Best Dial Calipers ensure accurate measurements which is essential in today’s modern world. Carpenters always have a saying, “Measure twice; cut once.” This is true for every kind of job whether you are cutting a piece of granite for a kitchen top or checking the brake pads on your customer’s car.
That’s why you need the right tools that will give you accurate readings every time you use them. Remember one thing! The finer tools you use, the more accurate measurements you will get.
Generally, calipers play the most influential role to get the perfect measurements. But amongst all types of calipers, the dial caliper is the mid-choice for everyone.
Dial caliper will offer easier-to-read, faster measurement, and less error if you compare it with a vernier caliper.
Meanwhile, compared to digital caliper, it is not dependable on the battery. That’s why suddenly turning it off will not force you to buy the battery at that time.
But trying to get the best dial caliper is a tough job. Because there are many things to consider such as the accuracy, material, rigidity construction, reading unit, smoothness, thumb screw, etc.
Don’t Worry! We have done all the hard work so you do not need to be tense about that.
Our dial calipers list is fully based on our detailed evaluation and analysis of over 25 dial calipers and 1,976 consumer satisfaction surveys.
We have come up with the 10 best dial calipers and you will also be interested in and rate them on various factors such as value for money, accuracy, ease to read, sturdiness, and sheerness.
Standard Features of best dial calipers
Before diving into the deep, let’s discuss the standard features of the best dial calipers that you prefer to know before adding to your cart. How about we investigate a few significant features to observe while purchasing?
- Measuring limit
- Maintenance
- Material
- Case
- Fractional vs. decimal
- English vs. metric
- Cleaning solvent
- Compressed air
- Tool oil
- Affordable Prices
Though all the best dial calipers do not contain all of these features, the majority of them can be found in our picks.
Table of Contents
10 Best Dial Calipers
We hope that our 100% valid and reliable reviews on the 10 best dial calipers will help you to pick the right one. So, Let’s jump in!
The Starrett Dial Caliper Measuring Tool is the perfect one if you are looking for the overall best dial caliper that we enlist in this article.
It is made of 6-inch stainless steel that offers you an accurate, smooth, and durable product. According to the specification of the official website, this dial caliper gives you an accuracy of ±0.001″ and a resolution of 0.001″.
It has laser-etched graduation along the beam that is enough deep and will not easily wear off due to long use. Moreover, the cover around the dial scale is metal. Additionally, it has a thumb roller, which is an important feature for easy single-handed operation.
Besides it also provides you with the precise measurement of outside dimensions (Od), inside dimensions (Id) and Depth.
Another impressive feature is its versatility. It has been the first choice of metalworking professionals for decades. You can easily use it for metalworking, woodworking, automotive, and machining applications.
In general, Starrett 3202-6 dial caliper is an extraordinary caliper while you are looking for the best dial caliper for your machine shop.
It’s also pretty affordable compared to other calipers. If you require the best dial calipers, Starrett Dial Caliper Measuring Tool can be the right one.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of the best Starrett Dial Calipers Measuring Tool in detail.
Advantages
- Accurate
- Smooth
- Durable
- Graduations on the beam
- Resistance
- The price is around $100
- Affordable
- versatile
Disadvantages
- This one is not made in the USA
Mitutoyo is one of the most popular brands in the tools industry among the customers for its groundbreaking innovations. Mitutoyo 505-742J Dial Caliper is one of them.
If you are looking for Mitutoyo dial caliper products that come at a reasonable price, Mitutoyo 505-742 is the right pick for you.
It is a made-in-Brazil caliper that assists you to measure outside diameter, inside diameter, depth, and step.
The dial diameter is large enough so you can easily read the numbers. Besides the size of the number is also decent.
Moreover, it is constructed with hardened stainless steel.
The cover of the inner dial system isn’t metal. You can also find the inch and metric reading of the main scale.
Besides, you will feel an enjoyable measuring experience with its smooth sliding. It will also come with a solid plastic case. That’s why it fits snugly.
