Essential tools of all kinds, especially calipers, don’t usually come in left-handed forms. This can be a major inconvenience forced onto left-handers who struggle with using regular calipers, including digital ones, all of which are commonly designed only for right-handers. From measuring the dimensions of numerous objects to the depth of holes, it’s no secret how helpful and singular calipers are in numerous fields.
Though not many, there are a few companies that have recognized and understood a lefty’s struggles and provided suitable counterpart designs for a few types of calipers, to be used specifically by those who are left-handed. In this article, we cover the many struggles lefties face when using or looking for calipers, the types of calipers available, and how to identify the best left-handed electronic calipers for you.
This isn’t the only measuring device that lefties find hard to use. They also appreciate left-handed measuring tapes.
Table of Contents
- 1 In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks for Best Left Handed Calipers
- 2 Why Are Right-Handed Calipers Difficult to Use for Lefties?
- 3 Are There Left Handed Calipers?
- 4 Are Digital Calipers More Accurate?
- 5 Best Left Handed Digital Calipers
- 5.1 Fowler 6″, 8″ and 12″ Flip-Plus Electronic Calipers
- 5.2 Accusize Industrial Tools Electronic Digital Caliper
- 5.3 TTC EC230Z 0-12″ and EC215Z 0-6″ Left-Hand Electronic Caliper
- 5.4 INSIZE 1130-150 Electronic Left Hand Caliper, 0-6″
- 5.5 Chicago Brand 50001-L 6-Inch Left-Handed Electronic Digital Caliper
- 6 What Should I Look for in a Left-Handed Digital Caliper?
In a Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks for Best Left Handed Calipers
TOP PICK
INSIZE 1130-150 Electronic Left Hand Caliper, 0-6″
- Range: 0-6″
- Data output connection port
- Measurement accuracy: 0.0012″
RUNNER UP
Fowler 6″, 8″ and 12″ Flip-Plus Electronic Calipers
- Range: 0-6″, 8″, 12″
- Display flips 180° for right and left handed use
- Measurement accuracy: 0.0005″
BUDGET PICK
Accusize Industrial Tools Electronic Digital Caliper
- Range: 0-6″, 8″, 12″
- Tolerance setting, data holding with absolute and relative measurements
- Measurement accuracy: 0.0005″
Why Are Right-Handed Calipers Difficult to Use for Lefties?
A right-handed caliper of any kind is designed not only to fit comfortably in a right-hander’s grip, but all the readings are also in the appropriate positions only for right-handers, along with the dial, and scales. Lefties can’t use this type easily simply because everything is designed to go against their natural holding position.
There are 2 main issues lefties would face when using these. First, when using it to measure the width or depth of an object, you’ll have to measure and then flip the calipers to have a look at the reading. Secondly, since you can’t flip it to the other side to use it (readings only on one side), you would have to grip the calipers in an awkward position which also forces you to read upside down. This just doesn’t work for a lefty.
Compared to regular calipers, a left-hander would need the thumb wheel reversed, and the scale and display flipped to be readable. Basically, a redesign is required.
Are There Left Handed Calipers?
Some of the most trusted and enduring companies to produce calipers such as Brown & Sharpe, Mitutoyo, and Starret, don’t stock left-handed alternatives for calipers mainly due to the lack of demand for such specific items. Though Mitutoyo and Starret had once produced left-handed calipers (only by custom order), they have since discontinued them.
Fortunately, there are a few other companies producing calipers designed for lefties. But these calipers are manufactured only in digital forms, with an LCD screen and a plastic finish. The movable display acts as the “dial” for this model.
The exact reason as to why only digital calipers are made for lefties is not clear, but a digital caliper is more convenient and efficient at getting accurate readings, more resistant to calculation changes if knocked, clearer to read measurements than vernier or dial, and it offers a choice of measurement units with the click of a button, unlike dial calipers. This makes it less risk-inducing for companies by providing just one standard caliper solely for lefties and gives a left-hander the best of both worlds.
Are Digital Calipers More Accurate?
Most digital calipers are considered highly accurate due to their ability to measure values as small as 0.0005 inches (depending on the caliper model) if handled with precision. They are also sturdily built to resist occasional knocks and maintain accurate measurement values, unlike a dial caliper which is more prone to misalignment if knocked or dropped. Along with these reasons, a digital caliper display is simply much easier to read and get precise measurements than a dial or vernier caliper.
Best Left Handed Digital Calipers
To help you choose the right caliper for your needs and to be sure of the various benefits and pain points for lefties, here are some of the best left-handed digital calipers.
Fowler 6″, 8″ and 12″ Flip-Plus Electronic Calipers
This Fowler Flip-Plus electronic caliper comes in its own protective case (good for portability), with 2 sets of batteries and a 1-inch mic standard, which allows you to check the caliper’s accuracy. Also included, are a manual, and certificate of calibration. With a heavy-duty stainless steel, 3.5mm thick frame, and a firm, textured thumb-wheel linear encoder (slider), this Fowler caliper model is of high quality for both right and left-handed use. Fowler offers 3 types of the same caliper (along with the mentioned accessories) with only the length differing; 6’’, 8’’, and 12’’. All 3 calipers feature 4 ways of measurement; outside diameter, inside diameter, depth, and step.
