Carrera Precision CP5906 0-Inch to 6-Inch Electronic Digital Caliper

If I was building a prototype of a Cadillac or a BMW I would obviously use something more elaborate and expensive. That said, it's pretty precise, extremely easy to use, and better than a simple mechanical caliper from a readability standpoint. I used it right away on something I knew, and it was perfect. I then tried it on a couple of random screws and discovered the size hole to drill instantly.Pros = very inexpensive, accurate to 1/1000 inch, and easy to figure out without the manual. There's a zero reset button, English/metric toggle, on/off toggle. The foam lined case protects it. The documentation is OK. I didn't notice any fractured English, and it did show some use cases, but there was no explanation of the data port. I probably wouldn't use that feature anyway, but it would be nice to know how it works. It looks like a simple 2 wire serial interface, and I guess people familiar with electronic interface tools know about any standards/software/hookups (if I had to guess, it would be crossing lines 2 & 3 on a RS-232 port, but I really don't know).Cons = If you are not used to using it, you can hit one of the buttons by accident. It happened to me when I was carrying it from where I was using it to a table where I could write down some notes. I accidentally hit reset with the calipers open and had to mechanically bring it back to it's zero set. It wasn't the end of the world. The case is brittle. I accidentally chipped it during some rough use. It was my fault, but if it were more resilient it would not have happened. The buttons seem a little flimsy. If this were a higher end product I might ding for that, but not at this price point.

Product works great and is usable even if the battery for the digital display dies. Speaking of which the display won't turn off on its own. So if you forget to turn it off when you put it away you will quickly run down the battery. After the few years the electronics will drain your battery when not in use. Then when you go to use it, surprise, no display. I stock extra batteries and will remove the battery when not in use. If you use this daily the battery drain may not impact you as much.

You get what you pay for. I use this for reloading and it is not accurate and changes after every use. I would pay more to get a better one.

I bought this product to measure the hard to find O-rings for my hobby air guns and this machine gives the precise measurement and I was able to order the proper sizes I need. It is also very easy to use and a zero reset button which makes the digital reading precise.It also comes with a case (sturdy enough) to keep the caliper in safe place when not in use and plus the two cell batteries (one is a spare).Another high quality tool in my collection. I recommend this to everyone who needs instant precise digital reading of parts.

Good general purpose shop calipers.....

Updated - I really liked these - while they worked. I had them for 3 years and then they started going crazy like there was an electrical short. I've tried replacing the battery numerous times with different brands (just in case I had a bad battery), cleaning the contacts with no luck. I never abused these. I kept them in the case while not in use. My last calipers lasted for about 10 years before crapping out. I just bought a new one that is a different design in a totally different brand. Got my fingers crossed!Original review: I use my caliper a lot to measure rhinestones and other things. I did my research and got this one about a year ago. I really like it. It moves smoothly and is clear to read. It also has an "off" button, which many do not have. I've replaced the battery once in the last year. It's much better than the last one I had, which was about the same price.

There are a few features that are not clearly included and some that are answered incorrectly In the question and answer section.This model (the 5906) ; - displays inches down to .0005. The last digit only displays "5" or "0".- the display automatically turns "On" when the caliper is moved about .003 inches. You do not have to turn the unit "On" by pushing the On/Off button. All you need to do is pick the unit up and slightly move tbe unit open or closed a few thousands of an inch and it is ready to use.- This unit will also automatically turn itself Off to save battery life after 5 minutes of inactivity.- Also this model will read in digital inches and millimeters only. It will not display fractions.- If you are happy with the above, buy it. It is a very nice digital caliper.There are others that have larger displays and others that will also include fractions, but after having some that do not automatically turn on, this is a convenient model for me.Hope thi is helpful for some.TomH

They seem to be a nice inexpensive digital calipers, it feels nice in hand. The ability of accuracy is right on for now that may change over the course of use.