How to Use and Read an Outside Micrometer

If you are a machinist, manufacturing, or engine professional, exact measurements are an everyday must. When it comes to measuring cylindrical or spherical objects, an outside micrometer would be the best tool to use. A well calibrated micrometer can be difficult to use, but with patience and practice, this tool can be a part of your skill set.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Measuring with the Micrometer

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    1
    Familiarize yourself with the anatomy of a micrometer. Some parts are stationary while others are movable.
    • Ratchet stop
    • Thimble
    • Frame
    • Thimble lock
    • Spindle
    • Anvil
    • Sleeve
  2. Image titled Use and Read an Outside Micrometer Step 2
    2
    Clean the anvil and spindle before beginning. Use either a clean sheet of paper or soft cloth, and hold it between the anvil and the spindle. Gently twist and close on the sheet or cloth. Slowly, pull out the sheet or the cloth.[1]
    • This practice isn't a necessary step for measuring, but keeping the surfaces of the anvil and spindle clean ensures precise measurements.
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    3
    Hold the object in your left hand and place it against the anvil. The anvil is stationary and can withstand more pressure than the spindle. Make sure the object doesn't move or scratch the surface of the anvil.
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    4
    Hold the micrometer with your right hand. The frame will rest gently on your palm.
    • You can also fasten the frame on a stationary vise; this helps free up both hands for the measuring process.
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    5
    Spin the ratchet counter clockwise. Be sure the 0 on the thimble is lined up with the scale on the sleeve.
  6. Image titled Use and Read an Outside Micrometer Step 6
    6
    Twist until the spindle is against the object. Apply enough force. The thimble often clicks. Three clicks is a good stopping point.
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    7
    Set the thimble lock while the micrometer is still on the object. Even though it is on lock, the spindle can still be moved.
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    8
    Slide out the object carefully. Be sure to avoid scratching either surfaces of the anvil or spindle; the slightest scratch can ruin the micrometers measuring accuracy.
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    9
    Write down the measurements before unlocking the spindle. If the spindle loosens, be sure to remeasure.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Reading an Inch Micrometer

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    1
    Learn the different number scales on the thimbles.[2]
    • On the sleeve is a scale that measures by the one-hundred thousands or 1/10 of an inch; in decimal form it would be .100.
    • In between those whole numbers are three lines that represent twenty-five thousandths of an inch; in decimal form, it would look like .025.
    • The thimble has evenly spaced lines that represent one-thousandth of an inch; in decimal form it would be .001.
    • Above the whole number scale on the sleeve are lines that measure to ten-thousandths of an inch; in decimal form it looks like .0001.
  2. Image titled Use and Read an Outside Micrometer Step 11
    2
    Read the whole number on the sleeve first. The last visible number will read as the thousandths. For example, if the last number you can see on the sleeve is 5, then it would read 500 thousandths, or .00005.
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    3
    Read how many lines come after the whole number. Look at the individual markings exposed next to the 100 thousandths and multiply each marking by .25.. In this case 1 x .025 would be .025.
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    4
    Find the number and corresponding marking on the thimble scale closest to but underneath the measurement line on the stock. If it's closest to 1, then it would be .001.
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    5
    Add those three numbers together. In this case it would be .500 + .025 + .001 = .526.
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    6
    Flip the micrometer over to read to the 10 thousandths marking. Read that line that lines closest with the sleeve. If, for example, it lines with 1, then the measurement will will read .5261
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Reading a Metric Micrometer

  1. Image titled Use and Read an Outside Micrometer Step 16
    1
    Learn the different number scales on the thimbles.[3]
    • The line on the sleeve usually has top line showing millimeters, and below that line the marks represent half millimeters.
    • The marks on the thimble usually go to 50, and each line represents a hundredth of a millimeter or .01 mm.
    • The horizontal lines above the scale on the sleeve will measure to the thousandth of a millimeter, or .001 mm.
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    2
    Read the number of millimeters first. If the last line you saw were a 5, then you would have 5 mm thus far.
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    3
    Incorporate all the half millimeters in your measurement. If you have one mark that would be .5 mm.
    • Don't count a mark that is barely showing; the reading on the thimble might be getting close to 50. [4]
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    4
    Find the number of .01 millimeters. If the line on the thimble reads 33, then you'd have .33 mm.
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    5
    Add up all three lines. In this example, add 5 + .5 + .33. The measurement is 5.83 mm.
  6. Image titled Use and Read an Outside Micrometer Step 21
    6
    Add the thousandths. If the thousandths read a 6, then at .006 to the measurement. In this example, it would be 5.836
    • The main time you should incorporate the thousandths measurement is if the object has less tolerance for the pressure applied by the micrometer.[5]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do you measure a bearing's half-thickness?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use a ball bearing on the inside then subtract the ball bearing diameter from the overall dimension of the ball bearing and the plain bearing shell.
  • Question
    What are micrometers used for in mechanics?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The most common use I can think of would be measuring piston diameter and inside of cylinder bore to check wear. There are probably many other uses, thickness of shims, wear of transmission parts, thickness of break rotors, etc.
  • Question
    How do I clean an inside micrometer?
    Gerald Phillip Harvey
    Gerald Phillip Harvey
    Community Answer
    A piece of paper or a soft cloth close the spindle, gently pulling the paper or cloth out.
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Warnings

  • It is assumed when a micrometer is used, that an accurate and precise measurement is desired. Ensure your micrometer is properly calibrated. They do lose accuracy with use, and must be adjusted every 36 months according to NIST. Check more often when frequently used.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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Things You'll Need

  • Micrometer
  • Micrometer tools:
    • Standard – The standard is an item of precisely calibrated length and flatness which is used to verify the accuracy of the micrometer or to reset it if it is found to be inaccurate. Standards are typically a round or rectangular piece of steel. They are employed just prior to using a micrometer or may be used on a set schedule as part of a calibration program.
    • Wrench – insert in hole on back of the stock to adjust the micrometer if needed.

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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 34 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 683,783 times.
275 votes - 71%
Co-authors: 34
Updated: March 24, 2021
Views: 683,783
Categories: Featured Articles | Car Maintenance and Repair
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