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Question

Why are calipers generally used along with a steel rule in workshop measurement?

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2025 CBT 2 Mechanic Motor Vehicle Question Paper (28-Jul-2026) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

Because calipers do not have a graduated scale

To understand why calipers are generally used along with a steel rule in workshop measurement, let's consider the functionality of both tools:

  • Calipers: Calipers are precision instruments used to measure the dimensions of an object. They can measure the internal and external dimensions as well as the depth of an object. However, calipers generally do not have graduated scales, which means they cannot directly indicate the measurement. They provide a comparative measurement between the legs of the calipers.
  • Steel Rule: A steel rule is a flat, thin measuring tool that provides direct readings because it has a graduated scale on its surface. It helps to translate the gap measured by the calipers into a specific measurement unit (e.g., millimeters or inches).

Reason for using Calipers with Steel Rule:

Calipers are used alongside a steel rule because calipers do not have a graduated scale by themselves. The steel rule provides a scale to translate the measurement derived from calipers into readable units.

Hence, the correct answer is: Because calipers do not have a graduated scale.

Justification of other options:

  • Because calipers cannot hold the dimension: This is incorrect because calipers are specifically designed to hold and measure dimensions, although they lack a graduated scale for direct reading.
  • Because caliper replaces steel rule in machining: This is incorrect. Calipers complement the use of steel rules; they do not replace them.
  • Because calipers cannot touch the workpiece directly: This is incorrect as calipers are intended to touch and measure the workpiece directly.
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Similar Questions

  1. In a vernier caliper, the small scale that slides along the main scale is called:

  2. In a vernier caliper, 50 vernier scale divisions coincide with 49 main scale divisions. If one main scale division is 1 mm, what is the least count?

  3. Which part of the Vernier caliper slides along the main scale for measurement?

  4. Which application best demonstrates the practical use of outside callipers in automotive work?

  5. Which part of the Vernier caliper is used to measure inside diameters?

  6. If the 6th division of the vernier scale coincides with a main scale division, the vernier reading is:

     [Take least count = 0.1 mm]

  7. Why is the beam of a vernier caliper made long and rigid during construction?

  8. Which use of calipers involves transferring a dimension from a workpiece to a scale?

  9. When using outside calipers to compare two shafts, what is the best approach?

  10. When performing external checking of a forged component with outside callipers, which practice ensures reliable results?


Important Questions from Caliper

  1. How many divisions are graduated on the thimble of micrometer?

  2. The least count of Vernier bevel protractor is ____

  3. In a Vernier calliper, 39 main scale divisions are divided into 40 equal points on the Vernier scale. Then what is its least count (LC) in mm? (Take the value of main scale division = 1mm).

  4. In a vernier caliper, the small scale that slides along the main scale is called:

  5. In a vernier caliper, 50 vernier scale divisions coincide with 49 main scale divisions. If one main scale division is 1 mm, what is the least count?

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