Digital Callipers. Measuring stuff is cool. Especially when you can combine the digital readout with the fumbly fingers. Definitely. Oh yes.
Superb precision calliper. Can measure up to 150mm (6″) with a resolution of 0.01mm (0.0005″). Readout on a 5-digit LCD display in mm or in inches. Comes with battery.
These things used to be expensive… but now I can get them from various online stores (Habor Freight, Northern Tools) for about $20 a set. I own a bunch of them, so I always have one handy.
They are excellent, very accurate, and they mostly elminate operator error. The in/mm converter is especially handy, as I have a ton of English drill bits and assorted tools, but mostly Italian (metric) cars. Now I can measure the part, press the in/mm key, and go pick the appropriate drill bit.
Hmm…interesting feedback Mark, thanks. So digital and analgue can work together in harmony, eh? Who’d a thought? :-)