Just had to endure a bunch of whining from a finance guy becuase I ordered a new micrometer to replace one about 10 years old. It's still in calibration but it's just worn and getting difficult to turn.
Got me thinking...

what's the useful life of a good quality hand held digital micrometer (the one in question is 0-1", .00005" resolution)that is used on a daily basis in a fairly clean QC lab with occasional trips to the CNC department? Stored either in a drawer or on top of an inspection station.

I suppose in theory it could last forever if you really take good care of it, but in practice what is your experience?

Hello, Discordian!

I have seen some Mitutoyo micrometers that have been in use for over 10 years that I know of. They are used maybe 30 minutes a day, and are "locked" in place. I guess depending on useage and travel distance, you can shorten the length.

I agree with Brad. 10 years life is not unusual with reasonable care. Replacement of batteries is all that is typicaly needed.
Of course put in with an harsh enviroment then all bets are off.
:2cents:

Hi,
If you have good replacement parts is should go on and on and on.


Tim

You get to a point where replacement/repair costs outweigh the cost of a new micrometer. At my current job, we use Mitutoyo micrometers for measurement in a lab that measures the properties of iron powders for customers - I just had to replace 1 earlier this year - basically worn from continual exposure to fine powders making operation difficult. It was 6 years old.

Prior position, a mechanical testing lab for a stainless steel producer, we used Fowler micrometers because they paired up with the computer controlled tensile testing equipment we used - average life was around 6/7 years. After that too many little things started going wrong, and it was more cost efficient to replace rather than repair.

My personal Mitutoyo 0-1" is well over 20 years and maintains excellant calibration.

I have a full set of Starrett inside and outside (that will measure from 0-6") micrometers that I have owned since 1973 or so and they are still excellant shape and maintain calibration well. They were used when I bought them so they may be well over 40 years old. As with any precision tool they have to be cared for and used properly.

A good brand name micrometer with carbide faces with proper care and maintenance should last a lifetime, digital or analog.

I have a 0-1 micrometer of my father’s that is over 50 years old, I use it daily .

Define quality. If its a Starrett, B&S, Tesa, Mitutoyo etc then yes 10 years seems alittle short for its life span. I've heard of Starrett tools for example being past on multipul generations for over 100 years! :)

If its a "higher end" of the price spectrium of a import then 10 years doesn't sound too unreasonable.

Mind you I got to ask did you ever try disassembling the micrometer and repairing it, it might just need to be cleaned in acetone (to remove any of the greases and dirt that is inside it) and have some mineral oil applied to it (to lubricate it, I got some of Starrett's Mineral oil to use for that called "Tool and Instrument Oil"). It might just bring it back to life without any replacement parts needed yet anyways. :)

Dimitri