The slightest bit of wear on the moving parts of the dial can throw off the accuracy of the zero setting. Fortunately, a provision is made so that you can easily adjust the zero on your dial caliper.
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Be sure that there are no dust or dirt particles between the jaws of the caliper.
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Turn the thumb wheel of the caliper until the jaws are completely closed.
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Loosen the adjustment lock screw. On this particular caliper (see photo), the screw is pointed out by a red arrow.
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Turn the dial until the the hairline indicator (the hand on the dial) is on the zero. It doesn't matter how the orientation of the dial is set.
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Tighten the adjustment lock screw. Your caliper will now read correctly when you take a measurement.
The Drip Cap
- A dial caliper is a measuring instrument with an accuracy rivaling that of a micrometer.
- Loosen the adjustment lock screw.
- Your caliper will now read correctly when you take a measurement.