The dial caliper is used to measure the
inside or outside diameter of an object. Figure 1 shows a typical dial
Most dial calipers have a slide, slide
lockscrew, thumb button, scale, dial with measured increments of 0.001 inch,
and a bezel.
Figure 1 Typical dial
For specific instructions on how to take
measurements with a dial caliper, refer to the manufacturer' instructions.
Regardless of what type of caliper you use,
be sure to take the following precautions to avoid damaging the caliper:
1. Wash your hands before you handle the
dial caliper to remove dirt and oils that might damage the caliper.
2. Wipe the caliper components clean both
before and after you use the caliper.
3. Do NOT drop or otherwise mishandle the
caliper. Doing so may damage or destroy the caliper.
Figure 2 Measuring (A) inside and (B)
outside diameters with a dial caliper.
Figure 2 illustrates the use of a dial
caliper in measuring the inside and outside diameters of two different
The above operation also applies to vernier