This is a step by step instructable on how to use a dial caliper.

Step 1: Vocabulary

Dial- The dial is on the slider and it moves and shows the more exact estimation of the part.

Blade- The blade is the unflinching segment of the dial caliper that the slider moves along.

Slider- Moves along the blade and is utilized to alter the separation between estimating surfaces.

Rack- The rear-toothed rack gears are utilized to transform direct movement into rotational movement for the pointer in the dial.

Reference Edge- Monitors bigger augmentations as the slider moves along the rack.

Pointer- The pointer turns inside the dial as the slider moves along the blade.

Step 2: Calibration Process

Close the caliper as tight as possible. Loosen the dial lock. Rotate the dial so that the pointer is on zero. Tighten the dial lock again to make sure there are no inaccuracies.

Step 3: Measuring Outside Length

Example of when to use is when measuring item thickness or diameter

Use the outside part of the caliper (shown in the image). Tightly fit the object in the caliper jaws. Read the measurements of the object precisely.

Step 4: Measuring Inside Length

Examples of when to use is when an object’s slot width or hole is being measured.

Use the smaller inside part of the caliper (shown in the image). Insert the jaws into the hole or slot to measure its inside diameter. Read the measurements of the object precisely in the reference edge and dial.

Step 5: Measuring Depth

Examples of when to use is when the depth of something’s hole is being measured.

Use the blade of the caliper. Open up the caliper to show the end of the blade. Insert the blade into the hole that has the depth for measuring. Extend the blade all the way into the hole. The caliper will show you the depth of the hole.

Step 6: Measuring Step Distance

Examples of when to use this type of measurement is for stepped parallel surfaces

Use both the inside measuring jaw and the outside measuring jaw. Open the caliper slightly. Place the top inside jaw on the upper part of the object. Continue to expand the caliper until the bottom inside jaw comes in contact with the bottom of the object.

Step 7: Common Mistakes

The first mistake people make is not zeroing the dial caliper. This can affect your measurements in varying degrees depending on how off the pointer is before you measure the part.

The second mistake is using the wrong part of the dial caliper to measure something. This will lead to your measurements being completely incorrect because you are measuring wrong.

The third mistake is measuring using a part other than the reference edge. This will make your measurements inaccurate on different levels according to what your used instead of the reference edge.