But some customers may complain about its non-metal cover and the plastic bumper, but in our opinion, they should be okay.
You can use this dial caliper for light to medium use such as in school, office, and home workshops.
Overall, Mitutoyo 505-742 dial caliper has a good demand in order to get an excellent quality dial caliper at an effective rate.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Mitutoyo 505-742J Dial Caliper in detail.
Advantages
- Accurate; great for decent use
- Smooth
- Durable
- Easy to read
- Affordable
- Made of hardened stainless steel
- Smooth sliding
- Solid plastic case
Disadvantages
- The beam graduation is not deeply etched
Are you looking for a dial caliper that is used for heavy-duty jobs? Then the first thing you need to ensure is that your dial caliper jaws are carbide-tipped, otherwise, there has a chance to wear off soon.
That’s why we have picked our next pick Mitutoyo 505-738 D6″TXWW Dial Caliper. It generally comes with a carbide-tipped jaws dial caliper.
Additionally, it provides you with a 6″ range, 0.001″ resolution, and ±0.001″ accuracy.
Mitutoyo 505-742 is made in Brazil. Japan is simultaneously produced with a Mitutoyo dial caliper.
Its knife-edge part on the jaws is longer than the usual dial calipers. It helps to reduce errors from flatness and parallelism.
Moreover, (ID) inside diameter jaws are carbide-tipped. The OD (outside diameter) is also the same. There will be a great sense of smoothness when you slide the caliper.
Additionally, the titanium nitride coating of the Mitutoyo 505-742 Dial Caliper will protect the sliding surface from damage.
Furthermore, the spare parts are available to purchase in case of a bad day.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Mitutoyo 505-738 D6"TXWW Dial Caliper in detail.
Advantages
- Both Carbide-tipped jaws OD and ID jaws
- Made in Japan
- For heavy-duty job
- 6″ range
- 0.001″ resolution
- ±0.001″ accuracy
- Flatness and parallelism
- Smooth
Disadvantages
- Bit Expensive
Do you want a dial caliper with dual reading? Anytime Tools AT203185 has gained enormous popularity for its awesome dual reading.
You will get two readings at the same time without pushing any conversion button as the digital caliper does. As a bonus, it’s a budget option.
You will find two needles (black and red-colored) inside the dial scale and they turn around clockwise. That’s how you can easily convert the reading at the same time despite its mechanical working system.
Generally, the red needle is for metric (mm) whereas the black needle is for inch. These colors are set for your eyes to read easily.
There are two resolutions. Its mm reading’s resolution is 0.02 mm, besides the inch reading’s resolution is 0.001″
Additionally, it is cool stuff. Additionally, it has a thumb wheel that allows it simple to operate with just a single hand.
The price of Anytime Tools AT203185 is also budget-friendly. This caliper will be appropriate to substitute your ruler. Besides, its hard plastic case will secure this caliper and you can put them in the drawer.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Anytime Tools Dial Caliper in detail.
Advantages
- Dual reading
- This is available in both metric (mm) and imperial (inch) readout variations.
- Affordable
- Decent caliper
- Two resolutions
- A thumb roller
- Budget-friendly
- Its hard plastic case
Disadvantages
- Not smooth
If you are looking for the best dial calipers for woodworking, our next pick will be the right pick for you. Some people have some misconception that working with a caliper only happens in machining. But that’s not the fact!
Dial calipers also play a role in woodworking. Because woodworking jobs commonly use fractions, thus the dial caliper for woodworking has to provide fractional reading units.
That’s why our next pick Starrett Stainless Steel Dial Caliper comes into play. There is a fantastic two readings feature on the same surface of the dial scale.
The yellow piece generally comes with 1/64th fractional graduations, whereas the white piece comes with common 0.01″ graduations. The accuracy of these two resolutions is ±0.002″.
