5.0 out of 5 stars Precise Measurements, Imprecise Impressions: My Take on the Draper 80859 Caliper

R.G. · 22 July 2024

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Precise Measurements, Imprecise Impressions: My Take on the Draper 80859 CaliperAs a DIY enthusiast and occasional precision measurement nerd, I was eager to get my hands on the Draper 80859 Dual Reading Digital Vernier Caliper. This little gadget promised accuracy and versatility, and it certainly delivered... mostly. 🔍Let's start with the positives: The caliper's build quality is impressive. Made from hardened stainless steel, it feels solid and durable in hand. The large digital display is a godsend for my aging eyes, showing both metric and imperial measurements with 0.01mm and 0.005" graduations. Switching between units is as easy as pressing a button - a feature I didn't know I needed until I had it! 🔄The auto power-off feature is a battery-saver, which I appreciate given how often I forget to turn off my tools. Speaking of which, it comes with an SR44 battery included - always a nice touch.However, it's not all smooth measurements. While generally accurate, I've noticed some inconsistencies when measuring the same object multiple times. It's minor, but in a tool designed for precision, it's a bit disappointing. 😕The buttons, while functional, feel a bit cheap compared to the rest of the tool. I worry about their longevity with frequent use.One unexpected quirk: the caliper sometimes struggles with very small measurements. It's not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of if you're working with tiny components.As for value, it's a mixed bag. While it's not the cheapest option out there, it's not outrageously priced either. Given its features and build quality, I'd say it's a fair deal, especially for hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts like myself.In conclusion, the Draper 80859 is a solid choice for those needing a reliable digital caliper for most tasks. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done with style... most of the time. If you can live with occasional quirks and don't need ultra-precise measurements, this could be your new workshop buddy. Just don't expect it to revolutionize your measurement game! 🛠️

5.0 out of 5 stars Works perfectly and good price

T. · 30 November 2024

Been meaning to get a this tool for a while, this one is well priced and the quality is spot on. Ive already used it for a few tasks and it does the job as expected. Even comes with a spare battery.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good quality and accurate

K. · 9 July 2024

Not the cheapest caliper, nor the most expensive. Comes with a case and a spare battery (incase the fitted one was dead which it wasn't). Seems good quality.

5.0 out of 5 stars When less isn't more

O. · 13 December 2024

I was having problems with the hose reducers I was 3D printing, they never seemed to fit as well as they should have.It was only whilst watching Episode 233 of The China Show on y-tube, at 54m19s that it all made sense.They show 4 made in china measuring tapes with *wildly* differing lengths lined up together by workers on a construction site!It must have been due to the cheap chinese calipers I had been using.Once I realised, I set about researching top quality calipers.I was very tempted to go for some £100+ Mitutoyo calipers, very very tempted, even though I know I only need to use them mainly for the light amount of 3d printing that I do, and even though I know you need to go to a respected and trusted seller to dodge the cheap chinese Mitutoyo clones.Common sense kicked in and I started looking at a sensible price range for the limited usage that they will endure. A British company is always a preference for me, support local jobs wherever possible. Draper it is.Oddly enough, £27.90 felt like a lot after buying those <£5 cheap chinese calipers (CCC), even though I was ready to spend £100+ on the Japanese Mitutoyo - funny how that works...Guess what I did when they arrived?Started a measuring competition - and to be fair the CCC were only off by 0.1mm in SOME instances, in other instances they were out by 2mm or more - and no, it wasn't the battery being too low.They feel solid, they are solid and until I used the slide thumbscrew for more precise control and the top screw to lock in place, I didn't know what I had been missing.No more CCC - that last C isn't for calipers - just use 4 of the letters instead of the 8 and you'll know exactly what I mean.

5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate tool

K.b. · 9 March 2025

Good quality reasonably priced tool works well and accurate

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - well worth the money

O. · 4 October 2023

These don't have the cachet of Mitutoyo, but they don't have the price either - and given that nearly all of the Mitutoyo calipers you can buy online are Chinese counterfeits that's a very good thing.In use, these are really good to use: clear display, "auto on" when you slide them, and a smooth, easy slide - they feel heavy and solid as well.Just like Mitutoyo, the depth gauge slot is milled, with a round end rather than ground with a end slope, and it's a clean mill job.If I had to have complaints, they would be pretty petty: they are shipped with the battery fitted, but with a spare - only there is no indication of the battery expiry date; the box is difficult to open - three hands would make it easier but it is possible with two.I have to admit, I like Draper tools - they do seem to always be good quality. If these get damaged, I'll buy them again.

4.0 out of 5 stars A quality item

C. · 3 September 2024

The digital vernier supplied is well made in stainless steel and a pleasure to use. I recommend it to anyone who needs high accuracy measurements.

5.0 out of 5 stars Quality doesn't have to cost the earth

D.M. · 26 February 2024

I bought this to replace a similarly-priced, no-name knock-off that did not survive two cell changes.It appears to be of considerably better construction and, although I've not yet had cause to change its cell, the fact that Draper is a UK company gives me rather more confidence than otherwise (on the grounds that the Consumer Rights Act 2015 would actually be enforceable, besides any reputational consideration).

Great for the price

S. · 9 March 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Nice box, works great