Measurement Instruments &Tools

Accurate Measurement

Objectives
What is an accurate measurement Review different types of measuring instruments and their application Learn how to calibrate instruments Care and maintenance of instruments Advanced diagnostic session

Why are these measuring devices called instruments

Definition of Accurate (from dictionary)

free from error especially as the result of

care

able to give an accurate result

What happens if you do not measure accurately?

Examples of Failed Measurements

YouTube - LS1 Blows Engine

Name here

Measuring Instruments
Micrometers Vernier Calipers Dial Indicators Telescopic Gauges Small Hole Gauges Thickness Gauges Straight Edge

Outside Micrometer

Instrument for making precise linear measurements of dimensions such as diameters, thicknesses, and lengths of solid bodies. It consists of a C-shaped frame with a movable jaw operated by a screw. The accuracy of the measurements depends on the accuracy of the screw-nut combination.

Imperial and Metric

Inside Micrometer

Depth Micrometer

Outside Micrometer
Inside Micrometer

Depth Micrometer Can you identify the metric micrometer ?

Digital Micrometers

Combination Digital

Metric or Imperial at the push of a button

Parts of a Micrometer

Precision Instrument

Micrometer Donts
Do not drop Do not run over Do not over tighten (it is not a vice) Do not drop in chemicals Do not leave it covered in grease Do not let anyone borrow it Do not leave lying around

Micrometer Dos
Keep clean Keep calibrated Keep in storage box Keep locked up Keep away from everyone Keep in practice reading it !

Using an Outside Micrometer

Using a Depth Micrometer

Using Inside Micrometer

Brake Drum Micrometer

Essentially it is a heavy duty Inside Micrometer

Measuring a brake rotor

What is the name of the micrometer in the picture?

Steps to reading a micrometer

Calibrate unit Identify scale (metric or imperial) Identify range of micrometer (size) Read Sleeve first number you see Read Sleeve for second number (graduation) Read Thimble

Note-if it is a 4 digit mic, read last number on Sleeve (will discuss later)

Step # 1 Calibrate Micrometer

Before using any measuring instrument you must check to ensure it is calibrated (accurate)

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YouTube - measuring the thickness of a block using a micrometer www.tgbcomputing.com

Step # 2 Identify scale

Step # 3 Identify Range (size)

Where to find range

Imperial equivalent would be a 0-1

Step # 4 Reading the Sleeve and Example shows 0.341 Thimble

1

Number on Sleeve

Number on Thimble

Imperial Micrometer

Graduation on Sleeve

Thimble numbers go from 0 to 20

Sample Reading
Example using a 0-1 Outside Micrometer

First number is the size of the Mic 0.000

Second number is the first number on Sleeve .000

Third number is .025 graduations you see on Sleeve .025 x 2 = .050

Fourth number is read on the

Thimble
.016

Recording Measurement from Sample Reading

First reading Range of Mic. 0 1 so the first number would be 0.000

Second reading number on Sleeve

Number you see is Zero so it would be .000 Third reading graduation on Sleeve Two graduations exposed so number is .050 Final number is number on the Thimble Final number is .016

Total Readings
First reading Range of Mic. Second reading number on Sleeve Third reading graduation on Sleeve 0.000 0.000 0.050

Final number is number on the Thimble 0.016 ______ Total is ?

0.066

Reading an Imperial Micrometer

Reading an Imperial Micrometer Exercise # 1 (2-3 mic)

Answer : 2.550

Reading an Imperial Micrometer Exercise # 2 (0-1 mic)

Answer:

0.802

Reading an Imperial Micrometer Exercise # 3 (1-2 mic)

Answer:

1.645

Reading a Metric Micrometer

Reading a Metric Micrometer

Notice that Thimble numbers are higher than the Imperial Mic ? Thats how you know it is Metric scale. Thimble numbers go from 0 to 45

Example of 4 digit Metric Micrometer 0.0000

Reading a Metric Micrometer Exercise # 1 (0-25mm Range)

Answer : 12. 69

Reading a Metric Micrometer Exercise # 2 (0-25mm Range)

Answer : 23.99

Telescopic Gauges
Spring loaded Measure large inside dia.

Using Telescopic Gauges

Small Holes Gauges

Measure small Inside Diameters

Dividers or Caliper
Instrument that consists of two adjustable legs or jaws for measuring the dimensions of material parts. Outside calipers measure thicknesses and outside diameters of objects; inside calipers measure hole diameters and distances between surfaces.

Standard Vernier Caliper

Instrument for making very accurate linear or angular measurements. Introduced in 1631 by Pierre Vernier (c. 15801637), it uses two graduated scales: a main scale similar to that on a ruler, and a specially graduated scale, the vernier, that slides parallel to the main scale and enables readings to be made to a fraction of a division on the main scale.

Why buy a Vernier Caliper? Durable Accurate measuring instrument Multiple reading use Easy to store and maintain

Readings that can be taken Outside Diameter Inside Diameter Thickness Depth
Can this instrument not take place of a mic?

Dividers or Caliper

Small Holes Gauges

Telescopic Gauges

Dial Vernier Caliper

Digital Vernier Caliper

YouTube - Digital Caliper Bug

Using a Vernier Caliper

How to use and read a Vernier Caliper
YouTube - all about verniers

Checking calibration of Vernier Caliper and allowing for error

YouTube - measuring a weight using a vernier caliper

Reading a Vernier Caliper # 1

2.641

Reading a Vernier Caliper # 2

1.581

Reading a Vernier Caliper # 2

0.508

Dial Indicators
Any of a number of deviation-type gauges that indicate the amount by which an object being gauged deviates from the standard. This deviation is shown in units of measurement, in which movement of a gauging spindle deflects a pointer on a graduated dial

Calibration of Dial Indicator

Turn dial until pointer aligns with the Zero

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Note-example of Metric Dial Indicator

Calibration button

Dial Indicator with Stand

Very useful instrument for checking Steering and Suspension components

Simpler Measuring Devices Thickness Gauges

Flat Blade Feeler Gauges Wire Gauges Taper Gauge

Metric Feeler Gauges

Imperial Feeler Gauges

Straight Edge

Accurately machined surface

References - Links
YouTube - all about verniers YouTube - measuring a weight using a vernier caliper YouTube - measuring the thickness of a block using a micrometer www.tgbcomputing.com TGB Computing & Publishing