Rich forwarded an old set of 1″ and 2″ precision tools purchased by our grandfather over 70+ years ago. The smaller model is a No.113 Starret micrometer, while the larger version is a Starret No.213. A good cleaning and some fresh Starret Tool and Instrument oil have both actions working very smoothly. They have a bit of surface rust (not much) which greatly adds to their character. Both read down to 0.0001 inches and seem fairly accurate. I purchased a special adjustment wrench specifically made for these devices for $12 and will get a final read once a precision gauge block arrives.
Old school tools are becoming my new hobby, and having the family connection with my grandfather does not hurt. He was trained in Germany shortly after WW1 as a fine tool and die maker, then came to this country in 1925 to eventually work at Timken Roller Bearing in Canton, OH as a quality inspector.
Here the 4th generation (my son Eric) is using the No.113 to measure the thickness of rear floor panel material. Our goal is install some inspection panels in the floorboards to later evaluate step bolts and ADSB/transponder connections which will be located under the riveted floor. At one time we thought about making the panel removable, but changed our minds when Van’s indicated the floor provides structural rigidity between fuselage and tailcone.