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Fowler 52-240-005-1 Outside Inch Micrometer

Curated from 69 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: September 13, 2024

Fowler 52-240-005-1 Outside Inch Micrometer

Brand: Fowler
Price: $70
Snoop Score:
6.4
Sentiment
6.8
Popularity
9.0
Technical
5.4

Snoop's Take

The Fowler 52-240-005-1 is an outside inch micrometer designed for precise measurements within a 4-5" range. It features a hardened anvil and spindle with carbide-tipped measuring faces, allowing for accuracy of ± 0.00025". Consumer feedback highlights its good value for those starting with micrometers, with many stating that it's a "screaming deal that you won't regret". Users appreciate the decent quality for the price, particularly noting its effectiveness for measuring bearing fits, while some express concerns about calibration issues associated with Fowler tools. Overall, this micrometer is recommended for those seeking reliable measuring tools in its category, especially for beginners.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Outside Micrometers

This is a screaming deal that you won't regret.

Positive Feedback

I particularly had trouble with Fowler, but it was 15 years ago so it may not be the same anymore.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.4
Fowler 52-240-005-1 Outside Inch Micrometer
Precision Engineering
7 / 10
Quality Control
7 / 10
Tool Calibration
7 / 10
Repair & Maintenance
7 / 10
See how this compares to all Outside Micrometers

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Good value for a starting set of micrometers
This is a screaming deal that you won't regret.
Not sure if it's worth anything.
$40 is decent!
Decent set of outside micrometers for the price
Fowler has a decent set of outside micrometers covering 0-4" on Amazon for just over $100.
Good for measuring bearing fits with precision
I love the idea of these, especially since they'll be easier to use one handed.
Good quality micrometers with carbide anvil faces
Good quality with carbide anvil faces, they are suitable for your needs.
if any trade knows their micrometers, it's machinists.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Frequent calibration issues with Fowler tools
I particularly had trouble with Fowler, but it was 15 years ago so it may not be the same anymore.
I’d say any micrometer is a good one as long as you keep it calibrated.
Calibration only does so much if your tool is crap to begin with.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Mitutoyo 103-260 Outside MicrometerMitutoyo 103-260 Outside Micrometer$99
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Starrett 436.1XRL-1 Outside MicrometerStarrett 436.1XRL-1 Outside Micrometer$103
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Fowler 52-229-214-0 Economy Outside Micrometer SetFowler 52-229-214-0 Economy Outside Micrometer Set$158
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HOMGEN Outside Micrometer 0-25mm Precision ToolHOMGEN Outside Micrometer 0-25mm Precision Tool$8
2.3
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HFS(R) 1" Mechanical Digital Outside MicrometerHFS(R) 1" Mechanical Digital Outside Micrometer$36
0.9
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Anytime Tools 1" Digital Outside MicrometerAnytime Tools 1" Digital Outside Micrometer$57
0.6
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about benefits of digital vs manual micrometers
It’s called a digital micrometer.
Just go digital, if you keep it clean and use a master block to verify it's perfect.
Preference for digital micrometers for convenience
the friction thimble feels better to use than the ratchet thimble imo.
They're fantastic and absolutely reliable, the batteries last forever.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on using feeler gauges for measuring
Move the piston all around to measure taper. Don't forget that piston will expand on your hot little hands.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion about brands and buying options for micrometers
I need to be accurate down to a half thousandth.
Starrett and Mitutoyo are the industry leaders.
I’ve found some very good deals in the past.
good old 'bet on the wrong horse and love my knee caps' pawn shops.
Discussion about the importance of investing in quality inspection equipment
They've made 1st quality measuring instruments for several generations now and are still some of the best you can buy.
Discussion about keeping micrometers calibrated
If I buy cheap I make sure I keep a little set of gauge blocks and every day before I use those calipers or Mics I check them on the gauge blocks to see if they are still good.
To be fair this is good practice no matter the brand.
Discussion on investing in quality measuring tools
If you're making a career out of this, don't cheap out, because you'll have to buy the good set eventually.
Seriously though, don't cheap out on measuring equipment. You'll regret it.
Get the china ones for now, but keep saving for Starret (or whatever).
Debate on the merits of different brands of micrometers
Yeah I'm checking there right now, I found a set of 3 starrett micrometers but they're metric :-(.
Advice on checking measurements for accuracy
Just make sure you check it at various points.
Importance of using gauge blocks for tool accuracy
Your gauge blocks should generally be more accurate than your measuring device (caliper, micrometer, etc.).
Advice against choosing the cheapest option for micrometers
Go Fowler instead. This is not a tool that you want to go with cheapest option.
Discussion on budget options for micrometers
Best Budget Performer
I've gotten my hands on several Mitutoyo, Starrett, and Browne and Sharpe mics for under $20.
Yep look on Craigslist or eBay for a used mitutoyo
We'd like to spend ~$100 max.
General debate on brand preferences for measuring instruments
They are great mics for general purpose work.
Advice on affordable micrometer options
for $150 I don't think you'll find a better deal

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about brand reliability for micrometers
Micrometer Brands Does the brand matter when it comes to micrometers, the particular type I'm talkin
Mitutoyo is a great value.
You can tell the difference between a mic that is from a known company like mitutuyo, starret, brown and sharpe from others especially over time.
If I had to start over with my tools, for critical tools like micrometers or indicators I would absolutely go Mitutoyo.
General discussion about brands and reliability of micrometers
I would put them in the same class as Fowler and SPI for quality.
I paid 40$ Canadian for this item.
Concerns about battery types in measuring tools
Silver oxide batteries are designed to last a long time, whereas alkaline batts are designed to be more powerful in the short term.
There is a battery drain problem even when the device is off.
Strong preference for Mitutoyo and other brands over Fowler
hands down the best two on the market.
Discussion on the importance of brand reliability in micrometers
I like my Brown and Sharp micrometers.

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