Caliper storage

[fritzmeister]

I couldn't really figure out where exactly to put this. So I decided to put it here.

I work in a place that has many calipers and many people that use them. Walking by a caliper laying in its box one day, I noticed that the jaws were not together. I asked one of the assembly techs about this out of curiosity. I thought maybe it was out of spec and going to be sent back soon. They said no. You are not supposed to store your calipers with the jaws together. It promotes corrosion. They told me briefly that it is common practice, knowledge, and industry standard to NOT store calipers with the jaws together. I never knew this, so I figured I would pass it along to you guys.

When I get a pair (of calipers ) and start reloading, not only will they be stored in a air tight container with a dessicant, but they will be stored with the jaws open.

[zac07]

I have never heard that, but I have never seen a rusted pair of calipers either. I might start doing that because its better safe then sorry.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I was always taught (worked at a Machine Shop in high school) that you "zero" the measuring device (be it a caliper, micrometer, ect.) before you store it. The jaws touch but the device is at "zero" as read on the thimble, rule, whatever is on the measuring device.

Same goes for torque wrenches.

[Sabo2r]

Indeed, torque wrenches should be stored "unloaded", by returning the thimble to the lightest reading...zero in some cases, to reduce fatigue on the indicating mechanism.

Calipers, micrometers, and precision measuring tools should be checked for "zero" before every use, but should definitely not be stored with the anvils or guage surfaces in contact.

I have seen tarnished/rusted surfaces on measuring tools, and commonly find it to be caused, not by the humidity in the air but, by the user's own body chemistry (evidenced by fingerprints and handprints).

No doubt there is truth to the theory that storing tools with anvils contacting may promote corrosion, but I believe it is also somethig of a "rule of conduct" when using precision tools...kind of a reminder to treat them right all the time and every time.

Here is another: When using a micrometer you should not "freewheel" the thimble by spinning it fast and letting momentum open or close the anvils.
The proper way to make a large adjustment to the gap is to roll the thimble across your forearm smoothly in order to get close to your desired opening dimension more quickly. At least that is how I was taught, and have witnessed other machinists doing for many years.

sab

[rogerxd45]

Originally Posted by Sabo2r

Indeed, torque wrenches should be stored "unloaded", by returning the thimble to the lightest reading...zero in some cases, to reduce fatigue on the indicating mechanism.

Calipers, micrometers, and precision measuring tools should be checked for "zero" before every use, but should definitely not be stored with the anvils or guage surfaces in contact.

I have seen tarnished/rusted surfaces on measuring tools, and commonly find it to be caused, not by the humidity in the air but, by the user's own body chemistry (evidenced by fingerprints and handprints).

No doubt there is truth to the theory that storing tools with anvils contacting may promote corrosion, but I believe it is also somethig of a "rule of conduct" when using precision tools...kind of a reminder to treat them right all the time and every time.

Here is another: When using a micrometer you should not "freewheel" the thimble by spinning it fast and letting momentum open or close the anvils.
The proper way to make a large adjustment to the gap is to roll the thimble across your forearm smoothly in order to get close to your desired opening dimension more quickly. At least that is how I was taught, and have witnessed other machinists doing for many years.

sab

i was never taught that but thats what i do with mine

[Krackels]

Calipers?



or calipers?


I always store my calipers in the box that they came in with the little packet of desicant.

[Ed Ely]

Krackels, the two pair above look like they
came from a torture chamber, either spreading
something apart or squeezing it together!

Yep, me was taught to always close with the
fine adjustment, then back off a couple .001ths.

Since all my mics are German or Swiss made, I have
yet to ever have any rust problems though.

Ed

[bat54r]

I am a machinist (13 years and counting) and I was told from the first pair of calipers and mics I bought never store your calipers or 0"-1" mics closed or with the anvils touching. I've heard different reasons from different guys (most have 20+ years in) from moistier causing rust to the oils from your skin causing rust/corrosion. I always store mine with roughly a .01" to .02" gap. Not sure how true it is but I've always stored them like that and have never had problems. I figure its better safe than sorry.

[Sabo2r]

Originally Posted by Ed Ely

Since all my mics are German or Swiss made, I have
yet to ever have any rust problems though.

Ed

I concur with Ed Ely.
Manufacturers of quality tools, such as Browne and Sharpe, Starrett, and Mitutoyo (and others) use exellent quality materials, and I have rarely experienced any corrosion problem with their products.

All the same, I try to make it a point to wipe my tools down when putting them away, just as I would clean a firearm after use.

There are certain guys in my shop whose body chemistry is demonstrably more corrosive than others, and you don't always know who has handled a tool when you have several guys working a project.

A good, close friend and very talented co-worker of mine has drawers full of hand tools and high grade measuring equipment scarred by rusty fingerprints and disclorations. When I loaned him my 6" Browne and Sharpe machininst square, it came back to me completely discolored. It was one of a set of squares that I have used regularly, and kept in my own box for many, many years with not even a hint of corrosion. He used it for one day and it was unrecognizable. Be it tools or firearms, some people can rust anything.

Food is another consideration:
Washing hands after you eat and before you handle tools (or firearms) is good practice. You don't want to find out what that salt on your fries will do to the finish of your precision tools. Dry storage and dessicant are great. Putting your tools away clean is equally important.

sab

[fritzmeister]

Good extra stuff here guys. Wiping off finger prints, clean, salt free hands, etc. I guess sometimes the obvious needs to be stated, or in this case, re-stated.

I'm just glad I was told this info BEFORE I decided to be lazy and ruin a good pair of calipers for reloading.