Btw, I never really knew which was which, and usually called both whichever name came to mind at the moment-- about equally. In fact, I was going to link to google images as a reference to which is which, but it appears nobody really adheres to their proper names.
See:
Micrometer (often called a "digital micrometer", which probably means calipers) and
Vernier Caliper (often called "calipers" for short)
Frankly, both of the devices are similar in design. The only prevalent differences in the most common devices found today; are that:
-
vernier calipers have a design similar to a slide rule, have prongs that extend from the measuring body, and are usually capable of taking both outside and inside measurements.
- a
micrometer is usually designed with a fine thread screw and a barrel that one turns to push the screw in until it pinches the object being measured.
These are not hard fast rules, especially with specialized measuring devices that incorporate both designs, but they are true for the common devices most people use.
I personally own 4 of these. One micrometer with a digital wheel display, one depth micrometer with barrel markings, one 12" analog dial calipers (sorry, i know that's an improper plural, but i can't help it), and one 4" digital display calipers (both in/mm).
Which of these to use, you ask?
Hands down, the vernier caliper is the tool of choice for measuring key depth, spacing, etc as the prongs of the calipers are narrow and easily accommodate narrow bittings and the internal measurement of spacings. The device quickly slides closed, saving your wrist from needless twisting-twisting-twisting that is the bane of the micrometer. They are also cheaper than micrometers, and can be easily had for as little as $20 for a GOOD one that does 0.0005 measurements with a digital lcd display. Check out
www.lockpicks.com for the one I use.
However, a micrometer can often provide a deadly accurate measurement, and if yours has flat surfaced pinch screw, it can make measuring pins easier. However, since most calipers also have a flat surfaced area on their prongs, there is really no trade-off when it comes to deciding which to use. The micrometer by nature has more of a mechanical operation, and tends to cost much more, making it even less desirable for the hobbyist.
For more information about these devices, check out Wikipedia:
Micrometer (device)
Caliper
. Nice job!!
You may be able to get the depths down, but what about the spacing?