Hand tools are the workhorse of the industry. Every metrologist has a variety of hand tools in his toolbox. You’re sure to find one, two or several micrometers in that toolbox to accurately measure thickness, outer and inner diameters, as well as depth of slots. Despite a relatively short measuring range, micrometers provide a high level of accuracy and stability unmatched by many other handheld gages.
You will likely find both analog and digital micrometers in that toolbox. Despite the introduction of electronic micrometers, analog micrometers are still widely used today and are the preferred model for many veteran workers. While today’s digital micrometers are more accurate than mechanical micrometers, mechanical models are less expensive and easier to maintain without the need to replace a battery. In addition to accuracy, an advantage of digital micrometers is the dual inch/metric reading. With digital models data can be recorded, printed or downloaded to a computer, and wireless data collection allows for easy data transfer, saving time and eliminating errors.