly to your computer.

What separates the Fowler 52-008-706-0 (about $59) from other models is the inclusion of a 0.0005-inch dial indicator, which allows you to take measurements in incredibly narrow grooves or bores to ensure there is no deviation from a tolerance limit.

The Mitutoyo 500-197-30 (appx. $149) have a 200-millimeter range with a 0.0005-inch degree of precision. The carbide tipped jaws make these very resilient and allow the user to measure roughly machined parts without fear of damaging the tool.