I use them for woodworking so they don't have to be super accurate. But the readings obtained only when the jaws open and close appear to be random, by about 0.007. Also quality control is poor as both calipers I bought (yes I bought 2 of them) had a loose tension spring in the head (a copper strip that moves along a rail and 2 very small slotted head screws in place is held). . It took me about 15 minutes to align and secure each one. I think to try something more expensive and better.