A precision instrument is a tool that can be controlled very accurately so that it produces

very accurate results. Some of these are Vernier Caliper and Micrometer Caliper. A Vernier
caliper is a measuring device used to precisely measure linear dimensions. It is a very useful
tool to use when measuring the diameter of a round objects like cylinders because the
measuring jaws can be secured on either side of the circumference. Vernier calipers have both
a fixed main scale and a moving Vernier scale. The main scale is graduated in either millimeters
or tenths of an inch. The Vernier scale allows much more precise readings to be taken (usually
to the nearest 0.02mm or 0.001 inch) in comparison to a standard ruler (which only measures to
the nearest 1mm or 0.25 inch).

Figure 1: Vernier Caliper

The micrometer caliper is used to measure even smaller dimensions than the Vernier
calipers. The micrometer caliper also uses an auxiliary scale (measuring hundredths of a
millimeter) which is marked on a rotary thimble. Basically it is a screw with an accurately
constant pitch (the amount by which the thimble moves forward or backward for one complete
revolution). The micrometers in our laboratory have a pitch of 0.50 mm (two full turns are
required to close the jaws by 1.00 mm). The rotating thimble is subdivided into 50 equal
divisions. The thimble passes through a frame that carries a millimeter scale graduated to 0.5
mm. The jaws can be adjusted by rotating the thimble using the small ratchet knob. This
includes a friction clutch which prevents too much tension being applied. The thimble must be
rotated through two revolutions to open the jaws by 1 mm.

Figure 2: Micrometer Caliper

 Least count is the smallest measurement that can be taken by a measuring instruments.
In metrology, the least count of a measuring instrument is the smallest change in the measured
quantity that can be resolved on the instrument's scale. The least count is related to the
precision of an instrument; an instrument that can measure smaller changes in a value relative
to another instrument, has a smaller "least count" value and so is more precise. Any
measurement made by the instrument can be considered repeatable to no less than the
resolution of the least count. The least count of an instrument is inversely proportional to the
precision of the instrument. Least count of any instrument is the least value which can be
measured with the instrument. And least count of caliper (Micrometer and Vernier) is
= value of one small division on the main scale / Number of divisions in circular scale.

Using the Vernier Calipers & Micrometer Screw Gauge. Retrieved from:
http://www.phy.uct.ac.za/courses/phylab1/vernier
Least count. (July 17, 2006). Retrieved from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Least_count
Arpit, V. (October 13, 2013) Least count. Retrieved from: https://mechanical-
engg.com/blogs/entry/403-what-is-the-least-count-of-micrometer-screw-gauge-for-
what-it-is-used/
Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved from:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/precision-instrument
What is a Vernier caliper? Retrieved from:
https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/calipers/what-is-a-vernier-caliper/