Telescoping Gages

[dphelps]

I am looking at the 2 different styles of Starrett Telescoping gages, the self centering one where both sides move and the other ones that have one side of the gage is fixed. Which is better for measuring cylinders? Ideas? Likes/dislikes?
I've seen both mentioned in publications.

Ken stated "and when you buy air tools stay away from the China stuff and Harbor Freight junk unless you want to buy it more than once. Save money in the long run by buying good tools the first time around." Ain't that the truth.

The last set of telescoping gages I bought from Harbor Freight, and I've never been happy with them.

Dave

 

[kweaver]

David - I've got some cheap China ones and they so far have been pretty good. The bigger ones in the set seem to lock better... I'd be more concerned with the way they lock up than single side or double side.
As long as they're Starrett you can't go wrong although I think Starrett is lagging now behind other brands.

The double sided might be better to get access in some cases of tight quarters.

 

[mmiller]

I have both styles and don't see alot of functional difference.
Starrett and Mitutoyo both make nice gages and I actually prefer the finish on the Mitutoyo, but that's strictly for esthetic reasons.
You can often get them pretty cheap through Ebay.

 

[rwilke]

This isn't a bad price:

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=2222242&PMT4NO=0

Ryan W

 

[mmiller]

Ryan, that's for one gage only...2 1/8 to 3 1/2, which is fine if you're just measuring cylinder bores. The 6 piece set will set you back $187 at MSC.

About 4 months ago I got a 5 piece Starrett set for $40 + shipping on Ebay.

 

[kweaver]

Prices for 6 set Starrett Telescoping gages

Wttool = $180.00
Travers = $169.99
Enco = $149.95

What I've got http://tinyurl.com/2sccqe $12.95

 

[dphelps]

Ken, the china gages I got have no name. They also have a rough movement to them, compared to the 2 old ones(small Lufkin) that I have. The old ones have a very smooth movement.

I really don't know if this affects repeatability, but, I do have problems repeating measurements and that is what started me thinking is it the gages or me.

Ryan, Michael, Thanks too. That MSC site is nice.