Which instrument is used to measure very small distances with high precision, often used in metalworking?

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When you need to measure very small distances with high accuracy in metalworking, the micrometer is the instrument built for that task. Its screw mechanism moves the spindle by a tiny, precise amount with each full turn of the thimble, so you can read measurements to thousandths of a millimeter or thousandths of an inch. The reading combines the main scale with the thimble scale, giving precise external dimensions, and there are special versions for internal measurements and depths as well. Tape measures and rulers can’t resolve such small intervals, and calipers, while versatile, don’t reach the same level of precision for small features. So for tight tolerances on small features, the micrometer is the best choice.