Does anyone have a recommendation for a decent caliper in the less than $100 range?
Hard to beat the digital Mitutoyo for $100.
That said, the instrument lab at my work has been using several Hazard Frought digital calipers for years. Many of the mechanics, techs, and engineers have their own calipers but those that don't borrow the HF units from the lab. They've held up just fine (and being loaners they don't get gentle treatment). They get regular calibration inspections with traceable reference gages/blocks. We're an ISO 9001 facility.
But if you're willing to spend $100, I'd just get the Mitutoyo. The Hazard Froughts seem to work fine if you get a good one but the battery covers are weak and they seem to drain the batteries even when not in use.
Jason
