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Digital and dial calipers are essential tools across manufacturing, engineering, and fine crafts like woodworking and metalworking—offering the precision professionals rely on when accurate measurements are non-negotiable. At PEC Tools, we’re committed to providing high-quality, affordable measuring instruments. In this article, we break down the key differences between digital and dial calipers, highlighting the unique benefits of each depending on your workspace and preferences.     High-Accuracy Digital Calipers | IP67 Waterproof or Wireless Bluetooth Our digital calipers combine cutting-edge sensor technology with durable stainless steel construction, offering the perfect blend of precision, ease of use, and durability. Designed for demanding industrial settings, PEC’s digital calipers come in IP67-rated waterproof models as well as Bluetooth-enabled versions for wireless data transfer. Key Features IP67 Rated: Fully waterproof and oil-resistant—ideal for harsh industrial conditions. Versatile Units: Easily switch between inch, metric, and fractional inch displays—especially useful for woodworking or multi-standard projects. Consistent Accuracy: Inductive sensor technology, precision-ground jaws, and hardened steel ensure stable, repeatable measurements. Bluetooth Options: Select models feature wireless data transfer, denoted by a WiFi-style icon—great for logging measurements digitally. Available Increments PEC digital calipers are available in 6 inch and 12 inch sizes, making them suitable for both fine bench work and larger industrial setups.     Dial Calipers: Traditional Reliability That Stands the Test of Time Though digital tools are increasingly popular, many professionals still rely on dial calipers for their tactile precision and mechanical dependability. These calipers are a great choice when you prefer analog feedback or want a tool that doesn’t rely on batteries or electronics. Key Features Always Ready: No power needed—works anytime without batteries or charging. Mechanical Precision: Many machinists favor dial calipers for their ability to provide steady, reliable readings, even under varying conditions. Intuitive Analog Display: A familiar dial face allows for quick visual interpretation of incremental measurements, especially during alignment or layout work. Available Models Our dial calipers are offered in 6-inch, 12-inch, 150mm and 300 mm variants, serving as either a main tool or a trusted mechanical backup to digital devices.     Conclusion Whether you prefer the modern functionality of digital calipers or the timeless reliability of dial calipers, PEC Tools delivers the precision you need to work with confidence. From machine shops to fabrication floors, our calipers are trusted by professionals who demand accurate, durable, and easy-to-use measuring instruments. Explore our full selection of calipers at www.pectools.com, and discover why industry professionals rely on PEC Tools for accuracy that holds up under pressure.  

Engineering the Future—One Measurement at a Time We’re proud to announce that PEC Tools is sponsoring the University of California, Irvine’s Formula SAE (FSAE) team in their 2025 competition build. The FSAE event is a collegiate-level design challenge where students across the continent come together to engineer, build, and race their own formula-style vehicles. It’s an immersive hands-on project that pushes the boundaries of design, testing, and teamwork—mirroring the demands of real-world engineering. At UCI, the student team is building a race car for the “DV” category, focusing on electric vehicle development. Every part they create, from the battery assembly to the suspension system, is designed and built from scratch—requiring precision that meets or exceeds professional engineering standards. Precision Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential That’s where PEC Tools comes in. From digital and dial calipers to micrometers, our precision tools have been part of every step in UCI’s build process. “The two main PEC tools that I use a lot are the digital calipers and the micrometer,” one student shared. “I use them every day in the machine shop to verify our components when machining.” Another student emphasized the 6-inch caliper as a daily go-to for quick, reliable measurements. The team also highlighted their use of dial calipers during torsional rigidity testing—a crucial process for ensuring the chassis doesn’t twist under load. “On an uneven road, you don’t want the car to just buckle under its own forces,” one engineer explained. “This is a great way of determining torsional stiffness.” In a build where tolerances stack and fractions of a millimeter can compromise performance, high-quality measurement isn’t just a convenience—it’s mission critical. “Precision is huge,” a student said. “Making sure that everything is accurate as we’re building really is important the whole time.” Learning for the Track—and Beyond Beyond the technical aspect, the experience has inspired students to envision careers in automotive and electric vehicle design. “This program has shown me there’s a lot more possibility out there than I thought,” one team member noted. “I do see myself working in the EV industry after school.” We’re honored to support this kind of growth. As one student put it, “The quality we’re seeing [from PEC] is exceptional. We trust the final dimensional stability of those parts, and we’d definitely recommend them to other teams—and personally as well.” Watching this next generation of engineers take charge—with care, curiosity, and technical excellence—reminds us why we do what we do. Whether it’s aerospace, machining, or a student-led EV prototype, PEC is proud to be part of every bold build. Join Us in Shaping the Future of Precision Whether you're a student engineer pushing the limits of design or a seasoned professional in aerospace, manufacturing, or automotive, PEC Tools is here to support your next breakthrough with tools you can trust. Interested in partnering with us or learning more about our precision solutions?Reach out anytime at sales@pectools.com! We'd love to hear from you. Precision starts with the right tools. Let’s build something extraordinary, together.  

