To: Nancy Myers

From: Townsend Holubasch

Date: May 3, 2021
Subject: APLED 121- Instruction report

How to Take External Measurements With

Digital Calipers
Digital calipers are a simple and effective way to take an accurate measurement of a part. This tool is
very easy to use and versatile, making it a must have tool for any machinist. In 19 simple steps, I will
explain how to take external measurements of your chosen part.

Tools required for this task

• Calipers
• An object needed for measurement.
• Table or counter needed for a workspace.
• A clean cloth.

CAUTION: Working with and around power tools can cause bodily injury, use proper PPE and work in a
safe location.
 NOTICE: Improper handling of calipers will damage them, and void the warranty, do not drop, slam, or
pry on or with calipers: handle this tool with care.

1. Remove the calipers from the protective case.

2. Wipe down the calipers with a dry clean cloth to remove excess packing oil.
3. Inspect calipers for damage, debris, or falling.
4. Verify that the calipers are capable of measuring the part (for this model any object under 6”
will work).
5. Turn on the calipers with the on/off button.
6. Verify that the calipers are in the right units, you will be able to change between metric and inch
using the inch/mm button.
7. Release the lock screw, this is done by turning the screw to the left until it releases tension.
8. Close the calipers completely, this can be done by gently rolling your thumb across the thumb
wheel.

9. Hold the jaws of the calipers

shut and press the zero
button.
10. Open the jaws of the
calipers then close them
completely.
11. Verify that the calipers read
0.0000”/0.00mm to be Note: proper
properly zeroed. grip and use of
thumb wheel

(NOTE: if the calipers do not reed 0.0000”/0.00mm with the jaws shut, repeat steps 8-11 to properly
zero the calipers)
 12. Clean the part of any debris or fouling.
13. Gently open the jaws of the calipers wide enough to position the part between them.
14. Position the calipers both square and level to the part being measured.

Note: the position Note: the use of

of the jaws both the thumb wheel
square and level to close the jaws

15. Close jaws gently, using thumb wheel, onto the part bring measured.
16. Tote the measurement called out on the digital readout.
17. Reperform steps 8-10 to recheck measurement and verify the accuracy and repeatability of the
measurement.
18. Wipe down calipers
19. Turn off calipers
20. Close the jaws of the calipers
21. Return the calipers to the protective case.

Properly following these 19 steps in chronological order will assure that the measurements that are
taken are accurate and consistent, following these steps will also help to elongate the life of this tool. To
maintain product warranty, use these steps to assure that you are using your calipers properly and
safely. Mitutoyo calipers come in may sizes, you may need more than one set of calipers, dependent
open the size and complexity of your parts. If you are wanting to purchase any of our other models of
calipers, please contact a Mitutoyo licensed distributor in your area.