Yes, this works, assuming no really substantial padding of fat. But if say it is believable that there is a quarter inch of fat, for example, then I wouldn't use the half inch.
I never have until this moment looked at the relationship between skinfold thickness at the site as measured by calipers as it relates to suitability, but right now (as I am overfat at the moment) picking what I think is an okay site but personally I wouldn't want substantially thicker, the measurement was 12 mm. (Which of course is a doubling-up, and counts more than just fat.)
A better site would be 8-10 mm or less.
I don't know how to account for Reinheart's experience and I'm sorry to hear about his trouble. It has worked very well for very many.