What does the outside micrometer measure?

The outside micrometer is specifically designed to measure the distance between the anvil and the spindle, which allows for precise measurements of the outside dimensions of various objects. When the micrometer is closed, the measurement it provides is a direct indication of the gap between these two components. This is critical for applications in mechanical and manufacturing fields, where accurate measurements of thickness, diameter, or other external dimensions are necessary.

Although options referring to the thickness of metals and the length of uncoated wires may seem relevant, they are essentially applications of what is fundamentally measured by the micrometer. The outside micrometer is not capable of measuring hydraulic pressure, which is an entirely different function and requires different tools, such as a pressure gauge. Understanding what the micrometer measures and its primary application helps differentiate it from other measuring tools in specialized contexts.