These hybrid micrometers are somewhat of a cross between standard vernier micrometers and those with electronic readouts, and offer quick measurements at a relatively low price. Although the “digital” claim is quite literally true, in today’s age, “digital” implies an electronic readout. While we’re not comfortable still seeing these described as “digital” micrometers, such a description is still common practice by even the most reputable manufacturers.
These micrometers feature a vernier scale accurate to 0.0001″, and an easier-to-read counter that is accurate to 0.001″. These mic’s have a list price of $50; one would be hard pressed to find higher quality mic’s for less.
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Some people say that if you can’t cook, get out of the kitchen. Similarly, if you cannot do the “complicated conversions” required to read a vernier scale (this describes how we all were at one point), either practice until you get it, or pay the additional premium for an electronic micrometer.
*The content and tone of this post has been edited a bit in light of MAD’s comment conveying that major manufacturers still describe these mic’s as “digital.” Prior to the edit, we expressed that using “digital” to describe a mechanical counter “screamed ‘marketing ploy'” – an implication that we now agree is inappropriate.
Bolster says
But ‘digital’ (meaning LCD display) doesn’t imply expensive anymore, does it? And by the way, check the looks of the Cman you profiled against the HF “digital” ITEM 895-2VGA and tell me it’s not the same item? ($19.99 @ HF). Altho the Sears item above is much better photographed, eh?
Stuart says
Well I’ll be… – the resemblances are in fact too close to be purely coincidental. If I had to guess, I too would think that these products were one and the same. If they are in fact the same product, then I wonder why Harbor Freight’s version costs 1/2 as much.
I suppose that the vaguely labeled logo-less case is additional evidence that this isn’t a Craftsman-exclusive tool.
MAD says
I really don’t think you are on target to imply that the use of the term “digital” is some sort of “marketing ploy”.
Digital micrometers with mechanical counters have been around for a long time and I have always only seen them listed as “digital” Take a look at The Starrett 216 series, Mitutoyo 159,as well as Fowler etc…
As far as the Craftsman being the same as the H.F., this is possible. The Craftsman is a Chinese import that is provided to sears by Scherr-Tumico. It would be had to say if they are from the same source in China, since the Chinese copy other Chinese as well as western products.
Stuart says
MAD, you know, I think you might be right there. I’ve seen mechanical counter micrometers before (was never quite a fan), but relatively recently I’ve only seen them advertised as “digit” or “mechanical counter” micrometers.
I decided to do a bit more digging, and it seems that you’re absolutely right – some of the top manufacturers still describe this type of micrometer as a “digital” micrometer.
Thank you very much for pointing this out – appropriate edits have been made to the original post.