Quality Control Inspector how-to
How to Measure a Part with a Micrometer
Micrometers measure to the ten-thousandth of an inch when used correctly.
Quick answer
Micrometers measure to the ten-thousandth of an inch when used correctly. In short: clean; check; place, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Clean the part and the micrometer faces.
Check zero with the micrometer closed or on a standard.
Place the part between the anvil and spindle.
Turn the ratchet until it clicks two or three times.
Read the sleeve and thimble scales.
Record the reading and compare it to the tolerance.
Safety reminders for quality control inspectors
- Wear safety glasses and required PPE on the production floor
- Handle sharp parts carefully
- Use proper lifting for heavy parts
- Follow lockout before inspecting inside machines
Key terms
Specification · Tolerance · First-article inspection (FAI) · Nonconformance · NCR · AQL: see the full quality control inspector glossary.