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VINCA DCLA-0605 Digital Caliper Review

June 16, 2022April 10, 2022 by Brandon Fowler

Features

The VINCA DCLA-0605 0-6” digital caliper is nice little measuring tool. It is made of stainless steel and is capable of taking measurements in inches, metric and fractional units with an accuracy of +/- .001”.

The VINCA like many other calipers is able to take external, internal, step and depth measurements.

We tested those capabilities by measuring various size gauge blocks over the total measuring range of the tool and found them to be accurate to the manufacturers specs in all instances.

The DCLA-0605 comes with a large, easy to read display. One thing that does take some getting used to is that the first two digits are larger on the display.

This allows the fractional units to be displayed. An odd choice when most will use the caliper in either inches or millimeters, but definitely not a deal breaker.

The VINCA caliper comes with an LR44 button cell battery installed along with two spares. While the battery life isn’t as good as something like a Mitutoyo, it isn’t awful either. The caliper has an auto shut off feature for the display when not in use which helps it from draining all the juice.

The screen also flashes when the battery is low to let you know it’s time to swap batteries. Some digital calipers have been known to behave strangely when their batteries are low so this is a welcome feature.

The DCLA-0605 comes with a protective case which is a nice bonus that some cheaper digital calipers don’t have.

Another feature not commonly seen on lower priced digital calipers is an RS232 port.

This will allow you to hook your caliper up to a computer to record measurements. It is worth noting that you should NEVER try to use a USB cable to hook the caliper up to a computer as this can cause the battery to explode. There are warnings all over the case and on the backside of the caliper to remind you.

Make sure to use the manufacturers recommended cable to connect your tool.

This VINCA caliper comes with a 1 year warranty and it is worth noting that by all accounts the company’s customer service is excellent. Considering my caliper arrived with some rust on the backside slot where the depth rod sits, that is probably a good thing.

I am not planning on testing it for a budget level caliper, but they are noted as being quick to respond and offer solutions to any issues that are encountered. Maybe if there had been issues with the accuracy as a result.

The overall build quality of the tool is good. It isn’t the smoothest sliding caliper I have used but it does slide freely and it doesn’t catch or hang up at all.

The fine adjustment wheel works well too and helps make those critical measurements as accurate as possible.

Verdict

The VINCA DCLA-0605 digital caliper is an excellent budget tool. It has accuracy on par with other calipers in its price range.

The addition of a nice protective case, a couple extra batteries and an RS232 port make it a great choice especially for those looking to record their measurements directly to their computer.

The 1 year warranty and noted excellent customer service make this VINCA caliper a great budget friendly digital caliper.

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October 12, 2021October 10, 2021 by Brandon Fowler

Best Digital Calipers for Any Budget

Check out our comprehensive digital caliper buyers guide which includes tips for finding the right tool for you as well as everything to consider when comparing different digital calipers.

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Ultimate Guide to Digital Calipers

June 26, 2022October 10, 2021 by Brandon Fowler

Digital calipers are one of the most versatile measuring tools available. Used by machinists and hobbyists alike, they have found a home in many toolboxes around the world.

Whether you need to learn a little more about how they work, what they are capable of, or maybe you simply want to find the best digital caliper for your application.

No matter what you seek, we have you covered. Check out our top digital caliper related posts below and drop a comment below if you don’t find what you need. We will be sure to add to our extensive list of posts.

EAGems 0-6″ Digital Caliper Review

November 10, 2021January 30, 2021 by Brandon Fowler

Features

The EAGems 0-6” digital caliper is a good value for the price. Made of stainless steel, it takes measurements in inch, metric and fractional units. The fractional unit mode is especially useful for those looking to use this caliper for woodworking inspection. Boasting an accuracy of +/- .0005”, .01mm or 1/64^th of an inch, the EAGems caliper is in line with most other tools in the price range and even some that are more expensive. The included thumb roller on the tool makes it easier to take measurements. Often calipers in a cheaper price range such as this one will lack this feature. Combined with the measurement lock feature, this competes with much more expensive digital calipers such as the Mitutoyo 500-196-30 0-6” Digital Caliper. The EAGems (which is short for Edward Allen Gems) caliper is capable of taking inside, outside, depth and step measurements to the noted accuracy.

The large, easy to read display takes a little getting used to because the fractional display makes the last two digits smaller. The display has an automatic on/off feature which is designed to save battery life. Depending on the level of use, the typical battery will last about a year. Speaking of batteries, the caliper comes with an extra battery to give the user approximately 2 years of battery life out of the box.

Battery replacement for the caliper is a simple task. To replace the battery of the caliper, use the included screwdriver to remove the screw from the back of the tool and swap out with the included extra battery or another purchased battery.

One of the best features of the EAGems caliper is the IP54 rating. Uncommon for a tool at this price point, the IP54 rating means that the caliper is protected against dust but not completely dust tight and protected against splashing water. Practically, this means the tool is resistant to most forms of normal contamination such as a coolant splash.

