Are cheap calipers worth using?

[01Foreman400]

My iGaging have worked fine for years.

 

[TheCoyote]

Get a couple different sizes of calibration bars or blocks, then you can see if they are off or inconsistent. https://a.co/d/hcOBeDl

That makes a lot of sense! I ordered the 25mm and 75mm.
Thank you!

 

[Luked]

Have a set I bought from Hornaday and they work fine.
I have used the high end ones in the past for jobs. But never bought any myself.

 

[Elkslut]

Being a machinist I can say yes there is a huge difference in calipers.
However if you have calipers with metal jaws and learn to have a good consistent feel, not mongo grip and squeeze. You should be fine for what you are doing. Slightly rotate the brass to let things settle while measuring you will get the hang of it.
Digitals are better in some ways, you can set a relative zero and measure discrepancies, and go back to true zero. Dial calipers can't do that. Keep them clean no matter what brand or style you have.
Make sure you use them properly also. Measure at the proper place on the jaws, not the recess area (seen that a few times).
Expecting calipers to hold a 1 thou (.001 or third digit ) tolerance consistently will lead you a stray. If you need that tight of tolerance use micrometers.
Also you can check the calipers with a known size part or block. Checking with a precise part (gauge block, 1-2-3 block ect) can help with the feel you need for consistency and checking your tool also.