530-312 Vernier Caliper, 0-150mm Range, 0.02mm Resolution, ±0.03mm Accuracy, 40mm Jaw, Stainless Steel Satin Chrome Finish, Four-Way Measurement, Meets Federal Accuracy Specs GGG-C-111B

This caliper is quite well-built. At $80 it isn't cheap, but I have to admit that given its quality construction, accuracy, and overall appearance, the price is acceptable to me. Of course, one could argue that the only thing this tool needs to do is to provide an accurate measurement (which it does), but the truth is that there is also value in the smooth metal surfaces and impeccable movement and construction of this instrument. So yes, you possibly do pay more for things that aren't necessarily connected with the precision measurement ability of this caliper, but at the same time, I am OK with that as long as I perceive an adequate value in return. Meanwhile, because of the fact that this caliper is so nice, you kind of feel that it is not the best choice for a machine shop or garage or similar work environment where it is in fact needed and used, because of all the grease, oil, solvents, and similar material that exist in these environments which will definitely adversely impact all those pretty metal polishes! But for use in an engineering design office, architectural firm, laboratory, or other similar settings which are less subject to sticky and harmful materials, I believe it will be quite suitable. Some reviewers had complained about the deficiencies and inaccuracies they had observed in the product. All that I can say is that it is quite possible that the quality of this item across the board may be subject to deviation from its best norm, and unfortunately that does happen. Of course, if it happens too frequently (for a product that is supposed to be of high quality), that is a problem. But based on the caliper I received, everything seemed to be in good shape. And finally, a word to the manufacturer: is it really so impossible to provide a reasonably decent case to go with this caliper? It is true, it is already fairly expensive, but I don't think anyone is going to object if you charge an additional $5 for a case to protect this caliper. I actually had to go out and search all over to get a half decent case to protect this expensive tool.

No surprises for me to add here, I just wanted to chime in another positive review. To me this is a perfect example of, "You get what you pay for." Mine arrived in nearly flawless condition, except for a tiny scratch on the back. Super smooth action. Praise aside, I have always used dial calipers and you simply cannot read these as quickly, precisely, or accurately -- although it is in the ballpark. I bought these vernier calipers because it always bugs me that I have to be careful not to scratch the lens for some uses where the calipers wind up on the bench with a bunch of random tools and stuff. These fit that requirement well. However, unless you have young, sharp eyes, or a magnifying glass on-hand, in practice these are only useful to within say 0.010". That is not a fault of the calipers, just biology and scale. Yes, if you really need to be closer to 0.001", you can fuss over it and take your time, while you recall how much quicker it would be with a dial. So these are not as useful for machine work as dial calipers, but they are great for stock selection and rough dimensioning, and woodworking, where being a few thousands off isn't a big deal, and you don't want to baby a dial lens. Also would like to add, as others have, that the millimeter markings are much more comfortable for the eyes to make out. Not that you would be getting much more precision from the reading, but it is easier on the eyes to identify the reading.

These are pleasing to use every time I pick them up. They provide nice precise measurements down to .02 mm (about .0008", 8 ten-thousandths of an inch), which is just plenty for the materials I'm working with. It's great working with high quality measuring tools like this and avoiding the frustration and surprises that often happen will lower quality tools that end up "lying" to you on critical measurements.

Another excellent vernier caliper. High quality and repeatable measurement. Much higher build quality than basic $15-$30 no-name Chinese calipers.

After reading some of the reviews here, I thoroughly inspected my calipers after they arrived. They showed the same "scuffs" along certain edges of the calipers. They weren't actually scuffs. It's mineral oil applied to the calipers at the factory to lubricate and protect from corrosion. It's also just as easy for me to read the markings as other calipers I've used. Easier than many of them, in fact. Yes, you do need to be able to see small things clearly to use Vernier calipers. That's just how they work. If you have poor near vision, you might need reading glasses to read the Vernier scale comfortably. Mitutoyo also makes dial calipers that make it easier to read the measurement that might also be a good option if you have a hard time seeing the Vernier scale. The markings are all crisp, clean, and very legible. It's possible that it wasn't like that when the reviews complaining about legibility were written and that Mitutoyo has listened to feedback and improved readability, but either way, the unit I received is very readable. That all aside, it moves easily and smoothly, and basically meets all of my needs for a set of Vernier calipers.

This great quality vernier caliper was only $53. That is an incredible value for Mitutoyo quality and precision. Is it as easy to read as a dial caliper, no. Is it as accurate as their dial calipers, yes! If you just use it a little while, it becomes just as fast to read as an analog dial caliper.

Right after purchasing, I found myself down a rabbit hole of identifying counterfeit Mitutoyo calipers and the associated risks of purchasing from Amazon especially from 3rd party sellers. I figured I was going to be delivered a counterfeit product due to the great price of the caliper, but I’m here to say that the one I got is 100% legit based on what I learned to lookout for. The packaging checked out (color of box and font) including the caliper in a sealed bag, the instruction manual had consistent font throughout, and the depth gauge had a smooth radial notch, the slot on the back which the caliper slides on was ramped, and the caliper lock screw was fixed to the tool and unable to be removed. Your results may vary, but if you’re on the fence I’d say give it a go.

This is a quality product that is well made and moves smoothly. It seems accurate enough, I tested it against a few gauge-blocks I grabbed at random out of my box. It measured all of them to the 1/1000". My gripes are that the contrast between the markings and the backing material is not as sharp as on a 50-year-old Craftsman caliper I also own. Also, oil from my currently clean hands further reduces the contrast more than on my old Craftsman. I realize that my eyes aren't as sharp anymore either, but I have prescription safety glasses so I can still see details. The Mitutoyo does move better than the Craftsman, so it has that going for it. This Mitutoyo model also has a little ding in the Imperial scale right between 0.050 and 0.075" which I find irritating. It's not enough for me to send it back but their quality control should have caught this. I tried cleaning it off, but the ding remains. So, I dinged Mitutoyo 1 star as a result. For those curious, I bought this because it's 100% reliable as opposed to either a dial or digital caliper and the batteries are never dead. I would still recommend this caliper to others, just look yours over under a good light when you get it.