Machine Shop Measuring Tools

If you have a mechanical engineering business then you are going to need various types of measuring tools. Your work force can only produce quality items if they have professional measuring tools. That means buying precision measuring tools that are built to last and have real quality. There are two companies that come mind who sell precise measuring tools and they are Mitutoyo and Starrett. These companies make imperial and metric measuring tools, there are are other manufacturers but for the mechanical engineering workshop I would stick with these.

The tools you buy will be an accurate measuring instrument, they will be an investment in your companies future. Your work force will endeavor to produce top quality parts because they have the best measuring devices that are available. There are some pieces of equipment that your engineers will only use periodically, items they have seen in mechanical engineering books like, a Mitutoyo Dial Indicator. Great tools that will enhance your business and give confidence to your machine shop work force.

Of course during a mechanical engineering apprenticeship engineers become familiar with both imperial (inches) and metric versions. Once you have become accustomed to one or the other engineers tend to stick with a method of measurement that they like. I have included only top quality measuring equipment in this review, there will hundreds of other tools you require but these are essential for any machine shop.

Mitutoyo 293-831, 0 - 1" X .00005"/0.001mm Digimatic MDC Lite Outside Micrometer, No Output, Ratchet

Mitutoyo measuring tools are the very best. They have all the necessary requirements that any engineer will need to produce high quality products. This micrometer is accurate to 0.001mm. it has a digital readout making it even easier to read. Digital measuring tools are my preferred method of measuring any item, they are precise, precision made devices that work well and should last for many years. If you are only going to buy one micrometer take a look at Mitutoyo measuring tools.

Mitutoyo 500-196-20, Digimatic Digital Caliper, 0 - 6"/150mm, .0005"/0.01mm, Non-Output.

Vernier calipers are going to be used on a daily basis in your workshop. They are easy to use, this one, made by Mitutoyo is a 6" measuring instrument. It has been precision made to be used by professional engineers. These tools are reliable, accurate and come in a case for safe keeping.

This model has a digital read out display which makes it easy to read. The battery will last 4 years. The vernier has a hardened stainless steel body with 4 way measuring capabilities :- outer diameter, inner diameter, depth, and step.

Starrett 196A1Z Universal Back-Plunger Dial Indicator, 0.200" Range, 0.001" Graduation, 0-100 Dial Reading, 1/4" Shank Diameter.

Starrett produce high quality well made tools which makes them an ideal choice when you are looking for the best precision measuring tools. This boxed set of a dial indicator and stand is just the precise measuring tool that the best engineering workshops have. Very accurate, adaptable for many measuring methods. Ideal for checking alignment of automobile discs while on the car.

A ideal complimentary tool for any work shop lathe machine or milling machine. the set comes with- indicator with 3 contact points, adapter, clamp, tool post holder, snug, hole attachment and  protective case.

Starrett S909Z Inch Basic Precision Measuring Tool Set.

A very useful combination set made by Starrett. This boxed set comprises of a precision made vernier caliper, a 0-1" metric micrometer and a 6" inch measuring rule. All retained in a handy safe, secure box. A great idea to buy all 3 of these items together. Starrett tools are well known for being highly sought after, stainless steel bodies, easy to read vernier with the added luxury of having an easy to read dial indicator fitted to it for ease of use. The micrometer again made in stainless steel is a high spec instrument offering reliability, accuracy and an excellent finish.

Starrett S908Z Inch Toolmakers' Set.

This is a highly desirable Starrett Toolmaker's set.  It comprises of a boxed set of precision engineered measuring instruments. There are 6 items in the set which adds together to offer any engineer or toolmaker all the very best measuring equipment in one set.

A mixed set of precision tools required by toolmakers to perform typical layout and measuring work for many tool and die applications. Set includes T436.1XRL-1 (1") outside micrometer with carbide face, 435-12-4R (12") combination set with reversible protractor, 709MACZ dial test indicator, 120A-6 (6") dial caliper, PT22431 dial caliper depth attachment, C604RE-6 (6") spring tempered precision rule, 827MA edge finder, 83A-6 (6") solid nut divider, 117B center punch.