If you’re a maker, 3D printing enthusiast, or DIY electronics hobbyist, you know how important precision is. When your measurements are off, your entire project can be ruined. That’s why a good digital caliper is an essential tool in any maker’s workspace.
Today, we’re putting three of the most popular calipers to the test—from high-end to budget-friendly options. Are the premium ones worth the price? Can you get away with a budget option? Let’s find out.
Meet the Contenders
We’ll be testing the following 6-inch digital calipers:
1. Mitutoyo 500 Series – A professional-grade caliper, known for precision and durability.
2. Clockwise DCLR-0605 – A solid mid-range option, widely used by makers.
3. Pittsburgh Digital Caliper (Harbor Freight) – A budget-friendly option, but is it accurate enough?
We’ll put each one through real-world tests, measuring screws, electronics, and piping to see how they perform.
Mitutoyo 500 Series – The Gold Standard
The Mitutoyo 500 Series is often considered the best digital caliper you can get. It features a stainless steel body, a buttery-smooth sliding mechanism, and an accuracy of ±0.0005 inches.
Testing the Mitutoyo
• M3 Screw: Expected: 2.9mm → Measured: 2.89mm (Perfect)
• 4.5-inch Speed Square: Expected: 4.5 inches → Measured: 4.525 inches
• LED Diameter: Expected: ~6mm → Measured: 5.82mm
• PVC Connector Inside Diameter: Expected: 0.84 inches → Measured: 0.843 inches
Final Thoughts on the Mitutoyo
✅ Super smooth slide
✅ Crystal-clear digital screen
✅ Insane accuracy
✅ Professional-grade build quality
If you need absolute precision, this is the best choice—but it comes with a premium price tag.
Clockwise DCLR-0605 – The Best Bang for Your Buck?
The Clockwise DCLR-0605 is the mid-range option and the one I personally use in my shop. It’s stainless steel, has an accuracy of 0.001 inches, and includes a digital data output to transfer measurements to a computer.
Testing the Clockwise
• M3 Screw: 2.89mm (Perfect)
• 4.5-inch Speed Square: 4.54 inches
• LED Diameter: 5.85mm
• PVC Connector Inside Diameter: 8.41mm
Final Thoughts on the Clockwise
✅ Almost as smooth as the Mitutoyo
✅ Solid accuracy for most makers
✅ Affordable for its quality
✅ IP54 rating (dust and water resistance)
This is a great mid-range option—perfect for 3D printing, DIY projects, and general use without breaking the bank.
Pittsburgh Digital Caliper – Worth It for Beginners?
The Pittsburgh Digital Caliper from Harbor Freight is the budget-friendly option. It’s a mix of plastic and metal, and while it has a claimed accuracy of 0.001 inches, the build quality feels cheap compared to the other two.
Testing the Pittsburgh
• M3 Screw: 2.87mm (Slightly Off)
• 4.5-inch Speed Square: 4.53 inches
• LED Diameter: 5.730mm (Slightly Off)
• PVC Connector Inside Diameter: 8.47mm (Slightly Off)
Final Thoughts on the Pittsburgh
✅ Affordable
✅ Decent accuracy for occasional use
❌ Slide is rough and inconsistent
❌ Feels cheap, and the machining isn’t great
If you rarely use a caliper, this might work. But even for beginners, you’ll probably outgrow it fast.
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
Mitutoyo 500 Series
• Best For: Pro makers & precision work
• Pros: Extremely accurate, smoothest slide, high build quality
• Cons: Expensive
Clockwise DCLR-0605
• Best For: General makers & 3D printing
• Pros: Great accuracy, smooth slide, mid-range price
• Cons: Slightly less refined than Mitutoyo
Pittsburgh Digital Caliper
• Best For: Beginners & occasional use
• Pros: Budget-friendly, decent accuracy
• Cons: Rough sliding, lower build quality, less durable
Final Recommendations
• For professionals or serious makers → Mitutoyo is the best option.
• For the best balance of price and performance → Clockwise is the way to go.
• If you’re on a budget and need a caliper occasionally → Pittsburgh will work, but you’ll likely upgrade soon.
🛠 Products Featured in This Video:
✔ Mitutoyo 500 Series Digital Caliper – https://amzn.to/4gjBuUQ
✔ Clockwise DCLR-0605 Digital Caliper – https://amzn.to/40ShFzn
✔ Pittsburgh Digital Caliper (Harbor Freight) – https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-digital-caliper-63711.html
What’s your go-to digital caliper?
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