Mitutoyo 148-503 Micrometer Head

Curated from 84 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 22, 2025

Mitutoyo 148-503 Micrometer Head

Brand: Mitutoyo
Price: $67
Snoop Score:
5.3
Sentiment
6.1
Popularity
7.8
Technical
4.2

Snoop's Take

The Mitutoyo 148-503 Micrometer Head is a precise measuring tool designed for those who require accuracy in small measurements, specifically within a range of 0-13mm. This micrometer features a zero-adjustable thimble, a satin chrome finish to resist rust, and a lapped measuring face that enhances measurement accuracy. Users appreciate the ease of reading and the reliability of Mitutoyo products, with sentiments such as "so easy to use and so repeatable" highlighting its strengths, while some express concerns over the thimble's responsiveness and calibration issues that may affect performance. Overall, the feedback indicates that the Mitutoyo 148-503 Micrometer is highly regarded for its precision and reliability, with many users recommending it for its ease of use and accuracy in measurement. However, potential buyers should be aware of the noted drawbacks, particularly regarding the thimble's operation and issues related to calibration. Despite these concerns, the product is generally recommended for those seeking a dependable mechanical micrometer in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Micrometer Heads

Mitutoyo is still putting out the great instruments they always have.

Positive Feedback

I'm not a fan of gauges like this when you can get a mitutoyo multi anvil micrometer and have a more versatile tool for about the same cost.

Negative Feedback
Product
5.3
Mitutoyo 148-503 Micrometer Head
Industrial Quality Control
4 / 10
Automotive Maintenance
4 / 10
Tool Calibration
4 / 10
Machine Setup and Inspection
4 / 10
See how this compares to all Micrometer Heads

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Mitutoyo produces great instruments
Mitutoyo is still putting out the great instruments they always have.
How is the body attatched to the head?
Mitutoyo is preferred for precision and ease of reading
Mitutoyo digital is definitely the go-to for precision and ease of reading.
So easy to use and so repeatable.
They’re the best IMO.
Good deal for a vintage Mitutoyo micrometer
Does anyone know if I got a good deal or if it’s worthless, I don’t have experience in evaluating precision tools.
I'd think you got a steal especially since it's still in package.
Mitutoyo micrometers are recommended for reliability
I know a digital one is probably better but I don't trust them.
Pretty much any mitutoyo micrometer would be a good one.
Quick and easy to read measurements
quick and easy to read, taking multiple measurements and writing or typing them is just easier when it's already written out.
It's faster to read, the metric/us unit button is VERY handy.
when you have the ability to instantly measure something in either system accurate to a couple thou, why risk doing unit conversions in your head all the time?
It helps a lot especially a digital mic.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Preference for more versatile tools over this model
I'm not a fan of gauges like this when you can get a mitutoyo multi anvil micrometer and have a more versatile tool for about the same cost.
Lever not responsive for measurements
it takes too long for the 3 points to extend out to take measurements, makes it hard to use.
Thimble is hard to turn
Thimble is hard to turn.
the thimble is hard to turn and it dosn't even respond to turning by ratchet.
Calibration issue causing stiffness
If reassembled incorrectly or too tight, it will seize and act stiff.
Micrometer is seized and immovable
Can anyone give advice on fixing my Mitutoyo Micrometer that is seized to the point of being stuck?
its been seized up and immovable for a week or so.
Missing thumb lock may cause issues
Are you sure it didn't break off in the locked position?
Micrometer head is stuck and immovable
The measuring head is struck and wouldn’t unscrew from this position.
If it's so bent you can't remove it then you might be SOL.
Preference for digital micrometers over mechanical ones
Technically that is a digital micrometer. 😊

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
KUIDAMOS Digital Micrometer Head 25mm Measuring ToolKUIDAMOS Digital Micrometer Head 25mm Measuring Tool$63
9.8
DetailsBuy
ZIZEV Digital Micrometer Head 0-15mmZIZEV Digital Micrometer Head 0-15mm$51
9.0
DetailsBuy
KIMISS 0.001mm Digital Micrometer HeadKIMISS 0.001mm Digital Micrometer Head$38
8.0
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 150-206 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 150-206 Micrometer Head$87
8.0
DetailsBuy
SHARS 0-1" Electronic Micrometer HeadSHARS 0-1" Electronic Micrometer Head$47
8.0
DetailsBuy
INSIZE 6381-1W Micrometer HeadINSIZE 6381-1W Micrometer Head$47
7.8
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 148-501 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 148-501 Micrometer Head$67
7.8
DetailsBuy
Dasqua 4812-5115 Micrometer HeadDasqua 4812-5115 Micrometer Head$24
7.2
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 153-208 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 153-208 Micrometer Head$164
7.2
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 150-191 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 150-191 Micrometer Head$74
6.6
DetailsBuy
Garosa Micrometer Head 0-13mm Inside MicrometerGarosa Micrometer Head 0-13mm Inside Micrometer$15
6.5
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 148-811 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 148-811 Micrometer Head$91
6.1
DetailsBuy
Fowler 54-220-777-1 Digital Micrometer HeadFowler 54-220-777-1 Digital Micrometer Head$146
5.8
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 152-102 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 152-102 Micrometer Head$106
5.4
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 151-272 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 151-272 Micrometer Head$188
5.4
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 148-503 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 148-503 Micrometer Head$67
5.3
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 153-203 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 153-203 Micrometer Head$85
5.2
DetailsBuy
Homeswitch Micrometer Head Measure Tool 0-13mmHomeswitch Micrometer Head Measure Tool 0-13mm$11
4.5
DetailsBuy
Starrett Micrometer Head with One-Piece SpindleStarrett Micrometer Head with One-Piece Spindle$159
4.5
DetailsBuy
Dasqua 4812-5120 Micrometer HeadDasqua 4812-5120 Micrometer Head$72
4.2
DetailsBuy
Mitutoyo 148-104 Micrometer HeadMitutoyo 148-104 Micrometer Head$74
3.4
DetailsBuy
Homeswitch Ratchet Micrometer Head Measure ToolHomeswitch Ratchet Micrometer Head Measure Tool$16
3.3
DetailsBuy
Starrett Micrometer Head with Lock NutStarrett Micrometer Head with Lock Nut$214
2.8
DetailsBuy
Shars 0-1" Micrometer HeadShars 0-1" Micrometer Head$30
1.9
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about head protection vs. neck protection.
its a lack of neck protection not head protection
Not a head injury that’s a neck shoulder injury.
a shrieker would have *flown* off with your Helldiver head.
An intact head right? So no injury to the Head itself.
Inquiry about the purpose of thin anvils
What is the purpose of the extra thin anvils?