Precision is the backbone of any machine shop—whether you’re a seasoned professional or a dedicated hobbyist, the right machinist rule can make all the difference in your metrology results. In this guide, we’ll delve into the distinct features of 3R, 4R, 5R, 16R, E/M, D/M, and Metric machinist rules, explaining how each style helps you achieve accurate, reliable measurements. By the end, you’ll know exactly which graduation style best fits your precision measurement needs and where to find your best fit machinist tools at PEC Tools. 1. 3R Graduations Typical Increments: 1/32” & 1/64” on one side, 0.1” & 0.02” on the other. Primary Use: Ideal for tasks requiring both fractional and decimal readings without switching tools. Who It’s For: Machinists and metalworkers who frequently convert between decimal and fractional inches. Key Advantages: Combines fractional and decimal readings in one tool. Suitable for fast conversions during layout and measurement. 2. 4R Graduations Typical Increments: 1/8” & 1/16” on one side, 1/32” & 1/64” on the other. Primary Use: A go-to choice for many everyday tasks in the workshop. Who It’s For: Woodworkers, general tradespeople, and DIY users who typically work in fractional measurements. Key Advantages: Versatile for most standard layout and marking tasks. Offers a complete range of common fractional increments. 3. 5R Graduations Typical Increments: 1/32” & 1/64” on one side, 0.1” & 0.01” on the other. Primary Use: Balances precision decimal readings with fine fractional measurements. Who It’s For: Inspection technicians and precision machinists requiring tight tolerance control. Key Advantages: High-resolution measurement options. Excellent for dimensional verification and quality assurance. 4. 16R Graduations Typical Increments: 1/32” & 1/64” on one side, 0.02” & 0.01” on the other. Primary Use: Ultra-fine decimal-inch readings for high-precision applications. Who It’s For: Mold makers, toolmakers, and metrologists working to extremely fine tolerances. Key Advantages: Provides ultra-fine decimal resolution. Perfect for high-precision shop and lab environments. 5. E/M – English/Metric Scales Typical Increments: 1/32” & 1/64” on one side, 1 mm & 0.5 mm on the other. Primary Use: Enables easy conversion between imperial fractions and metric units. Who It’s For: Engineers, technicians, and contractors working across imperial and metric systems. Key Advantages: Ideal for international or dual-standard projects. Allows quick transitions between systems without switching tools. 6. D/M – Decimal Inch/Metric Scales Typical Increments: 0.1” & 0.02” on one side, 1 mm & 0.5 mm on the other. Primary Use: Optimized for CNC programming and environments using decimal and metric input. Who It’s For: CNC operators and engineers who work in both decimal inch and metric systems. Key Advantages: Simplifies the measuring process in high-precision machining. Pairs well with digital readout systems and CAD tools. 7. Metric Graduations Typical Increments: 1 mm & 0.5 mm on both sides. Primary Use: Standard for scientific, academic, and metric-only industrial applications. Who It’s For: International users and professionals in metric-dominant regions. Key Advantages: Simple, standardized metric layout. Ideal for schools, labs, and public infrastructure projects. How to Choose the Right Increment 1. Identify the Measurement Format in Your Project If your plans are strictly fractional, a 4R rule is ideal. If you occasionally work in decimals, 3R gives you both fractional and decimal formats. If your work relies on decimal-inch dimensions, 5R or 16R are better suited — with 16R offering ultra-fine resolution. For global or metric-based projects, choose an E/M, D/M or Metric scale depending on your format preference. 2. Consider Project Complexity 4R provides the most common fractional increments for everyday machinist layouts. 3R is great for machinists who frequently work in both fractional and decimal inch formats and need quick conversions between the two. 5R balances precision decimals and fine fractions, ideal for inspection and part fitting. 16R is excellent for high-precision tasks requiring fine decimal readings. E/M and D/M are flexible options when switching between metric and imperial. 3. Think About Long-Term Convenience If your workload changes often or involves global standards, E/M or D/M scales offer the best versatility. If your tasks are specialized and consistent, you can choose a dedicated fractional or metric/decimal scale. Metric rules are best for international work environments, science labs, academic settings, and engineering fields where metric is the standard. 4. Quality and Durability Matter Always choose rulers made from hardened and tempered steel with clear, durable graduations. PEC Tools rulers are designed to last through years of daily shop use. Why Choose PEC Tools? At PEC Tools, we understand that accurate measurement is the foundation of excellent workmanship. We offer: Superior Materials: Hardened, wear-resistant steel. Precision Markings: Laser-etched or engraved graduations that won’t wear off. Extensive Graduation Options: From 3R to 16R, plus E/M, D/M, and full Metric-only scales to support any measuring standard. Trusted Craftsmanship: Decades of experience trusted by machinists, engineers, and quality inspectors alike.

At PEC Tools, quality, durability, and affordability are at the core of everything we do.We’re always excited to see professionals and hobbyists alike put our tools to the test — and even more grateful when they take the time to share honest reviews. Here’s a roundup of YouTube videos from experts and creators who’ve given their take on PEC Tools — from precision squares to calipers and everything in between.