What is how to read a micrometer?

Here's a breakdown of how to read a micrometer:

A micrometer is a precision measuring instrument used to measure small distances with high accuracy. It consists primarily of a frame, anvil, spindle, sleeve, thimble, and ratchet stop.

Understanding the Parts & Scales

Reading a Metric Micrometer (Accuracy 0.01mm)

  1. Read the Sleeve Scale (Main Scale): Note the last visible millimeter marking on the sleeve before the thimble edge. For example, if you see the markings 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 clearly visible, read 5mm. This step is linked to https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Read%20the%20Sleeve%20Scale.

  2. Read the Sleeve Scale (Secondary Scale): Observe if a half-millimeter marking is visible after the last full millimeter marking. If you see the 1/2 mm marking, add 0.5mm to your reading from Step 1. This step is linked to https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Read%20the%20Sleeve%20Scale%20(Secondary%20Scale).

  3. Read the Thimble Scale: Find the line on the thimble that aligns with the horizontal line on the sleeve. The number on the thimble at that point represents hundredths of a millimeter. So, if the thimble reads "28," that's 0.28mm. This step is linked to https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Read%20the%20Thimble%20Scale.

  4. Add the Readings: Add the values from Steps 1, 2, and 3 together to get the final measurement.

    • Example: 5mm (from Step 1) + 0.5mm (from Step 2) + 0.28mm (from Step 3) = 5.78mm

Reading an Inch Micrometer (Accuracy 0.001 inch)

The principle is the same, but the scales are in inches:

  1. Read the Sleeve Scale (Main Scale): Each division on the sleeve represents 0.025 inch.

  2. Read the Thimble Scale: Each division on the thimble represents 0.001 inch.

  3. Add the Readings: Combine the sleeve and thimble readings to get the final measurement.

Important Considerations: