What are the parts of a dial caliper?
What are the parts of a dial caliper? |
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Dial caliper jaws |
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Upper jawsThe upper jaws of a caliper are used for taking inside measurements such as the diameter of a hole or slot. |
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Lower jawsThe lower jaws are used for measuring outside dimensions such as width, length and diameter. |
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Dial caliper depth rod |
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The depth rod is used for measuring the depth of holes. It protrudes when the thumb screw is turned. | |||
Dial |
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Together with the main beam scale, the dial displays the measurement being taken.
Dial indicator needleThe indicator needle rotates within the dial when the jaws of the caliper are opened or the depth rod lengthened. Each time it makes a complete rotation on the dial, the reference edge on the beam scale will have moved one increment (2mm or approx. 0.1 inches). |
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Dial caliper lock screw |
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The lock screw secures the jaws into place, so the object you are measuring can be removed, and readings taken. | |||
Dial caliper reference edge |
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On the main scale, the reference edge indicates the value of the measurement being taken. | |||
Dial caliper main scale |
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Alongside the dial, the measurement taken is shown on the main beam scale by the reference edge.
BeamThe beam is where the main scale is found. The depth rod is stored inside the beam when not in use. |
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Dial caliper thumb screw |
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The thumb screw is used to precisely adjust the measuring faces of the caliper (both sets of jaws and the depth rod).
It helps the user to get a tight grip on the material they are measuring. |
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Dial caliper bezel nut |
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The bezel nut locks the precise settings on the dial after the caliper has been calibrated.
This helps to ensure that the dial is set to zero before taking measurements. |
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