While the caliper is a versatile tool, it is not one of the most precise. Skill is required for positioning and interpreting measurement results.

Imagine your task for this week is to develop a hand tool gaging solution for a large rotor with an ID of nearly 400mm. Given the size and the large diameter, it is unlikely the part can be brought to a gage or even a CMM for an in-process check.

Ask a machinist, “What tool do you use most often?” Most likely the answer will be “my calipers.”