Micrometers

The micrometer is a precision measuring instrument with one fixed and one movable face. The movable face uses a screw mechanism that allows very accurate measurement of the distance between the faces. Variations of the micrometer measure inside, outside, and depth of a part feature. In addition to the dial caliper, the micrometer is a must for every laboratory toolkit. For very precise measurements, care should be taken to not allow body heat to expand the micrometer frame. The zero error of a micrometer should always be checked before any measurement is commenced, as dirt on the faces is enough to throw off the reading.