Harbor Freight micrometers

[hoohaa]

I just picked up a set of .0001 micrometers from HF. They had them on sale for $20, so they came out to be around $16 with my coupons. I must say that a few months ago I probably wouldn't have dreamed of buying something like micrometers from HF, just because I didn't consider them a good source for accurate tools.

I am very impressed with the micrometers I purchased. They only had one set left, so I wasn't able to compare and choose the best set. All three of the micrometers, a 0-1", 1-2", and 2-3" were all zeroed in perfectly according to the 1" and 2" test stock pieces included with the sets. I would still like to test the micrometers on a higher quality set of test stock.

The micrometers feel sturdy, well built, and tight. I'm happy. :vader:

[CPOM]

Just out of curiosity, what are you building where you would require accuracy down to .0001" ? Or did you mean .001"?

[hoohaa]

I meant .0001". I build all sorts of things, so I couldn't say I bought these for one specific project. I don't know that I will ever need to use these down to the .0001, but I will be happy knowing that I can. :vader:

[krb]

Have you checked them with gage blocks?
Dont want to pop your bubble but they cant compare to Mititoyo,Etalon,Tesa,Brown & Sharpe and Starrett.

[Kartracer55]

Somebo dy brought up a good point on here... they will make excellent Undercar mics for dealing with greasy, oily crappy components where one a semi-precision measurement is required. I want ao get a cheapo dial caliper for this, because I dont want to be bringing my $125+ starrett under the car with me.

Jim

[hoohaa]

Have you checked them with gage blocks?
Dont want to pop your bubble but they cant compare to Mititoyo,Etalon,Tessa,Brown & Sharpe and Starrett.

If they are accurate and reliable, they are right up there with any of the brands you mentioned. A micrometer really only has one function, so as long as your mic is accurate and consistent, it's comparable to any brand.

But you do have a good point about them not comparing... Mine cost at least $400 less than those brands you mentioned. :grinpimp:

:vader:

[hoohaa]

Have you checked them with gage blocks?

Only with the HF standards, which I don't really trust at all. I have a friend with some Starrett standards who is going to let me use them to check accuracy. :vader:

[Kartracer55]

Hoohaa, you bring up a good point, but then We start getting into hardness and othermetalurgical properties;how they react to temperatures, how the threads will wear etc. Alot of stuff I dont know enough to talk about, but figured Id bring up. Regardless, I payed alot more than 16$ for all of mine, but all of my measuring tools were made in the United States of America.

Jim

[hoohaa]

Hoohaa, you bring up a good point, but then We start getting into hardness and othermetalurgical properties;how they react to temperatures, how the threads will wear etc. Alot of stuff I dont know enough to talk about, but figured Id bring up. Regardless, I payed alot more than 16$ for all of mine, but all of my measuring tools were made in the United States of America.

Jim

I am not going to expect these to last forever... After all, they are Harbor Freight measuring tools. Hopefully they will last me a while. I will be taking very good care of them.

[PTSchram]

Harbor Freight,, accuracy, precision, repeatability, longevity...

Which of these doesn't belong?

They're gonna be fine for shop use, but when it comes time to go into the "Machine" shop, I'm sure as Hell not using the Hf stuff.

I love the HF stuff, but it has its place and it ain't the same place the Starrett stuff has.

Recognize the limitaitons and use it. Anything else is folly.

PT

[Jeepdude_Jay]

Harbor Freight,, accuracy, precision, repeatability, longevity...

Which of these doesn't belong?

They're gonna be fine for shop use, but when it comes time to go into the "Machine" shop, I'm sure as Hell not using the Hf stuff.

I love the HF stuff, but it has its place and it ain't the same place the Starrett stuff has.

Recognize the limitaitons and use it. Anything else is folly.

PT
I would not use the HF's to make a living but I think they would be fine at home.

[hoohaa]

Here are the lil' beauties:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a97/brsmith/gears/P1010085.jpg