• Question: what is the vernier callipers?

    Asked by kellym to Shane, Karen on 15 Nov 2013.
    • Photo: Karen McCarthy

      Karen McCarthy answered on 15 Nov 2013:

      Ah I remember using these for 1st year physics! Well let’s spilt up the term first and explain both parts.

      A callipers is a tool for measuring internal or external dimensions, consisting of two steel legs hinged together, like a claw almost.

      Vernier callipers are extremely precise callipers, used for measuring very small values, like .001 of an inch or .02 of a millimeter.

      This is a little guide for using them correctly.

      http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Vernier-Caliper

    • Photo: Shane Mc Guinness

      Shane Mc Guinness answered on 18 Nov 2013:

      Nice one Karen, though Kelly the Vernier callipers itself doesn’t have the hinges like an old fashioned callipers. Its like a slide ruler, with a very fine scale ruler attached to it. Think about putting two rulers side-by-side, with a pair of ‘teeth’ that can be separated at the end which moves these rulers.
      I always found reading measurements off them very confusing!

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