Its most convenient feature, an LCD display for a clearer view of results, also allows for comfortable use in different applications; top viewing, and for left-handers, thanks to its 180 degrees flip rotation feature.
Another valuable feature is its inch-to-metric conversion button for those who require the reading to be in a particular unit of measurement. Next to this, is a floating zero button which also acts as an on and off switch when pressed down for long. This is an ideal caliper for lefties, as it is very simple to convert it from its right-handed design to a left-handed design and can be very durable if precautions are taken. However, the 12’’ Fowler caliper may be too steep in its price for some, at $154. Though the frame is of top-quality, the display is neither scratch-resistant nor water-resistant, and so, this one part could cause you to worry if being used outdoors as water could easily damage it.
Pros
Firm, durable structure.
Fitted with a thumb wheel for better measurement control.
Suitable flip screen display for left-handed users.
Inch to metric conversion.
Comes with an inch mic standard for checking accuracy.
Cons
Not safe to use near water, which could cause it to malfunction.
Not scratch-resistant.
The 12’’ caliper model is quite expensive.
Accusize Industrial Tools Electronic Digital Caliper
This Accusize Industrial Tools electronic caliper is designed specifically for left-handed operation. This is a tolerance setting, data holding caliper with absolute and relative measurements of the outside diameter, inside diameter, step, and depth.
The caliper’s large 12mm LCD display is made of quartz glass, making it highly scratch-resistant. It also comes with a case and a battery, making it ideal for outdoor use. This model’s display unit has 3 buttons, one solely for switching it on/off, one for inch to metric conversion, and the last one to set the display back to zero during any measuring position.
It is also known to become slightly inaccurate in its measurements by 0.2’’ or more over time so you’ll need to recalibrate it now and then.
To turn it on, you simply need to slide the display and it will switch on. You will also need to manually turn it off after using it, as this caliper does not have an automatic shut-off feature. Some may face an issue when taking measurements due to the absence of a thumb wheel at the base of the display. However, this caliper works very well for left-handers due to its strong metal build and is very simple to read the measurements when working with multiple machines, especially a lathe.
Pros
Large and clear display.
Scratch-resistant screen.
Good for indoor/outdoor use.
Cons
No auto-off feature.
No thumb wheel to slide up/down.
Risk of inaccuracy over time.
TTC EC230Z 0-12″ and EC215Z 0-6″ Left-Hand Electronic Caliper
These 2 TTC electronic calipers are another set of digital calipers specifically designed for left-handed use. The TTC 12-inch caliper is heavier than the 6-inch due to its increased scale length, weighing 2.2 pounds. All features are similar with both, including all standard measurement capabilities. The display is a large 12mm screen that slides across the scale and acts as the “rack and pillion” of a digital caliper. Though easy to use, it does not come with a thumb wheel, a part that many require on a caliper to attain higher accuracy and for a more comfortable grip. More expensive than others of its kind, you may also find the 12’’ caliper quite a bit more than the price of the 6’’ caliper.
It is not scratch-resistant and water-resistant, limiting its uses for both indoor and outdoor measurement work. Other features included as part of the display box are buttons for inch-to-metric conversion, zero setting at any position, and an on/off button. Overall, a decent caliper for lefties.
Pros
Large, very clear 12mm display.
The same caliper is offered in 2 sizes 6’’ and 12’’ for greater measurement applications.
Cons
No thumb wheel.
Neither water-resistant nor scratch-resistant.
INSIZE 1130-150 Electronic Left Hand Caliper, 0-6″
The Insize 1130-1150 caliper model is a firm, stainless steel electronic caliper that can measure up to 6 inches with a +/-.0012″ accuracy. Made specifically for left-handed use, this caliper comes with the standard 4 measuring capabilities, along with a thumb wheel for greater control over measurements and a firmer grip. This caliper comes in a plastic case, along with a battery and a certificate of inspection with NIST traceability.
It features 3 buttoned options; an auto on/off switch, a zero setting, and an inch-to-metric conversion. The caliper is also equipped with a data output connection port to extract measurement data, which is a unique feature. Being an electrical item with a digital display and port, there is one major drawback. It is not water-resistant, and will have to be handled with care if ever used near water.
Pros
Has a thumb wheel for more accurate measurement.
Data output connection port.
Auto on/off function.
Comes in a case.
Cons
Not water-resistant.
Has to be manually reset to zero.
Chicago Brand 50001-L 6-Inch Left-Handed Electronic Digital Caliper
The Chicago Brand 50001-L left-handed caliper is a digital caliper with a liquid crystal LCD screen. It can measure units as low as .001 inches with accuracy and has a sturdy stainless steel frame for durability. The caliper comes in its own plastic case along with batteries, including a spare.
This caliper comes with the 3 standard electronic caliper buttons; floating zero, on/off, and inch/metric. It is a simple, standard, and overall easy-to-use caliper for left-handers due to its sturdy build, and a thumb wheel for better measuring control and grip. Unfortunately, it is not water-resistant, which could limit its uses. Overall, it features nothing in particular that stands out from the rest, and over time may become inaccurate. A decent caliper for a home garage, but not for work.
