[Joel_Mckay]

I looked into the fake issues while looking for Mitutoyo tools for our friends kid that started first year engineering. This is difficult as the counterfeits look almost identical.

1. went to Mitutoyo website to get list of authorized sellers

2. surprised Amazon itself is on the list

3. Purchased a number of authentic Mitutoyo calipers and micrometers from Amazon itself

4. Ran down Clough42 list of 17 signs to double check if the tool is fake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG6I2gNGVwM

5. Successfully registered equipment on Mitutoyo website

6. Checked quality on reference standards

Note, Starrett has a website with an estore, so is far easier to verify NIST certificate.

If the work is low tolerance, than accuracy and repeatability won't matter anyway. However, when it comes to metrology or PPE the high-end products set the best possible outcome for your workmanship and safety.

Mind you, I couldn't convince a golden retriever to stop obsessing over the taste of free garbage. =3

[bluGill]

As clough say, if you can accept the counterfiet why not but the shars brand instead for less and no wondering

[Joel_Mckay]

I assure you my valuation assessment is as follows:

(fixed cost + maintenance cost)/(frequency of use) = actual cost

If the frequency of use is high, the retail cost between high-end and mid-ranged brands is negligible. i.e. not worth the hassle to mess around with QA on something unknown.

I always bought the kids Starrett or Mitutoyo stuff with the NIST certs. As wasting 1 hour of their time costs more than the high-end equipment.

It is kind of a tradition, but I'm sure there are more appropriate options for folks in different situations. =3

[bluGill]

In short you could not accept the counterfiet with a 'nist cert' that doesn't trace to nist. Fine choice, but not the subject here.

[Joel_Mckay]

My point was, the legitimate source Amazon is a registered reseller with the equipment manufacturer, and may include the valid traceable laboratory certificate with the item for a slightly higher fee.

Another problem with clones for example, is they often copy old tech... defects and all... so in this example one probably won't get the current inductive style absolute position verniers that work more reliably around dirt/liquids.

Just a thought, but note often 3rd party sellers are literally sourcing items from dumpsters. There was a news story about the disgusting food people resell on the platform, and it is not technically counterfeit. =3