Which precision measurement tools to get?

[gijoe985]

I have been rebuilding more engines lately and think it is time to get my own precision measurement tools. I already have a vernier caliper with a dial indicator. It's nice, but it is not micrometer...

What do you guys suggest getting? I can't afford to spend a ton, but I don't want to waste my money on junk either.

I figure I should get 0-6" outside micrometers. A dial indicator setup, with magnetic base. And then maybe either a dial bore gauge, an inside micrometer, or just telescoping gauges. I figure inside mic would be the nicest, but the most expensive. I's probably also be smart to get a small hole gauge as well. But that is no big hurry.

Should I buy a newer set of cheaper tools, or go on ebay and get some used Starrett set? There is that one Japanese brand that I've heard ok reviews on, Micomutyo, Micromuto? Either way, I'd love to hear some thoughts. I've seen 0-6" outside Starrett mics go for under $100. That'd be a great deal...

Some ideas...

Used Mitutoyo

New Mitutoyo

New, brand X, set with stand and telescoping gauges...

I've been eying some Starrett stuff, which is originally all I was looking for, but there aren't many complete sets that don't look older than dirt... Why they needed micrometers before dirt was created, I just don't know...

Used Mitutoyo

New Mitutoyo

New, brand X, set with stand and telescoping gauges...

I've been eying some Starrett stuff, which is originally all I was looking for, but there aren't many complete sets that don't look older than dirt... Why they needed micrometers before dirt was created, I just don't know...

 

[casperfast]

digital caliper, micrometer, plati-gauge, dial indicator, feeler-gauges, straightedge, T-gauges, tape measure. thats all you need

 

[92awddsm]

0-1" ball anvil micrometer(used for measuring bearing thickness or general measurements)
1"-2" micrometer
2"-3" micrometer
3"-4" micrometer
Telescoping gauge set
Dial bore gauge(If you can afford it)
Depth micrometer
Dial indicator with magnetic base

My personal preference is Starrett but I am guilty of owning a few Brown & Sharpe mics. If you want precision, stay away from the cheaper stuff. Starrett and Brown & Sharpe may be pretty expensive but tools are like dsm's, do it right the first time or do it again. Most of mine are 15-20 yrs old and are still perfect.

And this list is what I use the most so it should cover most of you assemble needs. I would expect that you already have feeler gauges so another useful tool would be a piston ring file.

 

[crimsondragon]

I hate telescoping gauges. They're so inaccurate if you measure them off with a micrometer compared to the vernier caliper.

 

[awdtalontsi1992]

I would recommend a good set of micrometers and a bore gauge. The Mitutoyo Micrometers are cheaper and they are good pieces. If you are only going to build a couple engines and won't use them that often then they will be fine if you treat them right. If you plan on using them alot then go with the Starrets. As for the bore gauge you always want to spend more money and get a good one. You can get one for a decent price that will measure down to .0005". This is will be ok. If you want to spend around $300 then get a Peacock bore gauge. I have one of these and they are great. They measure down to .0001". I would advise you to stay away from used stuff. All it takes is abusing these precision instruments one time and they are junk.

 

[gijoe985]

What about just getting an inside micrometer instead of a dial bore gauge?