dR_Freightliner
Well-known member
I'm looking for a decent magnetic base 1" dial indicator. Does anyone have any suggestions?
dial indicator gauges
- Thread starter dR_Freightliner
- Start date
sonvolt
Well-known member
Noga makes a good magnetic base, how much travel and what increments are you looking for with the indicator. Are you looking for a test indicator ?
OP
dR_Freightliner
Well-known member
yes test indicator to measure end play
You don't typically use a test indicator to measure. To measure you want a dial indicator. To measure you typically want a devise that has 10x the resolution of the tolerance needed. When you say 1" indicator is that 1" of travel or a 1" diameter on the dial. Give us a bit more information and detail of what your doing. It makes a difference if you doing exacting work or if just looking to see if the needle wiggles.
lg
no neat sig line
Unless you're measuring end play on a battleship prop thrust bearing, cosine error will be negligible with a lever-type test indicator. So long as you keep the stylus basically perpendicular to the surface to be measured.
I like Noga bases and Interapid or Compac indicators.
Plunger-type lug-back indicators can be very useful and are less "finicky" than using a test indicator. However, they're generally not as precise as a test indicator and are much larger in form factor. That makes them difficult to use for gear backlash, end play measurement in tight locations, etc.
I like Noga bases and Interapid or Compac indicators.
Plunger-type lug-back indicators can be very useful and are less "finicky" than using a test indicator. However, they're generally not as precise as a test indicator and are much larger in form factor. That makes them difficult to use for gear backlash, end play measurement in tight locations, etc.
I think the Noga arms are tons better than others I've used.
One word of warning: There are lots of rip offs of Noga and plenty of cheap chinese indicators. Some aren't too bad at what they do. But the problem with these is that their attachments can be bogus.The dovetails on the cheap chinese indicators are larger than B&S and everyone else. So these indicators WON'T fit a noga arm. Arms with dovetail clamps may or may not fit all indicators.
Cheap dial indicators can sometimes have wierd sized holes in their lugs. Most have 8mm which fits 5/16 or metric fasteners. Ditto for their shafts (which technically you shouldn't clamp to).
Last a bug in your ear- when you are measuring very small numbers, it can be nice to use a digital gauge. The advantage I have experienced is that you can zero the gage. You push the button, but the gage delays the actual zero to give you a chance to get your hand off. The best digital dials are mitutoyo in my opinion. Just be aware that there are many models- mm and in models- some have mm or inch bodies! Others differ in their resolution. But all look pretty much the same. So you need to read the Mitutoyo catalog if you are selecting one or bidding on one on ebay.
Tho Long Island Indicator doesn't love them (they do sell them tho) I think Mitutoyo make really decent dials and test indicators. I recommend you buy these second hand.
One word of warning: There are lots of rip offs of Noga and plenty of cheap chinese indicators. Some aren't too bad at what they do. But the problem with these is that their attachments can be bogus.The dovetails on the cheap chinese indicators are larger than B&S and everyone else. So these indicators WON'T fit a noga arm. Arms with dovetail clamps may or may not fit all indicators.
Cheap dial indicators can sometimes have wierd sized holes in their lugs. Most have 8mm which fits 5/16 or metric fasteners. Ditto for their shafts (which technically you shouldn't clamp to).
Last a bug in your ear- when you are measuring very small numbers, it can be nice to use a digital gauge. The advantage I have experienced is that you can zero the gage. You push the button, but the gage delays the actual zero to give you a chance to get your hand off. The best digital dials are mitutoyo in my opinion. Just be aware that there are many models- mm and in models- some have mm or inch bodies! Others differ in their resolution. But all look pretty much the same. So you need to read the Mitutoyo catalog if you are selecting one or bidding on one on ebay.
Tho Long Island Indicator doesn't love them (they do sell them tho) I think Mitutoyo make really decent dials and test indicators. I recommend you buy these second hand.
Dave455
Well-known member
Best ones are a Baty or Verdict, depending on the style you want. If you are looking secondhand then look for Mercer as well, but unlike Micrometers and such that are fairly durable, these are one item that I would consider buying new! I've seen too many used ones that are just too tired!
ttpete
Well-known member
If you're doing engine type work, just get a Mitutoyo plunger type indicator and universal magnetic base that has a flexible column. It has segments to allow flex, and locks up rigid when a lever is turned. Half thousandths dial will be adequate.
OP
dR_Freightliner
Well-known member
I set jake brake spec using a dial gauge on older Cummins N14. I just need one that reads up to 1" max. Wheel bearings also need to be measured at the end of the spindle for play and set at a specific .001-.005"
Last edited:
davethorik
Well-known member
best is an opinion, the brands you listed are English and not readily available stateside.
I recommend a Harbor Freight mag base, yeah they aren't the best but drop it/break it/ etc and you don't care. For the indicator itself, I recommend a Mitutoyo, they aren't the cheapest, but good indicators. I am guessing you aren't measuring to four decimal places so you don't need Interapid.
OP
dR_Freightliner
Well-known member
I just purchased one through the snap on truck and it works great thanks everyone.
Well here is a page that offers 3 different qualities. http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=338&PARTPG=INLMK32
For what your doing I suspect the Fowler gauge will do the job for you. If you need more then step up to the other brands. Others have spoke to the holder and Enco will have them also.
Or you can pay SO for their units. I have found that the SO measuring tools are not top tier tools and have to large of a markup. Same goes for their drill bits.
lg
no neat sig line
For what your doing I suspect the Fowler gauge will do the job for you. If you need more then step up to the other brands. Others have spoke to the holder and Enco will have them also.
Or you can pay SO for their units. I have found that the SO measuring tools are not top tier tools and have to large of a markup. Same goes for their drill bits.
lg
no neat sig line
Last edited:
OP
dR_Freightliner
Well-known member
Thank you. I purchased this one through the truck. A bit pricey, but the guy next to me has been using it for ages and likes it.
http://store.snapon.com/Dial-Test-Indicator-Sets-Set-Dial-Test-Indicator-Long-Range-P637115.aspx
metaldad
Well-known member
no mention of starrett?
bob15
Well-known member
For gauges, I like: Federal, Ames and Starrett.
Here is a complete set-up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ECLIPSE-MAGNETIC-BASE-w-FINE-ADJUSTMENT-plus-AMES-0005-Inch-DIAL-INDICATOR-/161334627171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25904b0b63
Here is a complete set-up:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ECLIPSE-MAGNETIC-BASE-w-FINE-ADJUSTMENT-plus-AMES-0005-Inch-DIAL-INDICATOR-/161334627171?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25904b0b63
The nice little box is long since gone though...
Last edited:
I was looking at the princess auto chinese bases and they are weak magnets (even though they brag about their strength in their ads). I'd be careful about buying el cheapo stuff, all you need is to knock your indicator on the floor because you brushed it with your sleeve or what ever.
That snappy one is a real looker!
That snappy one is a real looker!
cat-mechanic
Well-known member
I have a Central #6410. Been using it for 15 years. Accurate enough for what I need.
Canadian Charlie
Banned
I have one branded CompCams, works great