Micrometers

For machinists, toolmakers, and QA specialists, the standard 0-25mm outside micrometer is just the beginning. At Makers Market AU, I specialise in sourcing high-end Japanese metrology equipment that goes beyond the basics.

Whether you are checking the land width on a groove or verifying a deep bore tolerance, our collection includes hard-to-find precision tools from industry leaders like Mitutoyo, NSK, and Tesa.

Below is a guide to the specialised micrometers we stock and how they apply to your specific measuring tasks.

Groove Micrometers
Internal Micrometers
Blade Micrometers
Hole Micrometers

Groove Micrometers

Best for: Measuring width, depth, and location of grooves inside bores and tubes.

Standard anvils simply cannot fit into narrow recessed grooves. Groove micrometers (often called “flange micrometers”) feature non-rotating spindles with thin, disc-shaped plates. These flanges can slip into narrow recesses to measure the “web” thickness or the location of a groove from an edge.

Our Stock Highlights:

  • Brands: We frequently stock Mitutoyo Series 146, known for its ratchet stop mechanism that ensures constant force,critical when measuring thin walls that could deflect under pressure.
  • Key Feature: Look for non-rotating spindles to prevent the measuring face from grinding against the part surface.
All Groove Micrometers

Groove Micrometers in Stock

Internal Micrometers (Tubular & Anvil Types)

Best for: Accurately measuring large internal diameters.

When you exceed the range of a standard bore gauge, internal micrometers are the industry standard.

  • Tubular Micrometers: Lightweight and rigid, usually supplied as a single unit or with extension pipes. Ideal for long-span measurements where frame flex must be minimized.
  • Anvil Micrometers: Just like a regular outside micrometer but with the anvil faces facing externally.

Pro Tip: We often source vintage NSK and Mitutoyo tubular mics from Japan. These older Japanese units are renowned for their hardened steel durability and often outperform modern budget alternatives.

All Inside Micrometers

Internal Micrometers in Stock

Blade Micrometers

Best for: Measuring groove diameters on shafts and keyways.

The anvil and spindle on a blade micrometer are ground to a thin, blade-like profile. Unlike a standard flat anvil, this allows the tool to reach into narrow grooves on a cylindrical shaft (like an O-ring groove) to measure the root diameter.

Why Brand Matters: Cheap blade micrometers often suffer from “jaw splay.” Brands like Mitutoyo and Tesa use high-grade hardened steel or carbide tips that maintain parallelism even after years of use.

All Blade Micrometers

Blade Micrometers in Stock

3 Point Hole Micrometers

Best for: High-precision bore measurement with self-centering accuracy.

Often referred to as Holtests (a Mitutoyo trademark) or Tri-O-Bor (Tesa), these are the gold standard for measuring holes.

  • Self-Centering: The three anvils extend evenly, automatically centering the tool in the bore for maximum repeatability.
  • Blind Holes: Many of our 3-point micrometers are designed to measure close to the bottom of a “blind” hole, ensuring you can verify the entire depth of the bore.

We stock both analogue and Digimatic versions. If you are doing production runs, the 3-point micrometer is significantly faster than using telescoping gauges.

All Hole Micrometers

Hole Micrometers in Stock

Why Buy Used Japanese Tools?

Metrology equipment from Japan (Mitutoyo, NSK) and Switzerland (Tesa) is built to last a lifetime. A well-maintained used Mitutoyo micrometer will virtually always outperform a brand-new generic tool.

  • Carbide Faces: Superior wear resistance.
  • Smooth Thimbles: The mechanical action of a Japanese spindle is unmistakably smooth, allowing for finer feeling of the “friction point.”
  • Heat Insulation: High-end models feature thermal lagging plates to prevent body heat from expanding the frame and skewing measurements.0
Shop All Micrometers

Micrometer FAQs

What is the difference between a tubular and a 3-point internal micrometer?

A 3-point micrometer (Holtest) is self-centering and highly accurate for smaller to medium holes, making it faster for repetitive work. A tubular micrometer is typically used for much larger diameters (often 500mm+) where a 3-point tool would be too heavy or expensive.

Are older NSK micrometers as good as Mitutoyo?

Yes. NSK (before they focused primarily on bearings) produced world-class measuring tools. Many machinists find the vintage NSK satin-chrome finish and ratchet feel to be on par with, or superior to, equivalent era Mitutoyo tools

Do you stock calibration standards?

Yes, I have a small quantity of Mitutoyo Standards available. Most of my micrometers come with their requisite setting standards (setting rings or bars). Please check the individual product listing description for details. I do try to source them individually when I get a tool without one, but sadly not always.