Key Features
- SPC Data Output
- Carbide tipped jaws for inside measurement
- IP67 Waterproof rated
- Hardened stainless steel construction with 4-way measurement, OD, ID, depth, step
- Inch/Metric
- Zero/ABS key
- Supplied in a fitted plastic case
- Incorporates an absolute measurement system
- Advanced design styling and easy to use
In this post, I want to talk to you about a tool I use every day; that’s my Mitutoyo Vernier 8” 500-736-20. I truly like using mine! It’s built sturdy, works every time I need it, and is easy to use. These are just some of the reasons I highly recommend the Mitutoyo vernier callipers.
The Mitutoyo 8” is a great size to have in your toolbox or in an easy-access location. It’s even small enough to carry in your chest pocket if you need to quickly measure stock material for machining. The coolant proofing is a great feature if you are doing a lot of machining or working around CNC’d parts.
I also find it helpful, since I work in a die-cast facility maintaining dies that are typically in a filthy state, that these callipers can handle a little grease and still work well. The Mitutoyo 8” Vernier is IP67 (waterproofing rating) rated, meaning it is meant for the typical shop floor exposure to water, coolant, dust, and oil. That being said, I do recommend you clean your callipers before every use, or at least the surface that is taking the measurement, and before you put it away as a standard practice.
It has a resolution of 0.0005/0.01mm and an accuracy of +/- 0.001, which for a general use vernier, is usually good enough. Anything that requires more than the +/- 0.001 should be kept nicely stored away and not put in a shirt pocket like previously mentioned or used around grease on a die.
The digital readout is large and easy to read, with great features such as Zero and Absolute zero buttons, as well as a Metric and inch selection button. With carbide-tipped jaws on the inside measurement, you know you will have many years of use. The Mitutoyo Vernier 8” calliper is very versatile as it can take OD, ID, depth, and step measurements all in one tool.
One of the features I like the most about this vernier is battery life. I have had the vernier for coming on five years and, even with daily use, I have still not needed to replace the battery. It is always a reliable tool that turns on and is ready to work when I need it.
The vernier has a great feel in your hand, heavy enough where you feel you won’t break it, but not too heavy that it would fall out of your pocket if you put it there for safekeeping while you took your next pass with the mill. It also has good rolling grips on the base of the calliper jaw to be able to slide the calliper in your hand if needing to take very fine readings.
All these things, along with a fitted plastic case for safekeeping when not in use, are why I would highly recommend the Mitutoyo 8’ Vernier for an apprentice starting or journeyperson who is looking for something new. If you liked this review of the Mitutoyo Digital Vernier Caliper, check out my other review on the Mitutoyo Combination set. Also, if you’re an apprentice in school or studying for your C of Q, check out my studying notes on the stamping die build process here. Finally, if you found any of this content valuable please subscribe to our email list for more toolmaking and machining content.