Fowler 52-253-004-1, Premium Outside Inch Micrometer With 3-4" Measuring Range

Perfect

For most of my adult life, I have admired well-made vernier dial calipers and micrometers like this one. Finally, I made an investment, and cannot see any quality difference between these and the über famous Starrett brand. There is a useful, short and direct video on how to calibrate precisely this item on YouTube and if you aren't familiar with micrometers, this is worth your time to watch. Anyway, these are a true joy to use - and I'm finding that now that I can measure the thickness of materials quite accurately, I am avoiding problems with projects up front and solving others in ways I hadn't considered. As an example, my wife recently got a plastic lamination machine to use at school for her students. The plastic laminate comes in various mil thicknesses. Now that I can measure the thickness of, for example, a social security card - I can help her pick the right laminate so that the result is sufficiently strong but not too stiff. Moreover, I use it extensively in my metal shop. You can buy these with confidence. However, do make sure you keep and read the instructions, treat the instrument with respect - you can't toss these around like you would a T-square for example - and you will have a high precision tool that you can pass down to your grandchildren.

Nice tool for price point

I have a couple of micrometers and test indicators by Starrett. Obviously, Starrett is considered the best in industry and for good reason. But, these micrometers by Fowler are just as accurate and durable as Starrett. The only small complaint I have is that there is not a tenth scale on these. But, I don't think I have ever used that scale anyway because I just estimate the tenths by the main index mark. The average home machinist doesn't really need anything closer than that anyway. Fowler has been around for a long time and they make high precision tools. They use to be a lot higher in price. I don't know how the price has got driven down so low but I can tell you these are a bargain. With normal use and care , they will last you a lifetime.

Good micrometer. Smooth and accurate. Very happy with the new tool.

Mine was misplaced so I ordered this to replace it. I shopped around and this was half price of anything I could find of this quality. I ultimately located my original and compared the two, they come up with the same measurement in every case!

Accurate when tested with standards and has a smooth operation.

I think I got a returned item the mic bag was already opened but no matter still works. Feels like high quality metal and light weight.

Bought this and their 2"-3".. Very repeatable and they match each other on a 2" test pin. Not super fine adjustment but those can be couple hundred each. Great mics for the cost. Just screw them all the way out first and clean male and female threads, lube and put back together. Tiny bit of grit on them as shipped, no big deal and something your should do regularly anyway.

Seems very well made. Initial adjustment easy with measuring guage piece provided in the kit and reading the instructions. Comes with a nice overpack sleeve on the plastic case. Used to check new 4 inch pistons .40 over for blueprinting purposes against my bore guage readings, ie. squirt clearance. Fowler is a good rep. name, I do recommend for serious DIY Ford engine builds at a real good value for the cost.

Perfect

Perfect

On-time delivery. Goods packed carefully, packaged well. Good item and moderate price.