Verdict

For the price, the EAGems 0-6” digital caliper is a great tool. If you are looking for a quality measuring tool that won’t break the bank, keep this one in mind. While a caliper made by brands such as Mitutoyo might have a more proven level of reliability, this caliper is almost as good for about a third of the price. Don’t overlook the importance of the IP54 protection rating if you are going to be working in a very dusty environment or around splashing coolant. This is a valuable feature not included on many calipers that cost much more.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Calipers – Dial and Digital

A Beginner’s Guide to Calipers – Dial and Digital

July 24, 2022July 24, 0202 by Brandon Fowler

What is a caliper?

A caliper is a measuring tool used to check precision measurements.

The biggest strength of calipers is how versatile they are.

Calipers come in many forms, including digital, dial and vernier versions.

They are commonly used to take measurements to an accuracy of .001″ or .01mm.

What are calipers used for?

Below is a list of the most common caliper uses:

Inside measurements – hole sizes, slot widths

Outside measurements – lengths, widths, diameters, thicknesses
Depth measurements – depth of holes, slots, step locations

Many precision measuring tools such as micrometers or dial indicators are specialized and only take a single type of measurement. Calipers can take a larger variety of measurements and their measuring range is usually much larger than more accurate alternatives.

Types of calipers

There are three main types of measuring calipers. They are:

Digital calipers
Dial calipers
Vernier calipers

They all perform the same types of measurements and to the same level of accuracy. The main difference between the three types of calipers is the display/scale that is used to read measurements.

The display/scales for each type of caliper are shown below.

Digital calipers

Dial calipers

Vernier calipers

Parts of a caliper

The parts are very similar on all three types of calipers; digital, dial and vernier.

You can see the slight differences in the pictures below.

Digital caliper parts

Dial caliper parts

Vernier caliper parts

Calipers vs micrometers

Micrometers are another kind of precision measuring tool.

Micrometers are more limited in what they can measure. See the two types of measuring tools compared below.

	Micrometers	Calipers
Accuracy	0.0001"	0.001"
Measuring Range	1" increments	0-6"
Types of Measurements	Outside Measurements	Inside, Outside & Depth Measurements

How to use a caliper

The most common type of measurement that calipers are used for is internal and external measurements.

To take a measurement with your caliper follow these simple steps:

Before using your caliper, check to make sure that the measuring tool and surface to be measured are free of dirt, debris, chips, etc. The body of the caliper should slide freely along the scale or bar.

For an outside measurement, slide the jaws of the caliper open until they are far enough apart to be placed over the part to be measured.
Now proceed to close the jaws while trying to keep the jaws perpendicular to the surface being measured.
Multiple measurements should be taken to verify that the caliper has yielded the true reading. For example, if a measurement is taken where the jaws of the caliper are not perpendicular to the surface being measured then the reading obtained can be larger than the true size.

Note: Do not exert a large amount of force on the caliper in the direction of measurement. This can cause the tool to flex and distort the true measurement. It is best to place the same amount of force that is used to zero the caliper.

How to read digital caliper

Reading a digital caliper is easy.

The digital readout display clearly shows the measurement value.

Because they are so easy to read, I highly recommend anyone who is looking to get started working with calipers starts with a good set of digital calipers first.

Digital calipers have the ability to quickly switch between metric and inch readings. Some also allow you to switch between fractional measurements as well.

How to read a dial caliper

Reading a dial caliper is easy, though not as easy as a digital caliper.

Because costs have come down substantially in recent years, I recommend purchasing a digital caliper if possible.

If a digital caliper isn’t in the cards either because of budget or because you are working with an inherited tool then keep reading.

Dial calipers come in multiple varieties, but most have their measurement read in the same way. A reading is taken on the main scale and the dial face. The two readings are added together to get the final measurement.

Still need more info?

See our full guide to taking and understanding measurements with your dial calipers.

What makes a good caliper

Whether digital, dial or vernier, a good digital caliper needs two things: precision and accuracy.

Some adjustments can be made with most calipers to account for small errors in accuracy but nothing can be done to fix a tool that isn’t precise.

A quality caliper will move smoothly without any drag. This is the telltale sign of a good tool.

If your caliper ever feels like it is rubbing or dragging then it is most likely the result of damage from being dropped or contamination exposure.

Unfortunately if you caliper isn’t moving smoothly there isn’t usually much that can be done besides oiling the tool and sliding back and worth. Then wipe off the oil and repeat the process over again.

Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before performing this operation as calipers can vary and only use machine tool oil such as this one by Starrett.

Caliper calibration

Calibrating measuring tools such as calipers is important because it allows you to have confidence that your measurements are correct.

Check your calipers regularly to make sure they are accurate.

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VINCA DCLA-0605 Digital Caliper Review

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