Retro Vernier Caliper Copper Alloy Mini Brass Sliding Pocket Caliper Metal Double Scale for Measuring Gemstones and Jewelry Components Bead Wire G...

Quality is great. Easy to use and read

The thickness of the device catches on prongs and prevents an accurate reading of small gem sizes in setting. Need needlenose calipers to do the job right.

Short length is perfect for carrying in a small bag or pocket. It does not feel like it will bend easily. Could be easier to read if there was more contrast, but the indentation marks are visible enough. Easy to use, just slide back and forth. I expect it to last a long time.

This is one of those standard cheap brass calipers that many people don't seem to know how to read. The scale is a vernier scale, for those who don't remember how to read one here's a refresher. You read the first line as your base measurement, as in the attached picture. 21mm is the base reading of the Canadian nickle, but the first line doesn't match up exactly with the 21mm mark. So, you look further down the scale, and the 2nd mark (first line at 21mm counts as 0) looks to line up almost exactly. So that makes your measurement 21.2mm - googling the diameter of a Canadian nickle - 21.2mm. As for the slide being loose - pull it out all the way and put a *slight* bend in it. Slide it back together and it'll stick. Is it perfect? No. Will it last forever? No. Is it good enough and accurate for what it is? Yes. You want better accuracy? Buy a micrometer.

It's accurate and easy to use. Not the highest quality alloy or finish, but for the price it's great. Would buy again.