Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Advanced Onsite Sensor (AOS) Absolute Scale Digital Caliper, 0 to 6/0 to 150mm Measuring Range, 0.0005/0.01mm Resolution, LCD

I rarely have need for a caliper, and could probably have gotten by much more cheaply, but I appreciate well-crafted items that last, and Mitutoyo has a reputation as the ne plus ultra of digital calipers. I was afraid I would feel like a fool for having spent this kind of money on a tool I will likely rarely use, but I have no regrets. This thing is worth it. It could have cost twice as much and Id probably say the same thing. The fit and finish are superb. The edges are crisp and have no burrs, the movement is silky smooth, and it just generally feels great in the hand. This is how tools should feel. I see no reason to suspect it wouldnt last for decades if properly cared for. The case could be a little more robust (the hinges are just a single piece of plastic, the type you may recognize from every plastic case with broken hinges youve ever seen), but thats a relatively small gripe. Note: I purchased mine directly from Amazon, and Im confident that what I received was authentic, but things happen. These things are widely counterfeited. Even if you are buying from an authorized channel, it doesnt hurt to do some research on what to look for so you can be confident that you have the real deal. Also, if you are a nerd about such things like I am, it will help you appreciate just how excellent the real deal is.

Seems to be a quality set of calipers, only like the Japanese could pull off. Mine came with the battery that is stamped Japan and the writing on the back is white. Watch out for China ones with whiteish lettering on the back and a cheapo battery.

The difference between Mitutoyo and the cheap knockoffs are readily apparent the 1st time you use them. These are smooth and accurate and the fit and finish are very nice. They are pricey but you are paying for precision.

This caliber is accurate and perfect, the best thing is that it is made in JAPAN, quality product, it joins my other mitutoyo 8 inch caliber.

The calipers are fairly good. The case they come in is fairly poor. THE CASE It may seem superficial but once you remove the papers from the box, there is too much room for the calipers to move inside the case. There is no soft foam or rubber padding to protect the tool from shocks if it is knocked around a bit. You can hear it move too much inside there when grabbing the case. I think Mitutoyo should supply a proper 2-piece case with a proper hinge and some basic padding for the tool, not a one-piece plastic box with no padding and a hinge that will come apart eventually. I actually like the case I got with my fifteen-dollar calipers better, even though that too is made of one piece of plastic with a cheap hinge. I dont feel confident moving the case around with the calipers in there; they jiggle around too much and basically have very little shock protection. If you arent going to be doing anything but storing them on a shelf for when they are needed, then its fine. A better solution is to keep the paperwork inside the case. The case has far less wiggle room this way and its what Im doing now. UNBOXING The unit comes inside the case with a sealed clear plastic that is not easy to open with your hands. It gives you a good indication that you are getting a new unit. The instructions are the big fold-out type with various languages. The SR44 battery packet was stapled to the paperwork in the box. The paperwork talks about the battery: The supplied batteries are used only for the purposes of checking the functions and performance of the caliper, therefore it may not satisfy the specified battery life. Im not sure if this statement is true or false but I know that only one battery was supplied and not batteries like they state. The paperwork suggests wiping off the thin coat of oil that the unit comes with. The oil is barely noticeable and there is a very good feeling of quality when inspecting the tool. There are no overprowering or unpleasant smells either. After installing the SR44 battery & setting the ORIGIN on the calipers and playing around for a few minutes, the unit would eventually return to 0.01 and not 0.00. Had to set the origin again. Mitutoyo makes mention of holding down the ORIGIN switch for more than one second. I guess its splitting hairs but its actually a button, not a switch. You may need a little narrow thing to press it if your fingers cant. The ON/OFF and other buttons are easier to press, for obvious reasons. Anyway, the unit feels good over-all and seems to be working within spec. CONCLUSION I felt that Mitutoyo supplied a cheap case essentially no different to the cheap caliper makers. It felt pretty crude to me and didnt feel like a deserving home for (relatively) expensive calipers. With the battery statement in the instructions, I am reminded of what the printer manufacturers do with new printers (supply less ink or toner with the bundled ink tanks). Im not sure if MItutoyo are supplying a cheaper battery or if the manufacturer simply wants to protect itself in case of returned units with shorter battery life, possibly from units sitting on the shelf too long with shortened battery life. Bottom-line? I like the unit but the cheap supplied case needs some basic padding and a proper hinge. We are paying over 100 dollars for calipers and getting cases basically the same as fifteen-dollar calipers. Mitutoyo should be doing better here. Despite this, I feel confident in the quality of the unit but still look forward to a day I can stop using disposable batteries.

I think from everything Ive researched that l may have got lucky with this pair being originals. Mine passed all the fake tests but Im not a machinist and of course maybe the forgers have improved their game but just Incase l feel like these are exceptionally good in fit n finish and accuracy as far as l can tell. All the best out there everyone.

Im a mechanical engineering student. Im using this for various projects and in the machine shop. Despite it costing more than competitors, I think it was worth it. The absolute feature is nice, not having to keep zeroing it every time you turn it on. I think the battery lasts longer in these than the competition; everybody elses calipers are always fritzing out because of low battery, but not mine. Oh, and these were authentic; I did a fair bit of research on how to differentiate from knock-offs. I made sure to buy from Amazon as the seller. I feel like these are the last calipers Ill ever have to buy -- a lifetime tool.

buen producto de amazon es un vernier original mitutoyo

This caliper is well made but I find it measures exactly the same as a $20 unit from Aldi. So probably not worth the extra money.

I own multiple brands of calipers and in my opinion the Mitutoyo is the best I have ever purchased !!