Definition of a Dial Vernier Caliper

Dial Vernier Caliper Definition

A Dial Vernier Caliper is a tool used to make accurate measurements to the thousandths of an
inch up to twelve inches. There are many different types of measurements a Dial Vernier Caliper can do,
such as: outer diameter of an object, inside diameter, step measurement, and inside step measurement.

While holding the Dial Vernier caliper you will notice a large dial on the front side of the
instrument with little dashes and numbers printed every ten dashes. This dial will give you the fine
measurements from one thousandth of an inch to ninety-nine thousandths. You will also notice as the
instrument opens there are printed markings on the slide; these markings are in inches and tenths of an
inch.
Description of a Dial Vernier Caliper
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A Dial Vernier Caliper is an “L” shaped measuring tool to measure objects accurately to a
thousandth of an inch. Dial Vernier Calipers are commonly used in manufacturing and engineering
professions to measure and design parts for tolerances needed. To measure accurately with a Dial
Vernier Caliper, one must be sure that the dial indicator is pointed at zero when the jaws are closed, this
is called zeroing. To zero the Dial Caliper (if it is not already done) loosen the bezel clamp screw located
to the left of the dial if the large jaws are pointed to the left and turn the dial glass so that the indicator
is pointed at zero then retighten the bezel clamp screw.

To make an outside measurement on an object use the large jaws to clamp the object between
them then use the scale on the caliper to get the measurement for the inch and tenth of an inch value
then use the dial to read the hundredth and thousandth value. If you need to transcript this value to a
drawing or notes you can use the screw opposite of the bevel screw to lock the slide in place. To
measure distance between two walls of an object use the small jaws of the caliper. Open the jaws using
the fine adjustment roll. Then place the flat sides of the jaws on the two inside surfaces of the object.
Even though the small jaws look like they are off set of the large jaws they still have the same opening
distance. So, the scale on the caliper and dial is the correct measurement.

Measuring the depth of a hole can also be done using the depth rod. To do this place the bottom
of the caliper level on the top side of the hole so that the depth rod can go into the hole. Once the
caliper is level and the depth rod is at the bottom of the hole it is usually easier to lock the slide and pull
the caliper out of the hole before reading the measurement. The depth rod can also be used to measure
step distance however it is much easier to use the separation distance between the slide and small jaw
on the back side of the caliper.

Reference: Google images