Harbor Freight Tools (again)

[eamarquardt]

I have always been aware of the limitations of anything that HF sells. I did, however, think their digital calipers (which can be had for as little as ten bucks on sale) were a great deal.

Was using a pair this week and having difficulty with the tolerance I was trying to hold (a couple thousandths of an inch for a good press fit). I began to suspect something wasn't right and checked the calipers with a micrometer standard. They were off over 10 thousandths of an inch but did read the same each time. Not much if you're working in wood but a lot when you want a press fit.

I'm going back to mics and dial calipers where it's clear they are on the mark or not. A bit harder to read but worth it.

Anyone want a pair of used HF Calipers?

Cheers,

Gus

[Larwyn]

I have always been aware of the limitations of anything that HF sells. I did, however, think their digital calipers (which can be had for as little as ten bucks on sale) were a great deal.

Was using a pair this week and having difficulty with the tolerance I was trying to hold (a couple thousandths of an inch for a good press fit). I began to suspect something wasn't right and checked the calipers with a micrometer standard. They were off over 10 thousandths of an inch but did read the same each time. Not much if you're working in wood but a lot when you want a press fit.

I'm going back to mics and dial calipers where it's clear they are on the mark or not. A bit harder to read but worth it.

Anyone want a pair of used HF Calipers?

Cheers,

Gus

I have a similar pair from Rockler, probably from the same factory as the HF ones) and only use them in the wood shop. I use a dial caliper in my metal shop, unless I need a metric reading, that one is the old vernier type.

Actually, for most of what I do, I can get close enough with simple yardstick.....

[dh]

I get spoiled at work with digital Starret everything (except indicators). In my shop its all dial though. I can't justify the cost of quality digital mics and calipers.