I am a Machinist, which means that I use precision measuring
instruments on a daily basis.
This is your problem right here:
(no brand on the case, or the unit itself, but it does say “Made in
China”)
Do yourself a favor and get a caliper that is actually made to
measure accurately and reliably. I recommend Mitutoyo, and no other
brand. If you like I can point you to some vendors, but seeing as how
you are in Australia, i’m unsure whether the vendors I have in mind
would ship down there.
If you are put off by the price here’s something to think about: We
spend $50-75 for a hammer to whack things, $200 + on dapping punches,
100 + on setting burs, and yet we somehow can’t bring ourselves to
spend more than $20 on an instrument that measures components,
stones, burs, drills, rivets, and all the other numerous things that
need measuring. This is a tool, and a precision one at that, and just
like every other tool quality is had at a price.
If you can’t find any vendors or the price is to high please let me
know, I might be able to get my hands on one for a very low price. In
fact, I just purchased a 6" coolant proof model (waterproof) for
$100, and it’s in almost new condition.
Kaleb