Hermaphrodite Caliper

[jml1083]

I recently discovered something called a hermaphrodite caliper. We are all familiar with normal calipers, what makes the hermaphrodite caliper different is one leg has a small inward facing "foot". This foot makes scribing or drawing a line that is a set distance from the edge of a piece of wood very simple and accurate. The foot follows the edge while the other leg, which can hold either a sharp point or a pencil lead, scribes or draws a line.

 

I found that this is so accurate that I can quickly go over the same line multiple times to make a scribe mark deeper and the scribe always is in the exact same place. The following graphic shows some of the possible uses.

 

Starrett make two versions of this tool.

 

 

   The 563-6 is a 6" tool where the opposite leg is straight for its entire length.

 

 

 The 243-6 is also a 6" tool but the opposite leg has a bend in it about half way up.

 

 

The Starrett models are a bit pricey (about $50 USD each) so you may want to shop around. The ones I own have what Starrett calls a stiff joint which means there is a nut that you can tighten if needed to increase the amount of force needed to adjust the gap and these are the ones shown above. They also have a locking joint version of both but I find the stiff joint version is just fine and the lock joint version costs twice as much.

 

 

 

[Q A's Revenge]

I have a pair with a notch like this somewhere, they are handy.

 

[kurtvd19]

I have wanted something like these calipers but didn't know this tool actually existed.  After seeing the original post I jumped onto eBay this morning and got a great set for $25. Place sent a notice that they have shipped already!

Kurt

 

[mgdawson]

Hi All,

 

If you're having trouble tracking these down, hermaphrodite calipers are also known as jenny calipers or odd leg calipers, other than eBay you'll find them at engineering and model engineering supplies.

 

Mark

[normanh]

^{Never know then called anything else other than "odd leg calipers" here in the Uk and that goes back almost 50 years to when I was in school}

^.

 

 

^Norman