When working with wood or other materials, it’s always important to get a good measurement of your items first. This is a requirement in many projects and general good practice for the rest. There are many ways to go about measuring items and objects, but when it comes to measuring 3D objects, things can get a little tricky due to the added dimension. Calipers are always handy — but they aren’t always accurate.
That’s where modern technology steps in. Instead of relying on your sight and judgment, electronic calipers give you the exact measurement of whatever can fit. This tool can make difficult and frustrating projects a breeze. For those looking to take their DIY game to the next level, these are the highest-rated digital calipers of 2023.
Calipers are a must-have when doing any DIY work, and with electronic calipers, you can get avoid any inaccuracies. This buying guide will cover what you need to know to shop for a digital caliper.
Calipers are tools used to measure the length of a 3D object. Measuring lines on a flat surface is relatively simple — you can use a ruler or some other similar tool to get the measurement of a line, curve, or another shape quite easily. Things get complicated when measuring something 3D, however. How do you get the length of an object, from top to bottom, when it has ridges, curves, and other shapes? Even using something as flexible as measuring tape won’t yield accurate results.
That’s where calipers come in. They measure the top and the bottom of an object, or two edges of an object, to get the length from that particular point to the other. It’s a very intuitive device that’s perfect for measuring hand-sized items no matter what shape they may be in. There’s just one issue when it comes to accurate measurements — human error.
Manual calipers are fairly simple tools, but getting the right measurements can be a little tricky. You can, of course, get an accurate measurement with them, but it’s quite the process if you’re not familiar with it already. And if you end up misreading the measurement, you’ll be writing down the wrong length, which can ruin the entire project. Human error should be minimized as much as possible when taking measurements, which is why digital calipers are such a huge upgrade.
With electronic calipers, you can ensure that you get an accurate measurement down to the micrometer. The digital measurements are accurate thanks to calibration tests run by the manufacturers of the calipers before they are shipped. This ensures the measurements you make are accurate no matter how many times you use the device, and you won’t be prone to misreading them since you can easily see what the displayed number is.
Digital calipers can be bought in varying lengths. Some digital calipers are around 6 inches long or 8 inches long, whereas others can be 12 inches long or more. The length of the caliper determines the items that you can measure as they can’t measure items larger than themselves.
When choosing a digital caliper, think about what items you plan on measuring with it. If it’s just the thickness of wooden beams, for example, then a 6-inch caliper may be enough for smaller projects. You may want to look into buying a 12-inch caliper instead if you plan on working on bigger endeavors, however.
The accuracy of a digital caliper is always tested by the manufacturer before it’s shipped, but it never hurts to double-check. If buying from a store directly, you can measure with it and compare the results to other calipers for reference. You can also check reviews online and check if people have experienced inaccuracies with the product.
Digital calipers are meant to be used again and again, so you may want to invest in a digital caliper that’s durable enough for you to use for years on end. Most digital calipers are made out of stainless steel, so you should be fine in this regard.
Surprisingly, digital calipers don’t vary too much in price. Many of them are sold at the $20-$30 mark, with some of the more premium brands hovering in the $30s. This is not the case when you buy longer calipers though. The longer the caliper, the higher the material cost, and this can shoot up the final price of the electronic caliper by quite a bit. Budget digital calipers also exist, with some going for as little as $10, though the overall quality of the calipers at this price range leaves a lot to be desired.
This is the top choice among the digital calipers on the list. Made by Neiko, this option comes in three styles and sizes, with the largest size being 12 inches. Since most electronic calibers come in around 6 inches, that’s a good option to have for working with larger items. It also features a button to quickly change between modes: inch, fraction, and millimeter, making conversion easy. For its durable stainless steel construction, precision, and great feel, this digital caliper is our best overall pick for amateurs and professionals alike.
Digital calipers come in varying lengths, but these options can be somewhat limited compared to regular calipers due to the digital element. This electronic caliper by Vinca comes in lengths up to a whopping 24 inches or 2 feet. While you probably won’t need to measure something that large with a caliper, this length is always nice to have in the event of a specific project or problem that needs solving. The stainless steel material used for this caliper ensures that no matter how long it may be used, you’re getting a smooth and clear finish.
Electronic calipers are pretty sensitive tools, and you’ll want to make sure yours remains in perfect condition for as long as possible to ensure they remain accurate and functional. Kynup’s digital caliper comes in a sturdy blue case that keeps the caliper safe when not in use, so you can use it for years to come. The device itself also has a measurement range of up to 150mm or 300mm depending on what length you choose. With an accuracy of around ±0.001 inches or 0.02mm, you’re getting very precise results.
Not everyone is born with good eyesight, and as you get older it can be more difficult to read. As such, even digital tools can be difficult to work with unless you have your glasses with you. The iGaging IP54 Digital Caliper comes with a large display that’s perfect for those who don’t have perfect vision as the digits are easy to see and read, even from a distance. When working on projects that force you to take measurements from afar, the large display will ensure that you can record them accurately.
Looking for a caliper that looks as good as it measures? The Adoric Digital Caliper is available in several different designs and colors. It has some simple designs as well as a couple more bold and colorful alternatives. It will still give you very precise measurements with an accuracy of ±0.2mm or 0.01 inches. This option also has four different measuring modes to help cater to your conversion needs for each project. Overall, it’s a solid product no matter what color you choose — plus, its affordability makes it worth the purchase.
A: Yes, they are. Digital calipers are manually calibrated by the manufacturer before being sold.
A: Most digital calipers are around 6 to 8 inches long, but you can buy them at lengths of up to 24 inches.
A: Digital calipers are great for accurately measuring the length of 3D objects.
