Had My Father's Dial Indicators Restored...

[dr_clyde]

When I started doing machine work, my dad gave me his old Kennedy Journeyman box from when he was a die maker. It had sat for about 20 years though, and some of the tools were a little rough. I managed to save most of the rules and non measuring tools, but the precision metrology stuff was a tad beyond my skill level.

These indicators were the two that I wanted to save, partly because I need to use them, and partly because they were the only two that were able to be saved. Here are the "before" pictures.



The mitutoyo was in pretty good shape. It was a little dirty, and the crystal was missing. The plunger action was a little sticky around halfway through travel. This one is neat because it has my dad's initials and the date he bought it engraved on the back.





The Starrett was in pretty bad shape. It was rusty, the action was frozen and the crystal was impossible to see clearly though. I had my doubts about this one.

 

[harvero]

Where's the "after" pictures?

 

[dr_clyde]

Here's the "after" photos.

I sent these to Indicator Repair Service, out of Bethel Park, PA. They did an outstanding job. They were very fast, reasonably priced, and do top shelf work.

First, the Mitutoyo. It doesn't look too different, aside from having a crystal and functioning smooth as silk again. Had a thorough cleaning, and in my care, should be good for another 50 years or so. Cost me $48.00 for service on this indicator. New would have been $138.00.





And then the Starrett Last Word. This baby was pretty rough, so I'm super impressed with the results. Works great again. This one cost me $72.00 / $183.00 for a new one.






I'm one happy dude, my dad will be stoked when I show him this weekend.

 

[Dan Jacobs]

Very nice That Starrett truly is the "Last Word"

 

[Drake9]

Very nice saves. I would want to save with no sentimental value, money well spent IMO

 

[qwik]

Did you call Starrett first? I've got an old caliper that skips and would like to get it rebuilt.

 

[Southernbuild]

Very nice

 

[SantaAna12]

Good stuff!

 

[rapid robert]

Awesome! Great tools with sentimental value. I love using the tools I got from my father and grandfather.

 

[dr_clyde]

Did you call Starrett first? I've got an old caliper that skips and would like to get it rebuilt.

I didn't call Starrett, largely because I wanted both indicators to be done at the same time. I just googled "indicator repair" and looked at a few places.

 

[G_P]

Can they repair an indicator that the numbers have gone missing from? I have a Starrett indicator works just fine except for the fact that you have no clue what its indicating because there is nothing left of the face behind the needle.

 

[dr_clyde]

This is a link to the company that did these gages. Just send them a repair request, and a salesman will get in contact with you. I personally dealt with John, and he was very helpful.

http://www.indicatorrepair.com/

 

[bonneyman]

That little one came out beautifully!

 

[Buckgnarly]

Awesome!

 

[Bull]

Wow, I didn't even know there were services to restore these things. I have a Mitutoyo quite like that one on my desk with a cracked plastic face.

 

[nine4gmc]

Nice save!!! Treat them well and you'll have some great memories to last!

 

[383 240z]

Pretty cool. Bethel Park is about 40 mins from me. I might have to pay them a visit next time I'm in the South Hills area. Thanks for the photos. Keith

 

[madison069]

Pretty cool. Bethel Park is about 40 mins from me. I might have to pay them a visit next time I'm in the South Hills area. Thanks for the photos. Keith

Same here, I got friends that lives there so it would be a good excuse to stop at that place!

 

[royesses]

Wow, I didn't even know there were services to restore these things. I have a Mitutoyo quite like that one on my desk with a cracked plastic face.

Long Island indicator service does repairs, calibration and sells parts for most brands. I replaced the crystal on my Mitutoyo dial caliper with parts they supplied. The crystal came already pressed into a new bezel for $20.00. They are great people and ship fast.
http://www.longislandindicator.com/

 

[methomas70]

That's very cool.
I wonder how long it will be until indicator repair facilities are obsolete.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

That's very cool.
I wonder how long it will be until indicator repair facilities are obsolete.

An older ( since passed on ) fella next door to my shop did this work, instrument repair. That has to be tedious. His son did not continue the repairs, only toolmaking.

There was an ordinance plant here in town that was his main customer, so I guess its all a matter of where you are located in relation.

 

[APEowner]

That is awesome.

 

[zcbauer89]

Great restore job. They'll be good for generations to come. The Starrett is a night and day difference.