Calipers are one of the most basic tools to measure the accurate dimensions of a smaller object. It is one of the most used tools across the globe. There are a lot of members in the calipers family, and each comes with unique characteristics. But as all of them do the same job with a similar level of accuracy, how do you find out which one is the best? Well, to help you choose better, we’ve arranged this competition named Dial Calipers vs. Digital Calipers.
Let’s find out which of them works the best to provide an additional layer of comfort and reliability to its users. We’ll compare them on some preselected criteria and publish the result after the round. The leading tool will get the crown after completing all the rounds.
We’ll also break down all the round to show you how you can overcome the shortcoming and use the tools to their full potential. So without wasting any more of your time. Let’s start right away by learning some basic information about the two types of calipers we’ll compare. Are you ready?
Dial Calipers
Dial calipers are a special type of calipers that use a rack-and-pinion system to take precise measurements. Though the process is a bit slower and needs a bit more effort, these calipers are reliable no matter where you are on this planet. These handy tools can increase the accuracy of measurement by a fat margin. Dial calipers are also known as ‘Analog Calipers’.
They use a dial and adjustable jaws to accurately measure the inside and outside dimensions of an object. They have no electrical component attached to them. Dial calipers are a personal preference for many workers out there.
Digital Calipers
Digital calipers are much easier to use than all other types of calipers. Instead of an analog interface and scales, digital calipers use a microprocessor and digital display to do all the measurements. What’s more? This nifty device comes with some cool additional features like auto-off, switch between imperial units and metric units, advanced zeroing, and many more. This is a must-have tool in many woodworking shops, auto repair shops, metalworking/curving stations, and machine shops around the globe.
The extraordinary level of accuracy and ease to use has made digital calipers one of the most used precision measuring tools worldwide.
What’s the Difference
Both dial calipers and digital calipers are used for the same reason. They both take accurate measurements, right? So what makes them so different? Let’s look at the core differences between dial calipers and digital calipers. Today we compare them on the accuracy, maintenance, price, convenience, and additional features to determine the winner of this contest. So let’s get started.
Round #1. Accuracy
Both dial calipers and digital calipers offer the same level of accuracy. But they have their shortcoming as well. A digital caliper, as an example, can be hard to read on a bright sunny day. On the other hand, it takes a little bit of time to fully incorporate yourself with the measurement scale on a dial caliper. But as far as accuracy is our main concern, both digital calipers and dial calipers are at the same level.
Round #1 Result: It’s a Tie.
Round #2. Maintenence
Though you need to take care of all your essential tools, the effort you’ll have to provide to each tool will vary depending on the tool. Dial calipers need almost no attention from the user at all. Though the reading process is a bit slower, you’ll have the freedom to use that tool anywhere you want.
On the other hand, digital calipers need a little more attention from the users. As they host some electronic components, it’s a bit risky to use them in a humid environment. Also, extreme heat can affect the microprocessor as well.
Round #2 Result: Dial Calipers Takes The Lead
Round #3. Price
Both a pair of dial calipers and digital calipers will cost you somewhere between $20 – $150 depending on the manufacturer. The costly ones primarily focus on the user’s comfort. So this may be true that they both measure length, but if you want to be more comfortable working with the tool, you probably should invest one some fancier options. And if you only care about accurate measurement reading, you can go for the basic versions of any calipers.
Round #3 Result: We’ve Got Our Second Tie.
Round #4. Convenience
This one is a bit of tough competition. Both dial calipers and digital calipers come with their own perks to make your measurement more convenient. Though the battery of digital calipers lasts for a long time, they can shut down at inconvenient times. But they offer an advanced zeroing method perfect for comparison measurements.
On the other hand, though dial calipers are prone to shock damage, they’ll never die out on you. After careful consideration, It seems that the battery issue of digital calipers has a remedy, to carry spare batteries. And that’s why our jury voted for digital calipers.
Round #3 Result: Digital Calipers Are Back In Action
Round #5. Additional Features
This is an easy win for the digital calipers. Alongside providing standard measurements, digital calipers come with a range of additional features that can make your job almost effortless. The digital interface can provide quick and easy-to-read measurements, while additional features like advanced zeroing, switching units, and comparison measurement, Digital calipers surely take the cake.
Just one nit of advice, don’t forget to keep spare batteries with you to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. Though some high-end model of dial calipers also offers some additional features, that’s not enough to take down digital calipers.
Round #3 Result: Digital Calipers Secure the Crown of Today’s Contest.
The Final Result: Which One Is Better
For our today’s contest, we prioritized the user experience more. That is why the winner of our today’s little contest is digital calipers. You are still free to choose whatever tool works the best for you. Our expert team just wanted to point out the more reasonable choice for most people out there. Whether you measure the distance between holes, the thickness of a sheet, or the inside radius of a pipe, having the right tools by your side will always lift you up.
If you want the perfect combinations of a remarkable degree of accuracy and convenience, a digital caliper would be the most logical choice. And you can get your hands on it with as low a price as $20. So pick up your favorite tool and step forward.
Over to You
No more today. I hope we’ve been able to provide valuable insights on which tools best suit your personal needs and how. Calipers are one of the most essential and used tools across the whole planet. So no matter where you are reading this, we tried out best to provide you with some insights to help you choose better. I hope this article proves to be helpful to those in need.
Please don’t forget to share your experience and thoughts with us. Tell us which tools work the best for you and why in the comment section below. Thanks for reading this far. I wish you all a productive workday. Happy measuring to you.