What Is a Caliper Used For?
Calipers are used to precisely measure linear distances. The common vernier caliper, developed by Pierre Vernier, a French mathematician and instrument inventor, is easy to use and read without additional scales or reference. Calipers have been in use for centuries, dating to the 6th century B.C. Does this Spark an idea?
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Outside Calipers
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As the name suggests, outside calipers measure the outer dimensions of objects. They are usually bell-shaped to allow for clearance of the object within their jaws. This allowance makes these calipers suitable for large measurements.
Inside Calipers
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Inside calipers are use to measure interior dimensions. The calipers vary in legth to achieve various depths, for measurements such as inside tubes. As with outside calipers, the inside caliper usually needs to be measured after removal from the object to obtain a reading.
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Divider and Oddleg Calipers
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Divider and oddleg calipers are special types of calipers. They usually have sharpened ends and work much like a compass in that one point is set in a fixed location and the preset distance of the other leg is used to scribe or measure. These types of calipers are typical in use with nautical maps.
Vernier Calipers
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The vernier caliper has an integrated scale and is used to achieve very accurate linear measurements. Vernier calipers are found in scientific and engineering fields. They are common manufacturing tools.
Modifications
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Vernier calipers have been modified for further ease of use. The photo shows a dial caliper. This is simply a vernier caliper with an easier-to-read scale system. Digital calipers are also common and ease the common practice of having to measure in standard and metric scales.
Benefits
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Vernier calipers are the most beneficial and common caliper. In the photo, you can see that the measurement is 0.52 inches. The lower jaws are open to that distance. The upper jaws are at that distance from there outer edges. A third measuring technique is the rod at the back of the caliper, which can be used for depth measurements.
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