Micrometer recommendations?

So, in my attempt to install the waited for all summer and just arrived engine parts to rebuild my motor in time for the NARRC Runoffs, I have discovered my micrometer can't decide on measurements. Take 'em twice, viola! Two different readings. Three tries=three readings. So, I've decided to chill and wave the white flag...and get another micrometer.

Recommendations?
I'd rather not spend hundreds and hundreds on a tool I use rather infrequently, but, I do want something that will be accurate and repeatable.

Also, the good book calls for measuring the side plates with a straight edge. I've used real straightedges before, I I know they aint cheap. Any ideas on a source that won't break the bank? Is buying used a folly in this case?

mitutoyo. You can find them on ebay for decent deals, and they are very repetable and accurate to something like 0.00005" or 0.001mm

Mitutoyo is the industry standard right now. Depending on the range you need I would consider Brown & Sharp and Starrett. I steer clear of the Chinese micrometers as I don't want to buy them regularly.

I got a nice Starrett straight-edge from Enco Tools for @ $60. Starrett doesn't have the best micrometers, indicators, and calipers, but their other tools are probably the best.

My father when he was a machinist in the 80's used starretts. However both tose and the Brown and Sharps are a bit more pricy.

Abrasive Tool (that's a company name...I'm not name-calling...for now...). Big on-hand inventory of stuff.

http://www.atcsales.com/


...or maybe ENCO

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM

mitutoyo

if your trying to buy cheap, rather buy a used mitutoyo than a new made in china piece of junk

Starrett or Mitutoyo used on ebay if needed. I have 30 year old starretts that are still perfect at calibration time. I would suggest you not rely on a straight edge to check your plates as you really can not get down into the deeper wear areas from the side seals. Use a dial indicator and stand if you can borrow one. Or take a road trip and we can resurface them in a day to .0001 flatness.:D

JW, I thought that you only called me that...
Maybe it was big tool, or fool. Later. MM