Calipers measure the distance between two opposing sides of an object. They
make inside, outside, depth, or step measurements, according to their type.
Calipers are commonly used in architecture, metalworking, mechanical
engineering, and machining. The simplest calipers have two legs to mark the
two points and require a ruler to take the measurement. More complex calipers
use two sets of jaws instead of legs and have up to two graduated scales.
Vernier, dial, and digital calipers give direct and accurate readings and are
functionally identical, having a calibrated scale with a fixed jaw, and
another jaw with a movable pointer that slides along the scale. The vernier
caliper has a scale sliding parallel to the main scale for an additional,
fractional reading to improve measurement precision. The dial caliper has a
circular dial with a pointer on a toothed gear rack replacing the second
vernier scale. As with the vernier, this second measurement is added to the
reading from the main scale to obtain the result. The digital caliper takes a
differential by zeroing the display at any point along the slide, with an LCD
that displays a single value in English and/or metric units.Brown & Sharpe
manufactures precision measuring equipment and metrology hand tools. The
company, founded in 1833, is headquartered in North Kingstown, RI.