General Tools 132ME 3-Inch English and Metric Pocket Sliding Bar Caliper

Works just fine, but more on the no-frills side.It's not a Vernier scale, so it doesn't read in a completely precise or accurate manner. Truly, even a $5 Vernier wouldn't be that reliable. But when it comes to measuring thing that usually come in pre-defined sizes, such as pipe and wire, this ought to work fine. Actually, I use mine to measure the "ring" gauge of my cigars.There is no lock mechanism, but it's easy to pinch and hold the two sliding pieces together and see the reading more closely.The top scale is graduated in millimeters up to 100 mm.The bottom scale is graduated in 32nds of an inch, up to 4 in.However, due to the design, the maximum outside opening is 77 mm or 3-2/32". The maximum inside opening is 82 mm or 3-6/32".The minimum measurement while checking an inside diameter (when slider is fully closed) is 5 mm or 6/32".On the back, when the slider is fully extended, there is a Decimal Equivalent chart showing 16ths to decimal inches, and also 32nds to decimal inches.Overall, it's a fairly sturdy piece of stainless. The ruler that slides out is a bit more delicate when it's extended, but I wouldn't call it flimsy. Closed, it's sturdy enough to survive in a pants pocket.All the markings both front and back are etched and painted, not merely painted on. I'd imagine it would take some normal wear and tear and still be readable if the black paint of some markings were to rub off.On the back of the

I like having a little measuring device in my pocket and the range on this is ok for me.The caliper is pretty loose so I doubt it’s more accurate than a ruler. I reformed the tabs that support the sliding lower jaw and that helped a little but to allow liner movement, the amount of tolerance must remain sort of large. As the bearing length is short, the stamped sheet steel is not ground, the surface finish is a little rough, all that adds up to remaining looseness and variable perpendicularity.It’s cheap, it’s not precise, it’s not nicely finished. It fits in my pocket, it’s fine for what I need it for, I carry it often, it’s very useful, and it was really inexpensive. Despite the negative stuff I actually like it.I hope to find a nicer tiny pocket caliper.

I use this more than my higher priced calipers. I can keep this one near me or in my pocket. It's accurate enough to measure screws and the fishing rod guide openings. I feel this caliper is useful for most if not all household uses. Its nice sturdy metal also. The markings are engraved not laser etched so they will wear off. I recommend this item.

This is great for measuring small items include pipes. However, the caliper does slide too easily making it more difficult to hold the measurement.

No tension, doesn't hold measurement just flops around. Won't even stay closed so if you put it in your pocket or bag it will probably extend and main scale will bend, ruining what little utility it had. The amount of wiggle of the main scale inside the body at any position tosses out any concept of reliabilty. So i can't take a reading of it and it won't even stay in place to compare or measure with a seperate scale. How could anyone possibly put this product to market?I bought 3 (2 as gifts for my cadets/trainees), but now can't even return them as I was away from home too long after the delivery & have to go back to my work contract without a suitable substitute.

A good step-up for my toolbox caliper set of measuring tools. Thanks!

The miniature pocket size is very handy.The quality is awful. Flimsy. The measuring parts are stamper with low quality and them grinned to fit. Terrible...

I've had issues finding one of these that doesn't rub off the lettering. This lettering is laser engraved and holds up to even the harshest of conditions.