Mitutoyo dial caliper copper gib strip not staying in position

C

Chris Attebery

Cast Iron

Joined

Jun 14, 2002

Location

Gilroy, CA, USA

• Mar 27, 2020

• #1

I've had this set of calipers for a few years and I've never had any issues with them. The other day I went to use them and noticed that the copper gib strip had moved out from the end of the head. I've tried readjusting the screws but it keeps moving. There is a hole in one end of it. What should that hole be aligned with?

Thanks,


Chris

 

eKretz

Diamond; Mod Squad

Joined

Mar 27, 2005

Location

Northwest Indiana, USA

• Mar 27, 2020

• #2

Possibly one of the screws. I have a Mitutoyo dial caliper, I'll have a peek at it and let you know how it looks.

 

eKretz

Diamond; Mod Squad

Joined

Mar 27, 2005

Location

Northwest Indiana, USA

• Mar 27, 2020

• #3

Yep. One of the screws is a dog-point, it locks into the hole or notch to prevent the gib sliding out. You probably don't have it aligned correctly if it's sliding out. When installed correctly you shouldn't be able to see the gib sticking out past the housing, it should be tucked inside at both ends. It's a little tricky since the gib is bowed like a leaf spring - the leading end tends to hang up on the way in. Once it sticks, use a toothpick or paper clip to push down inside the hole (gib screws both removed) by the leading end, that should allow you to push it the rest of the way in. Look down the hole to see when the notch is lined up, then put the dog-point screw in.

 

C

Chris Attebery

Cast Iron

Joined

Jun 14, 2002

Location

Gilroy, CA, USA

• Mar 27, 2020

• #4

Thank you sir. I'll check it out and report back.

 

eKretz

Diamond; Mod Squad

Joined

Mar 27, 2005

Location

Northwest Indiana, USA

• Mar 27, 2020

• #5

You're welcome. Don't forget to clean and oil the caliper and the gib while you have it apart. Gave me a good opportunity to do mine. I added a micro-dot of blue loctite to the side of the screws after they were started in the holes too. That way the adjustment doesn't loosen up over time.

 

C

Chris Attebery

Cast Iron

Joined

Jun 14, 2002

Location

Gilroy, CA, USA

• Mar 27, 2020

• #6

That was it. The point on the screw was so small that I missed it. Thanks again!

 

M

Milland

Diamond

Joined

Jul 6, 2006

Location

Hillsboro, New Hampshire

• Mar 27, 2020

• #7

Minor correction for the record - the gib will be a bronze, not copper. Both for bearing, "springiness" and wear properties.

[/pedant]

 

eKretz

Diamond; Mod Squad

Joined

Mar 27, 2005

Location

Northwest Indiana, USA

• Mar 28, 2020

• #8

Haha, I purposely did not mention that so as not to look um, pedantic?

 

M

Milland

Diamond

Joined

Jul 6, 2006

Location

Hillsboro, New Hampshire

• Mar 28, 2020

• #9

eKretz said:

Haha, I purposely did not mention that so as not to look um, pedantic?

Click to expand...

Left to my own devises, I inevitably sink to "asshole teacher" level.

 

M

Milland

Diamond

Joined

Jul 6, 2006

Location

Hillsboro, New Hampshire

• Mar 28, 2020

• #10

barbter said:

Hmmm....but what "mix" of bronze?

Click to expand...

That I leave as an exercise for the student...