only work between 5 and 6 inches thick.
thread micrometer), the inside micrometer, and
Therefore, in selecting a micrometer, you must
the depth micrometer (fig. 3-20). The outside
first find the approximate size of the work to the
micrometer is used for measuring outside
nearest inch, and then select a micrometer that
dimensions, such as the diameter of a piece of
fits it. For example, to find the exact diameter
to determine the pitch diameter of screws. The
of a piece of round stock, use a rule and find the
inside micrometer is used for measuring inside
approximate diameter of the stock. If it is 3 1/4
dimensions. For example, it is used to measure
inches, you need a micrometer with a 3- to 4-inch
range to measure the exact diameter. Similarly,
the inside diameter of a tube or hole, the bore of
a cylinder, or the width of a recess. The depth
rods of suitable lengths into the tool to get the
micrometer is used for measuring the depth of
approximate dimension within an inch; then, you
holes or recesses.
read the exact measurement by turning the
thimble. The size of a micrometer indicates the
Selecting the Proper Micrometer
size of the largest work it measures.
made so that the longest movement possible
between the spindle and the anvil is 1 inch. This
Reading a Micrometer Caliper
movement is called the range. The frames of
Figure 3-21 shows an enlarged sleeve and
micrometers, however, are available in a wide
thimble scales on the micrometer caliper. To
variety of sizes, from 1 inch up to as large as
24 inches. The range of a 1-inch micrometer is
understand these scales, you need to know that
from 0 to 1 inch; in other words, it can be used
the threaded section on the spindle, which
revolves, has 40 threads per inch. Therefore, every
on work where the part to be measured is 1 inch
time the thimble completes a revolution, the
or less. A 2-inch micrometer has a range from
spindle advances or recedes l/40 inch (0.025 inch).
1 inch to 2 inches, and it measures only work
Notice that the horizontal line on the sleeve
between 1 and 2 inches thick; a 6-inch micrometer
is divided into 40 equal parts per inch. Every
has a range from 5 to 6 inches, and it measures
Figure 3-20.--Common types of micrometers.
3-14