Mitutoyo 153-208 Micrometer Head

Curated from 86 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 9, 2025

Mitutoyo 153-208 Micrometer Head

Brand: Mitutoyo
Price: $164
Snoop Score:
7.2
Sentiment
6.9
Popularity
8.0
Technical
7.1

Snoop's Take

The Mitutoyo 153-208 Micrometer Head is a precision instrument designed for accurate measurements ranging from 0-1" with a graduation of 0.0001". Equipped with a non-rotating spindle and a vernier scale, it ensures minimal wear on workpieces while providing exceptional accuracy for users in various fields. Consumer sentiment highlights the reliability and precision of Mitutoyo instruments, with users stating that, "Mitutoyo is still putting out the great instruments they always have." Many experienced users recommend Mitutoyo micrometers for their accuracy, ease of reading, and longevity, noting that they have become a go-to choice for both professionals and hobbyists. However, some feedback mentions concerns about pricing and the learning curve associated with reading the vernier scale, which may deter certain users. Overall, the Mitutoyo 153-208 Micrometer Head is highly recommended for those in need of a reliable and precise measuring tool. Despite some pricing concerns, its quality and performance make it a valuable addition to any workshop or laboratory.

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

Positive Feedback

Don’t pay the inflated Brownell’s price, this is really just a starrett 207z can-seam micrometer.

Negative Feedback
Product
7.2
Mitutoyo 153-208 Micrometer Head
Industrial Quality Control
7 / 10
Automotive Maintenance
7 / 10
Tool Calibration
7 / 10
Machine Setup and Inspection
7 / 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.
Mitutoyo instruments are highly regarded
How is the body attatched to the head? Anyone have one?
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.
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.
Highly regarded by experienced users
When that one wore out I got a Mitutoyo electronic digi, I loved that mic.
Great value for a vintage Mitutoyo micrometer.
I picked up this Mitutoyo micrometer up at a flee market for $8, it is still sealed in its plastic packaging.
I'd think you got a steal especially since it's still in package.
Mitutoyo tools are long-lasting and reliable.
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.
Mitutoyo micrometers are recommended for accuracy and learning.
I know a digital one is probably better but I don't trust them.
Getting one with the numerical readout will not help you with learning to read a micrometer scale quickly and easily.
Vernier scale is beneficial for precision measurements.
The vernier on the mics aren't too bad, in fact that model was my go to at work where I'm often going in the +-.001".
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.
why risk doing unit conversions in your head all the time?
Metric/US unit conversion button is handy
I can see the Inch/MM button coming in very handy.
Very accurate and reliable
Very glad I got them too, very accurate and repeatability is great.
Micrometers hold square during welding
Mine still holds things pretty square when I’m welding.
Quick measurement with digital tools
the quickness and cutting down on the chance of a misread when you’re in a hurry is pretty dang nice.
the chances of a miss read are slim to none. That and it is much faster.
Use painters tape to cover the decimal place maybe?
Analog tools help learning and comprehension
there's something about using the old ones because the new kids can't read it and it helps make you feel smarter.
One day, you're going to have to teach someone how to read that thing over the phone. And you'll fucking hate your life during that excruciating time.
Preference for accuracy in measurements
If truly it needs to be right I’ll check my calibration with either.
The digital micrometer easily outperformed the analog.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Mitutoyo products are priced higher compared to others
Don’t pay the inflated Brownell’s price, this is really just a starrett 207z can-seam micrometer.
Cause he wants Mitutoyo calipers, but not Mitutoyo prices.
Higher price compared to alternatives
Incredible accuracy if you want to buy a pack to fill your capabilities.
Lever responsiveness issues
it takes too long for the 3 points to extend out to take measurements, makes it hard to use.
i just tried cleaning them as best i could with a rag with iso but is still the same.
Learning to read a vernier scale can be challenging.
I'd rather gouge my eyes out than learning another Vernier scale.
Precision of .0001" might be overkill for hobbyists.
Unless you are doing unusually precise and complicated work at home, chances are resolutions of .0001" is overkill.
Micrometers go out of calibration easily
Hot take: Mitutoyo micrometers are actually trash They go through the chip auger ONE TIME and they're "out of calibration".
Challenges in reading analog tools for some users
he said he didn't know how to read it....
He gets all pissy when I hand him digital shit.
It messes him up because he's used to reading right to left on the DRO.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on the use of thin anvils.
What is the purpose of the extra thin anvils?
Discussion around the necessity of high precision for home machining.
Unless youre doing grinding (as in, cylindrical or surface grinding) regularly, theres no need to chase this sort of precision.
Preference for digital calipers over dial calipers
Dial calipers technically have infinite sensitivity, in theory... why would you not want to have that needle that tells you how close or far you are from the nearest thousandth?
Distinction between resolution and accuracy 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.
Discussion about labeling for reference only
Just put a "for reference only" sticker on it any you're back in business.
Discussion on preference between digital and analog tools
I'd probably introduce students to the use of a vernier calipers before a mic.
Sold. I’ve been eyeing one forever.
many people here have never used one.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Interest in in-house 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.
Suggestions for repair techniques
just remove the gunk created by people oiling it.
If it's so bent you can't remove it then you might be SOL.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Comparisons to other brands and models are common
Even used on ebay selling for $250+
Discussion about parts interchangeability between digital and analog models.
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.
Discussion on quality assurance when purchasing tools
Still good to check the quality of what you buy.
A bit late when you have spent a whole year sending undelivered birthday cards.
Advice for cleaning tools
It’ll be good as new.
The anvils get gummed up.
should free up.
General chatter about using audio while working.
The boredom of pulling the quill down to drill holes, then deburring has been greatly reduced!
Discussion on estimating measurements with dial calipers
I've noticed that I can pretty accurately estimate to within a couple tenths (ten-thousandths) with these.
Use of ultrasonic cleaners for maintenance
And if they get dirty, throw them in the ultrasonic cleaner.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Negative reviews may encourage trolling.
this is just going to invite trolls to make further 1 star reviews lmao.
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 the use of perspective in product reviews.
Not the worst ever example but why are people still using perspective/editing to make their head look so small?!
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.
Msc is where i get my mine, got browne and sharpe and mitutuyo from them.
it is still often the fastest way to get tools unless you have a MSC account with next day shipping.
Advice on fixing a seized micrometer
Twist it open instead of closed.
Are you sure it didn't break off in the locked position?
its been seized up and immovable for a week or so.
Consensus on repair methods
Can anyone give advice on fixing my Mitutoyo Micrometer that is seized to the point of being stuck?
Concerns about measurement accuracy after repair
Probably get a nice new mitutoyo for 3 bills.
Humorous take on ISO audit compliance
If that sticker is good enough for an ISO audit, it's good enough for me.

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