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Interest in micrometer repair techniques
Does anyone have any information regarding micrometer repair that can be done in house?
It's not Mitutoyo specific but it might be helpful.
In other words the most basic of repairs... And even then the mic may not be accurate.
Use of audiobooks during machining to reduce boredom
The boredom of pulling the quill down to drill holes, then deburring has been greatly reduced!

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Creative storytelling about in-game incidents.
One shrieker ran off with my helldiver head the other day.
other than that I've landed on my head a few times after being launched like team rocket.
A shrieker walked up to him, pulled Jimmy's skull right out of his head, and beat him to death with it.
Discussion about alternative brands and models
I was seeing some starrett micrometer heads on ebay for dirt cheap and I'm tempted to attempt making something similar as a fun project.
Don’t pay the inflated Brownell’s price, this is really just a starrett 207z can-seam micrometer, made for measuring can seam heights.
Discussion on various brands and models of micrometers
I really like the thimble feel.
Incredible accuracy if you want to buy a pack to fill your capabilities.
Discussion about the interchangeability of digital and analog parts
I notice, however, how relatively inexpensive the manual analog ones are.
if it's broke it's junk anyway and you need to get your hands dirty to learn.
Concerns about the authenticity of resellers
I'm looking to buy a real mitutoyo caliper, but I'm leery of most resellers as I know there are a lot of forgeries out there.
Cause he wants Mitutoyo calipers, but not Mitutoyo prices.
it is still often the fastest way to get tools unless you have a MSC account with next day shipping.
Discussion about where to buy Mitutoyo tools
Msc is where i get my mine, got browne and sharpe and mitutuyo from them.
Importance of checking quality before purchase
A bit late when you have spent a whole year sending undelivered birthday cards, or in a machinists case, by the time you have scrapped a £100 hunk of stock due to an incorrect measurement.
Cleaning methods suggested for maintenance
It’ll be good as new.
is still the same.
The anvils get gummed up.
should free up.
Discussions about disassembly and maintenance
Take it apart and clean the threads and put a drop of lube in there.
Is there some instruction how to dissasemble it correctly? Im terrified to dissasemble mitutoyo cuz of their price :D
The spindle literally just unscrews out of it, nothing will come flying out when you do that.
I once got a depth mic that felt a bit tight, did that to it and not it moves like a dream.
Discussion about learning to read micrometer scales
Ultimately the choice is yours and it depends on what your looking to get out of your experience.
Unless you are doing unusually precise and complicated work at home, chances are resolutions of .0001" is overkill.
Thoughts on precision requirements for hobbyists
Unless youre doing grinding regularly, theres no need to chase this sort of precision.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Trolls may increase negative reviews
Knowing the internet this is just going to invite trolls to make further 1 star reviews lmao.
Skepticism about the validity of claims made.
How do you know that Helldiver? Shouldn’t YOU still be with YOUR head?
The head wasn't recovered so obvously it didn't happen.
Concerns about Starrett's quality control
their QC seems to have tanked in the last year or so and we scrap almost 3% of our Starrett heads as soon as they're out of the box.
Discussion on Mitutoyo's product range limitations
They will make one for us but I'm still waiting on the quote.
Discussion on the longevity and reliability of older micrometers
Yep, I've been using my grandfather's old Starret 0-1 mic from the early 50's for 16 years and it calibrates to the tenth every year.
Advice on repairing stuck micrometers
Twist it open instead of closed.
Discussion on fixing stuck micrometers
just remove the gunk created by people oiling it.
Concerns about measurement confidence after repair
Probably get a nice new mitutoyo for 3 bills.
Discussion on accuracy vs. resolution in measurements
if you've got a part where a difference of 5 tenths is enough to make it go or no-go, then you sure as shit won't be using calipers to take that measurement, you'll use a micrometer with at least 0.0001" accuracy.

You May Also Like

Explore more Categories
Outside Micrometers
Top Outside Micrometers for Precision Industrial Measurement
Top Outside Micrometers for Precision Industrial Measurement