Along with fractional reading, it also offers you a smooth movement. The thumbwheel will also let you slide the dial easily. Besides, it comes with a plastic case so that you can store it safely.
Moreover, it is made of hardened stainless steel and its durability is reliable. Even some people may concern as it is not made in the US. But, don’t worry! It’s more than enough for woodworking and it’s a high-quality product.
Overall, Starrett Stainless Steel Dial Caliper is the first that we suggest if you need a fractional dial caliper for woodworking that is high-quality, and accurate.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Starrett Stainless Steel Dial Caliper in detail.
Advantages
- The inch reading is in fractions and decimal
- Great for woodworking.
- Colored dial reading for easy reading.
- Smoother operation
- Made of hardened stainless steel
- Durability
- Reliable
- Dual readings
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Our next pick iGaging Fractional & Decimal Dial Caliper which is the second-best dial caliper for woodworking. It is one of the best fractional dial calipers at an affordable price.
Its dial scale has two reading units, the first one is the fraction (1/64″) whereas the second one is decimal (0.01″). Both of them are in inches. These fractions are what you need the most for woodworking.
Besides, the fractional graduations are generally located at the outer portion of the scale and are white, making them easy to read.
It is critical to store this dial caliper in a sturdy case to avoid a crash with other tools.
Furthermore, the case even comes foam-lined to absorb vibration.
Overall, after complete testing, our suggestion is to choose the iGaging Fractional & Decimal Dial Caliper without thinking twice if you’re looking for the best calipers for woodworking.
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Let’s discuss the pros and cons of the best iGaging Fractional & Decimal Dial Calipers in detail.
Advantages
- Fractional reading
- Useful for woodworking.
- Colored dial scale
- Easy to read
- Foam-lined to absorb vibration
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sturdy
Disadvantages
- Not much smoother
Our next pick for the best digital calipers is Shop Fox D3208 Fractional Dial Caliper. It generally combines with the features that metalworkers are accustomed to with a fractional scale for woodworkers.
It is perfect for measuring board thickness, depth, and inside measurements. Its inch graduations are 1/64th fractions and 0.01 inch. This dial can read 64ths and .01″. Six-inch capacity.
The Shop Fox D3208 Fractional Dial Caliper is an ideal choice for you since it is made of hardened steel and will last longer. Don’t worry you need not have a battery at all. But some people may find it difficult as it’s plain and no color to distinguish the fractions and decimal graduations. Additionally, it is smooth and feels nice in the hand. Overall, this is a nice option you could purchase for woodworking.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Shop Fox D3208 Fractional Dial Caliper in detail.
Advantages
- Nice for woodworking
- Affordable
- Board thickness
- Made of hardened steel
- Durable
- Smooth
- Easy to carry
Disadvantages
- No color to distinguish the fractional and decimal graduations
Are you looking for a premium dial caliper? Our next pick Starrett 120A-6 W/SLC Dial Caliper is the most premium choice on our list.
This American-made Starrett model provides you with an accurate reading and a sense of satisfaction.
It will let you run OD (outside diameter), ID (inside diameter), and depth measurement with great accuracy ±0.001″ and great resolution 0.001″. It will help you to measure up to 6 inches.This American-made Starrett model provides you with an accurate reading and a sense of satisfaction.
In this case, you will unscrew the metal cover, detach the rod and clean the racks. It will also run a quick calibration using a block gauge to check the result.
It is fully made of stainless steel and repairable. The gear is covered by a metal shield. If a few parts are broken the spare parts are available to buy.
But there are some dirt and chip that may stick in the racks and cause issues with the reading.
Finally, we will recommend that Starrett 120A-6 W/SLC Dial Caliper is undoubtedly the ultimate choice if you are okay with the price. Believe me, you will be very impressed with its features.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Starrett 120A-6 W/SLC Dial Caliper in detail.
