Dial indicators & calipers

[330Scott]

Hi all.

I am looking for a set of dial indicators & calipers/micrometers primarily for engine rebuilding use. I will have a need for a set soon, but then I could possibly go years without using them again. So in other words I am looking for good quality, but inexpensive at the same time.

Any recommendations for brands & models? Where to purchase such as an ebay store?

Thanks, Scott

[Luckydevil]

have you checked www.harborfreight.com

They usually have some decent stuff for good prices. It obviously isn't going to be snap-on or facom quality though.

[330Scott]

Thanks, LD. I had checked Northern Tool, but not Harbor. I used the keyword search of "dial indicator" on both sites & they both brought up two items. The HF items both look to be real el-cheapo's, while the NT items were both more than I want to spend. Plus all four were only 1" indicators. Please correct me if I am wrong, but aren't there some type of metering rods that can be inserted into dial indicators to allow a person to check larger bores?

Basically zippo at sears.com also. Guess I'll spend some time checking out the bag.

[Luckydevil]

Here ya go, found some more that look pretty good and are a little bit cheaper than Northern Tool... http://www.tavia.com/cat9.html

[Wile1Coyote]

You may want to check with your local auto supply store, many of them will rent specialty tools like this at very affordable rates.

[Kevin54]

Before you go out and buy new...if you are only thinking you are going to use them a couple of times,...check out your local flea markets or if you have any of the Antique mall / Flea markets that you see along the interstates, stop in and check them out. You can usually pick up brand name micrometers, dial calipers, and dial indicators for pennies on the dollar. And one thing is, when you do purchase them you will find that you will use them more than you think.

Kevin

[Satatic]

I been ordering my measuring devices from a local parts store, Fisher auto parts. Made by central tools and I like em. I got a 1 inch dial indicator and I believe it accepts a rod because the tip is removeable. And a set of 0-3inch micrometers. I plan on ordering all that other stuff sometime. Central tools sells it all, what I do is go to their webstie and write down part numbers, then go to Fisher and tehy order them for me. http://www.centraltools.com/

[330Scott]

Thanks for all the leads, everyone. Think I am going to pick up a dial bore gage first because I want to check the cylinder bore taper of an engine that I stupidly pulled the heads off. I'll see what I can find from your links, egag and I think that I'll even check the local pawn shops. Never know what I might find there. And I just missed a big swap meet a couple of weekends ago. Figures.

Once again, I appreciate it.

Oh yeah, Wile1, how ya doin'? :)

[zipzip]

Picking up used equipment is a great way to save money, but with gages, make sure you look at the piece very carefully before buying. Look for smooth movement, no sticky points, broken teeth, etc.

Also, consider the fact that the gage has probably been banging around in a box for a while. Dial bore gages should be checked with a master ring. I'd suggest that you let a local engine shop do the measuring if you only plan on doing this a few times. If you plan on using the gage more often, spend the money on a new one of decent quality.

Things like calipers and mics will get used more often so are better to own yourself, IMO. You should pick up a set of "standards" to check the gage on so that you know that you are reading the actual size... I just picked up a 6" dial caliper from Harbor Freight for $20 - that's good enough for what I use a caliper for. For the more accurate readings, a stick mic (for id's) and a set of od mic's are what I use. I was fortunate enough to get those handed down from my grandfather (Starrett).

Ebay may be a good way to pick up a "better" quality brand without forking out the cash...

[Wile1Coyote]

Hey Scott! Didn't realize that was you without the avatar. ;)

Good to have ya here man! :thumbup:

How's the Skeeters this week?

[330Scott]

Well I stopped into a pawn shop and they had a Mitutoyo 0" to 3" three piece micrometer set for $75. The plastic case was kind of beat up, but the mics appeared to be in good shape. Since I have no basis of comparison, I passed. Good deal missed?

No biggie either way because I have decided to purchase a dial bore gage first and then the mics later.

Ebay, here I come!!! :D

Wile1, the skeeters ain't biting this week. Maybe around July. :spit: (Oh boy, a whole new crop of smilies to play with.) Actually I heard of this site over on Moparts. Maybe it was you who pointed it out. Thanks a lot.

Scott

[Satatic]

71 and some change new, with plastic case lined with foam and what not, also smelled really good.
http://www.centraltools.com/all_images/products/3M113cat.jpg

[Runner94]

I just want to put in my 2 cents worth. If you haven't found anything yet give Harbor Freight a second look. I've just bought their 6" digital caliper for $15. It comes in a case and with an extra battery. It works real nice. It reads out 3 digits after the decimal point. I also bought a 1" dial indicator a couple of years ago and for the price it works fine. If you can't find any listings at HF follow this link. It will take you to the search and measuring, where you can find all their listings.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=551&pricetype=

I hope this might help. The pieces may not be Starrett but they do the job for a reasonable price.

Greg/Runner94

[Satatic]

Those prices are nuts. How can they manufacture them for that cheap?? 6.99 for a long range dial indicator. I wish I had a credit card or something ide order like 5 of each.

[Wile1Coyote]

Not sure if it was me or not Scott. I followed a link here that someone else had posted, but I have posted about it since so could be. Nice to have a place to discuss just the garage areas!

Cheers Man

Wile