Pros
Thumb wheel on the caliper.
Comes in a case with 2 batteries.
Cons
Not water-resistant.
May lose accuracy after multiple uses.
What Should I Look for in a Left-Handed Digital Caliper?
When choosing a caliper to purchase, there are a few things you should keep in mind that will help you greatly in the future when you put the caliper to work. Here are some factors that are sure to help you choose your preferred left-handed digital caliper:
Measuring Range
Calipers come in multiple sizes, ranging from 0-6’’ sizes to some that measure 0-24’’. The most common size to find is the 0-6’’ models, which are also easiest to use due to their balanced weight and structure. Using a longer caliper, even a 0-12’’, will give some difficulties due to the primary weight leaning to one side.
Accuracy
Digital calipers have an edge over vernier and dial calipers due to their ability to get more precise measurements, thanks to their electronic build. However, the accuracy of any caliper is determined by multiple factors such as the material quality of the caliper, the structure, and the measuring skill of the user (precision while operating). In general, common models are built to provide a measurement accuracy of 0.001 inches or a resolution of 0.0005 inches.
On top of this, you should also go for a digital caliper made of the best durable material for long-term accuracy, stainless steel, which also provides a smoother movement of the slider. A thumb wheel is also preferable for accuracy, as it helps you open/close the jaws with more precision. All these points should be taken into account for maximum measurement accuracy.
Material
The choice of material of your caliper depends on 2 things: Uses and budget. While an ideal caliper is one that has a stainless steel body, water and scratch-resistant display, and a firmly fitted thumb wheel, this will cost much more than common calipers made of plastic.
Stainless steel calipers are very corrosion-resistant and along with a water-resistant display, are suitable even for outdoor use. Plastic digital calipers are the cheapest, and also the lightest calipers you can find. But it is not at all a good choice for professional and long-term use, as it is not very durable.
IP54 Protection for Outdoor Use
For outdoor use, besides a strong structure, you would need a caliper that is resistant to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and water. For most professional uses, like in machine warehouses or outdoors, having an IP (ingress protection) certificate is necessary. The industry-standard digital caliper IP protection certificate is the IP54. The first number (“5” in this case) indicates resilience against dust, while the second number, 4, indicates “resilience against splashes of water”. Make sure to get an IP54 qualified caliper if you are doing work outdoors.
Measuring Versatility and Display
Digital calipers, more than any other type of caliper, are always manufactured to come with measurement tools performing 4 different functions and are often called 4-way calipers due to their ability to measure the following: External measurement (diameter), internal measurement, step, and depth measurements. Today, these are all highly important functions that your digital caliper should have.
The display, probably the feature that is most sought after in a digital caliper, should ideally be large enough for you to comfortably read measurements. A 12mm display is the best size you can find on a digital caliper, and preferably, one that’s scratch-resistant and water-resistant for maximum usage.
Quality of Parts
The scale and jaws of a caliper (the whole frame) should be of great quality for lengthy use. Stainless steel calipers are the best you can find for long-term use. The construction quality of the jaws is the most important aspect of a caliper that you should inspect when you purchase to make sure that the movement of the jaws is smooth. Along with this, ensure that the slider runs smoothly and that the thumb wheel rotates without any interruption.
Most calipers also come with a lock screw to lock the jaws in place after measuring. This is very useful when you carry it to another location and want to preserve the reading, or need to extract the data. This part should also be tested when purchasing.
Ease of Use
Most digital calipers are very easy to use for any measurement type. With an LCD, attuned to maximum accuracy, it gives you the results in the most convenient and fastest way possible. Much of the ease of using a digital caliper, however, depends on the construction quality of the parts and the materials used.
Battery Life
Almost all digital calipers are powered by the same kind of battery, an LR44 or SR44 1.5V battery, easily available in most hardware stores. LR44 batteries last a few months of constant use before giving out if your caliper is switched off after every use. The most important thing to remember is to switch off your caliper manually, even if it has an auto-off function. If you aren’t planning on using your caliper for a while, then always remove the battery to avoid it being drained. This will help preserve battery life for a long time.
Durability and Maintenance
To be able to use the same digital caliper for a long time, possibly years, you would need to maintain them well. Keeping your caliper in a case when not in use is a must. This will protect it from many environmental conditions. Always clean your caliper jaws before and after any use by sliding a piece of clean paper/tissue down the jaw’s inner measuring faces. Check the caliper’s calibration regularly, and re-calibrate with a mic standard or other appropriate accessory when required. Another important thing to remember is to never keep your caliper near any magnetic material, as this will ruin the caliper’s measuring precision.
Extra Features
There are additional features added to some digital calipers that could help you even further. Some calipers come with data output ports with/without a cable to be able to transfer the measurement data to your computer. Some also come with larger displays than others for a clearer, larger view of results. An auto-off function for the display is also another useful feature for when you forget to switch your caliper off. Though not essential, these features will help you greatly in a professional line of work.