Advantages
- Accurate down to ±0.001″
- Stainless steel body
- American touch
- Made of stainless steel
- Repairable
- Durable
- A quick calibration
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Less smooth
The next best dial caliper in our selection is Tesa Brown & Sharpe PCS-96 Dial Caliper. During our tests, we are significantly amazed by its features.
Undoubtedly, it is an excellent dial caliper. It will offer you an accurate measurement. You will also feel extremely smooth while operating and last for years.
This dial caliper is popular with aerospace engineers, metalworkers, machinists, and others who are looking for a quality product. It is a swiss-made caliper that has a 6-inch range which is the most common range. It is ±0.001″ and 0.001″ respectively for accuracy and resolution that also has DIN 862 standard.
Significantly, it is fully made of hardened stainless steel material that offers it to be last longer and durable against corrosion resistance.
Its design is excellent. It generally comes with a covered rack to block the workpiece’s chip or dirt that is potentially able to disturb the gear and rack movement.
You will also get different colors for variation. The black-colored dial face (599-579-5) is also available if you like the black most.
We are impressed with its undoubted smooth movement while testing. You will get both when the dial slides and the dial needle rotates.
But the main issue with Brown & Sharpe 599-579 that people occasionally complain about is the thumb roll.
Fortunately, the absence of a thumb roll only happens to the 6-inch model. You will get a thumb-roll equipped with the 8-inch and 12-inch options.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Tesa Brown & Sharpe PCS-96 Dial Caliper in detail.
Advantages
- Accurate
- Meets DIN 862
- A great choice for a machinist
- Long last
- Color variation
- Covered rack to block the workpiece’s
- Swiss-made caliper
- Extremely smooth
Disadvantages
- No thumb roller for the 6-inch model
Our last pick for the best dial calipers that you can choose is Anytime Tools 100-020.
It is enforced with a hard plastic bezel and better construction that is intended to be shockproof. It is designed to offer improved protection. Though it is plastic, don’t worry, its performance can never be doubted. Specifically, itis made of solid hardened stainless steel.
However, many customers or buyers agree that it holds the best value for the money. If you require the best budget dial caliper, this one can be your purchase.
You will find the 8″ and 12″ range of this model available in the market if you need a longer one.
It has a thumbwheel feature that also impresses us. It can also measure outside diameter, inside diameter, and depth.
For storage, it generally comes with a foam case that will take care of the caliper inside the storage.
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of Anytime Tools Premium Dial Caliper 6"/0.001" in detail.
Advantages
- Wide range
- A hard plastic bezel
- An economic option
- A thumbwheel feature
- Best value for the money
- Nice for light to mid usage
- Clean white dial face for easy reading
Disadvantages
- Not as smooth as the high-end dial caliper
Final Thoughts of Best Dial Calipers
Identically, we suggest Starrett Dial Caliper Measuring Tool and Mitutoyo 505-742J Dial Caliper as the overall best dial calipers for a few reasons. They both hold the perfect features that will offer you accurate measurements, smooth and durable performances.
Eventually, if you’re looking for one for the heavy-duty job, Mitutoyo 505-738 D6″TXWW Dial Caliper is the perfect one for you. It generally comes with a carbide-tipped jaws dial caliper that will ensure super performance while you are doing the heavy-duty job.
Anytime Tools Dial Caliper is one of the most popular ones to buyers for its awesome dual reading features. It is also budget-friendly.
However, Starrett Stainless Steel Dial Caliper is also a renowned dial caliper for woodworking whereas iGaging Fractional & Decimal Dial Caliper is the second best one for woodworking.
Tesa Brown & Sharpe PCS-96 Dial Caliper is the most durable one in our list. It is a swiss-made caliper that will give a long-lasting performance without any disturbances.
Shop Fox D3208 Fractional Dial Caliper and Anytime Tools Dial Caliper 6″/0.001″ are the two affordable picks on our list. On the other hand, Starrett 120A-6 W/SLC Dial Caliper is the most premium pick. If you are okay with the budget, you can easily buy this premium one without any hesitation.
