I've mic'd two pistons and I'm learning how difficult it is to hold a micrometer steady while measuring parts. Any tips on how to prevent tiny little marks on the piston skirts, crank journals, etc. caused by the mic moving? I'm guessing the marks are harmless, but I'd like to avoid them if possible.

Thanks. -Neil

Picky, Picky, Picky!!

Just call the itty-bitty scratches "oil-retainering grooves" and don't worry about it!!

He, He!!

I'm left-handed so have a bigger hassle using a mic b/c they are mostly made for right-handed use if you take the time to really look at how it is supposed to lay in your hands with respect to it's numbers being read..

pdq67

pdq67,

I'm left-handed too. You're right, it's very hard to read the numbers without standing on your head while trying to hold the mic on the part. Thanks. -Neil

Would stoning off the sharp edges of the anvil & spindle help?

Its like soldering, you need three hands min to do the job. There is a way to hold the work and the mic.

1. Grasp the micrometer by the anvil.
2. Place it your open hand with the anvil/spindle joint across the pinky and ring finger. Spindle should be pointing away as it lays across the ball of the index finger.
3. Wrap the pinky and ring finger about the anvil, Your index finger and thumb should be able to spin the spindle.
4. Hold the work in the other hand.
5. Measure the distance required using the "mic" hand.

Do not smooth or round the edges of the "clamp".
Work and tool should be of the same temperature at a minimum of 6 hours.

Always check the "zero" of mic before starting. Make adjustments to zero the mic, if possible, or record this fudge factor for later measurements.