Tired of lids that don’t fit? This quick, studio-tested quiz picks the right caliper for your pottery style based on budget, accuracy, and more. Stop guessing, start trimming smart.
Which Pottery Caliper Should You Use?
Answer a few quick questions and I’ll match you with the right lid caliper no guessing, no wasted clay.
Matched by the Artabys Caliper Quiz by Ed Shears. © 2025 Artabys.com. All rights reserved.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through some links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every tool I recommend has been tested in real studio conditions.
❓ Caliper Quiz FAQs (Ed Shears Answers)
How does the quiz decide which caliper I need?
I baked in studio-tested logic. It looks at how accurate you need to be, whether you care about plastic tools, your budget, and how wide your lids go. It’s not magic it’s just years of messing up lids distilled into 6 quick questions.
What’s the difference between inside and outside calipers?
Outside calipers measure the width of your pot’s opening. Inside calipers (or combo tools) let you size the lid to fit that opening. If your caliper only does one, you’re either guessing or flipping and tweaking a lot.
Can I trust a plastic caliper for final lid sizes?
You can if you treat it right. The AMACO/Lid Master tool is surprisingly accurate, but don’t toss it in the tool bin like your loop tools. Baby it a bit, and it’ll deliver repeatable results.
What if my clay shrinks differently than expected?
Clay shrinkage varies by brand, firing cone, and dryness level. If you’re remaking a lid, you’ll need to know the shrink rate. I recommend using the quiz’s suggested tools alongside a clay shrinkage calculator like the one already on Artabys. Use our clay shrinkage calculator
Do I need a special tool just for lids?
Strictly speaking? No. But it’s a game-changer. If you’re selling lidded pots or just tired of making lids that don’t fit, investing in a real lid caliper pays off faster than you think.
Not sure about shrinkage? Use the Artabys Clay Shrinkage Calculator to nail your lid size after firing. – Ed
🛠️ My Top Caliper Picks (Studio-Tested, No Sugarcoating)
When it comes to getting a pottery lid to fit just right, not all calipers are created equal. I’ve tested the big names and a few budget flops so here’s my take on what actually works in the studio and what’s just studio clutter waiting to happen.
🥇 AMACO Measuring Tool (a.k.a. Lid Master Twin)
Ed’s Take: This little guy feels like magic when you first use it. It’s got a dual-purpose design measure your pot with one end, flip it around, and you’ve got your lid size, shrinkage and all. Super handy if you’re remaking a broken lid. But let’s be honest: it’s plastic. Sturdy for plastic, but still plastic. I wouldn’t call it premium, and for the price? I kinda expected more beef. Still, it works accurate, reliable, and after using this, you’ll never touch a standard caliper again.
Perfect For: Potters who need reliable lid fits and aren’t afraid to baby their tools a little.
🥈 Giffin Grip Lid Master Caliper
(Same design as AMACO’s tool)
Ed’s Take: A clone of the AMACO. Same function, same quirks. If you’ve tried one, you’ve tried ‘em both. If you find this one at a better price, grab it. Otherwise, they’re interchangeable.
Perfect For: Anyone wanting a no-brainer solution to lid measurement especially if you’re remaking lids.
🥉 Richeson Steel Calipers 12″
Ed’s Take: These’ll get you by, but don’t expect surgical precision. They only measure the outside, and the aluminum arms are a bit too bendy for critical fits. That said, you can adjust the tension at the hinge loosen or tighten to your liking. If you’re on a budget and mostly eyeballing, these are fine. But if you’re serious about lids, spend a buck more and upgrade.
Alternative Worth Every Penny: uxcell 14″ Caliper → this one’s a beast. Measures inside and out, firm as a board, and doesn’t drift out of measurement.
Perfect For: Casual measuring or low-stakes studio tasks.
💸 Big Horn 19052C 8-Inch Outside Caliper
Ed’s Take: Good idea, bad follow-through. The threads are junk twists smooth, then tight, then smooth again like they’ve never met quality control. Doesn’t even open unless you yank it, and it’s covered in enough grease to lube a bike chain. But hey, it’s cheap! If you’re okay with cleaning it up and dealing with the quirks, it’ll work. Just don’t expect longevity or finesse.
Perfect For: Folks on a shoestring budget or those needing a quick backup tool.
Getting a lid to fit just right isn’t magic it’s about the right tools and a bit of know-how. Let’s dive into the calipers that have made my pottery journey smoother. – Ed
📏 Understanding Clay Shrinkage
Clay shrinkage can be a potter’s nemesis. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can turn this challenge into a non-issue.
Why It Matters: As clay dries and fires, it shrinks. This means a lid that fits perfectly when wet might not fit after firing.
Solution: Use calipers that account for shrinkage or tools like the Shrink Ruler (Double-Sided) to measure and adjust your pieces accordingly.
🔧 Pro Tips for Perfect Lids
- Measure Early: Always measure your pot’s opening before it dries. This ensures accuracy and saves you from potential mismatches.
- Make Extras: Lids can be finicky. Making a couple of extras can save you time and frustration.
- Record Measurements: Keep a notebook or digital record of your measurements, especially if you’re working on multiple pieces.
🛒 Ready to Upgrade Your Toolkit?
Lids aren’t just fancy hats for pots they’re precision work. And nothing wrecks a great piece faster than a lid that doesn’t fit. Here’s your cheat code: use the right caliper from the start.
🔄 Recap: My Real-World Caliper Picks
- AMACO Measuring Tool →
Studio favorite. Yes, it’s plastic, but it’s clever as heck. Once you use it, regular calipers feel like guesswork. Just wish it were sturdier at this price point. - Giffin Grip Lid Master
Practically identical to the AMACO. Works great for accurate, shrinkage-ready fits. Grab whichever one’s cheaper they’re twins. - Richeson Steel Calipers 12″ →
Old-school feel. Only measures outside, and a bit floppy unless you tighten it up. Gets the job done, but if you’re serious, spend a buck more… - uxcell 14″ Steel Caliper →
My actual pick over Richeson. Measures inside and out, firm construction, and won’t drift mid-measurement. Best value, hands down. - Big Horn 8″ Caliper →
A hot mess of grease and janky threading but dirt cheap. Might be okay for backup, but don’t expect joy using it.
Remember, the right tools not only make the process smoother but also enhance the quality of your creations. Happy potting!
Hi, I’m Ed ceramic wall art is my thing. I’ve spent over 35 years blending traditional techniques with modern design to create bold, sculptural pieces that go far beyond the wheel. I’m also the founder of Artabys, where I help artists make better work and smarter decisions.