Outside calipers as clamps

[NOBLNG]

Pic says it all! Clamping pressure is completely adjustable. You could slide a couple of rubber vacuum port plugs over the tips to make them more versatile.

Edited Thursday at 11:23 PM by NOBLNG

[R. Thorne]

Your ideas are just too simple (AFTER you show it to me, and after I say “Why didn’t I think of that?”).  Great stuff, as usual.  Thank you, Greg.

[stavanzer]

Man, Why didn't I think of this?

 

Argh.

[Bugatti Fan]

One should remember that outside calipers are designed to be an engineering measuring tool. I would certainly not misuse fine quality ones like Starrett or my Moore and Wright ones for this purpose as there would be the danger of misalignment to the pincer arms from using excess pressure.

However, there are plenty of cheapo ones about  where this would not matter so much that could be bought and utilised for this purpose if someone really wants to. Having said that, there are plenty of inexpensive clamps of various types on the market in any case.

 

[NOBLNG]

The beauty of these are that you have a clamping range from zero to more than you likely need. Most dedicated clamps that are large enough to span 2”-3” have far too heavy of a spring and will crush delicate assemblies. These can be tightened as much or little as needed, but as Noel said over-tightening them may damage them? I can’t imagine needing that much pressure but…? I’ve had these cheapos in the garage for probably 25 years and don’t recall ever using them for anything.🤔

[johnyrotten]

I see these all the time at flea market's. I'll definitely grab a couple for the bench. Any thoughts on making some different shaped "feet" (removable) for different applications/areas?

[NOBLNG]

On 9/10/2025 at 7:45 AM, johnyrotten said:

I see these all the time at flea market's. I'll definitely grab a couple for the bench. Any thoughts on making some different shaped "feet" (removable) for different applications/areas?

Anything is possible but probably more work than it’s worth.🧐 Just add some anti-slip vacuum caps and all is good.🙂 It can even grip and clamp non-parallel surfaces.

Edited Thursday at 06:56 PM by NOBLNG

[TECHMAN]

56 minutes ago, johnyrotten said:

I see these all the time at flea market's. I'll definitely grab a couple for the bench. 

That is one GREAT idea!!!!!  I don't mind spending a few bucks for something usable, but most certainly wouldn't want to damage a quality tool using it for an "alternate purpose".....  But finding an old/worn out/damaged tool, and re-purposing it, count me in!!!!    

GREAT TIP!!!1 👍👍

DJ

[johnyrotten]

17 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

Anything is possible but probably more work than it’s worth.🧐 Just add some anti-slip vacuum caps and all is good.🙂

 

I see that as a great idea, I had happened to have a pair of welders clamps in my hand and the light bulb went off..

[NOBLNG]

If you have flea markets nearby I would check them first, but they can be had real cheap at Harbor Freight or online.

Edited September 10 by NOBLNG
Change HF to Harbor Freight so I don’t have to buy burgers.😳

[mcs1056]

Though I never use HF stuff for anything that might put my life (or eye, or limb, or dog, or boat/car/motorcycle) in peril, it's great for stuff like this. 

$9.99 for the set at HF. It even includes a non-digital caliper, to confuse 'da youts. (I know. It's not vernier, but still...)

Stopping on my way home. 

 

[mcs1056]

Sorry...Harbor Freight. 

I have a rule at work; Use an acronym or initialization without first giving the full title and you buy lunch for the meeting leader. 

So, I guess I owe NOBLNG some Burger King.

[peteski]

That *IS* a Vernier caliper - just arranged differently than typical Vernier calipers.  I also likely has lower resolution (basically you get what you paid for).

[Bainford]

1 hour ago, peteski said:

That *IS* a Vernier caliper - just arranged differently than typical Vernier calipers. 

Not that it matters. Anyone alive that knows how to read them no longer has the eyesight to do so.😉

[mcs1056]

1 hour ago, Bainford said:

Not that it matters. Anyone alive that knows how to read them no longer has the eyesight to do so.😉

Apparently very true, as I couldn't see it. Looked like it was just a ruler with a pointer. I'm surprised Peteski could, because, as he wrote, he "likely has lower resolution..."

[Rick L]

It’s funny how the subject went from clamps to verniers so quickly.🙃

[peteski]

5 hours ago, mcs1056 said:

Apparently very true, as I couldn't see it. Looked like it was just a ruler with a pointer. I'm surprised Peteski could, because, as he wrote, he "likely has lower resolution..."

Not sure why you aren't seeing it Mike.  TO me it is clear as day that this is a Vernier caliper.  Maybe we live in alternate universes? Which might be true because I went to the HF website and could not find the set of outside calipers shown in this thread.

 

[mcs1056]

2 hours ago, peteski said:

Not sure why you aren't seeing it Mike.  TO me it is clear as day that this is a Vernier caliper.  Maybe we live in alternate universes? Which might be true because I went to the HF website and could not find the set of outside calipers shown in this thread.

 

I meant that latest post to be an admission of my failure to notice vernier element. You pointed it out and I then saw it. I was wrong. You continue to be awesome.

As for your inability to find them on the HF site; You are probably correct, and I am probably wrong...again. The attached pic is likely a figment of my imagination.  I begin to doubt my sanity, vision, and camera, again (though that is my thumb). (Is the pic actually there??? Are any of us really here??? Who is John Galt???)   

Regarding the thread moving to verniers; Sorry 'bout dat.

[peteski]

Hey dude, can't we all just get along? I'm not out to get you. Your posts directed to me are not cool.

I simply mentioned that I could not find those calipers on the HF website.  I did not mention this to prove that you are wrong. I tried multiple searches, and even listed all the available calipers.  I was hoping that someone (you maybe) would post the actual link to those calipers so I can check them out myself.  And you seem to have done that by posting that photo - thanks!

I was looking under calipers.  In your photo I spotted that "measuring set" is mentioned on the packaging. Guess what?  When  I searched HF site for "measuring set" they popped right up. But they are listed under Home > Building & Construction > Measuring & Marking > Specialty Measuring Tools > Technical Measuring Tools, not under "calipers" section. No wonder I could not find them using "caliper" as a keyword.  Thanks for your assistance Mr. Scally!

Here is a link for future reference: https://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-technical-measuring-set-94447.html

As for me being awesome, I'm well aware of that.

Edited September 11 by peteski

[Bugatti Fan]

Quality Verniers are made from precision machined quality steels, engraved and calibrated for accuracy by the manufacturer in a controlled environment, and  are quite expensive.

On the other hand, those cheapo versions are just made from mild steel stampings with no guarantee of accuracy. They are basically a 'near enough' measuring tool for casual users, probably knocked out on a power press in a back street workshop somewhere.

[NOBLNG]

Thanks for all your completely irrelevant input boys.🙄

[Bugatti Fan]

Yep!        You are absolutely right Greg.   

Guilty as charged for drifting off topic along with a few others.    Profound apologies !

[NOBLNG]

Just to keep everything relevant, I made a vernier clamp.🤓

 

Edited Thursday at 06:53 PM by NOBLNG

[Bugatti Fan]

I like your style Greg !

[johnyrotten]

27 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

Just to keep everything relevant, I made a vernier clamp.🤓

 

Next you'll use a micrometer as a precision c clamp.