I am sorry, but I dont see the problem here.  Given the finite number 
of string diameters on a given instrument, the micrometer you have 
should be perfectly adequate to distinguish them, moreover, it doesnt 
need a battery!  Measuring the strings in situ should be quite 
possible and I have done it often.  The distance between strings in 
my instruments is about 11 mm and that between the anvil and the edge 
of my micrometer, which looks identical to the one in the picture, is 
less than 10 mm.  The strings are not so highly tensioned that they 
will not move a little sideways and using the micrometer at a slight 
angle allows the jaws to close easily.

Perhaps the real question is: "Why are your strings breaking?"  I 
have had brass loops slip, but even when I have temporarily started 
tuning the wrong string, I havent had a string break in years.

David


At 02:59 28-05-17, Jonathan Addleman wrote:

>I usually use a simple mechanical micrometer, like this one: 
>http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=32605&cat=1,43513 
>whenever I need to measure a string - this is usually when one has 
>broken and I want to replace it with the right size. The tool works 
>well for that - it's quick and easy, and doesn't take up much space 
>or add too much weight to the took kit.
>
>However, sometimes I want to measure strings that are already on the 
>instrument, either to check the neighbours of a missing string to 
>choose a replacement, or just to see what sizes of wire it's using. 
>The micrometer is not so good for that - it's hard to fit in between 
>the strings, and harder to read the numbers when you do!
>
>Are there other possibilities? Some kind of calipers that would be 
>accurate enough for strings? Any other system people have come up 
>with for measuring strings on an instrument?

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