magnetic dial indicator bases

[vette-kid]

What's a good one? I have an older one and the magnet is great on it, but the thumb screws on the arms are a serious PITA to set. I find that the connection at the dial is often in the way making it difficult to get the angle I want and the "elbow" seems to be getting loose and doesn't hold as well.

What do you guys use/prefer? This is mostly for engine work (cam degreeing, lifter rise, etc), checking rotor run-out, or whatever other random use pops up for it. I find Im using it a lot of odd angles.

 

[Strouty]

Noga

 

[Ruger_556]

Starrett (The USA made model)

 

[vette-kid]

Noga

Those look like what I want...but that's a bit spendy!

 

[senlow]

Those look like what I want...but that's a bit spendy!

The Noga is worth every penny that it costs. Use a Noga once, and you will never want to use a traditional style mag base again.

 

[larry_g]

So lets take another tac here, give us a budget and we'll tell you what to get, it obvious you don't want to spend money for top tier stuff.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Provincial]

I have a Fowler flexible base that I love. Here is a link to a set with an indicator included:

http://store.greatgages.com/servlet/-strse-3411/52-585-500/Detail?gclid=CIPksZaIsL8CFYqPfgodlSkAVA

I don't know the quality of the indicator in this set, but the base looks just like mine.

To use this base, loosen the lever just above the magnet and move the articulated arm into the position you want it. Then tighten the lever again. A cable inside the links places tension on them to lock them in place. Once you get the hang of setting it, you will never go back to a regular indicator base!

There are other sources for this type of base. I've seen some for less than $40.00, but I think that this is one item where you get what you paid for.

 

[vette-kid]

So lets take another tac here, give us a budget and we'll tell you what to get, it obvious you don't want to spend money for top tier stuff.

lg
no neat sig line

I suppose I just wasn't expecting to see them well over $100 for some. I'd probably prefer to keep it to $75 or less if I can. But if that just wont buy a quality piece, then Ill spend what is needed. I like to keep cost down, but Im not going to be foolish about it. The one I have now is an old used one I picked up for pretty cheap when I had never used on before. Now I find myself using it more, its time for something better.

Thanks for your input

 

[vette-kid]

I have a Fowler flexible base that I love. Here is a link to a set with an indicator included:

http://store.greatgages.com/servlet/-strse-3411/52-585-500/Detail?gclid=CIPksZaIsL8CFYqPfgodlSkAVA

I don't know the quality of the indicator in this set, but the base looks just like mine.

To use this base, loosen the lever just above the magnet and move the articulated arm into the position you want it. Then tighten the lever again. A cable inside the links places tension on them to lock them in place. Once you get the hang of setting it, you will never go back to a regular indicator base!

There are other sources for this type of base. I've seen some for less than $40.00, but I think that this is one item where you get what you paid for.

interesting! Thanks for the link, ill keep an eye out for those.

I honestly figured the base would be an item that could be had relatively cheaply. I just never figured you would have to spend $100 for a quality one...not the first time ive been wrong though.

 

[Strouty]

www.use-enco.com

Sign up for the emails at this site, almost every tuesday they will send you 20% off or some other deal. Use that code to buy one of these, it will work on the sale prices as well.

 

[dsimatt]

I've got this one herehttp://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/DIM10B/reviews/1/

I broke one of the clamps thou and need to replace the clamp or set so who makes the set because matco is the rebrand king.

 

[larry_g]

If you look in the MSC, Enco, or McMasters catalogue you can find parts and pieces for indicator bases. It is entirely possible to replace just the arm on your base or just the snugs. I find at swap meets often someone will have a box of miscellaneous indicator base parts. I will buy the lot if I can so that I have the parts and pieces to make up what I need to fit the job at hand.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Monte]

www.hoerger-gaessler.de

 

[AndrewH]

Noga

Agreed. I have one at work and it's amazing. I couldn't imagine using an inferior version from another company!

 

[Provincial]

interesting! Thanks for the link, ill keep an eye out for those.

I honestly figured the base would be an item that could be had relatively cheaply. I just never figured you would have to spend $100 for a quality one...not the first time ive been wrong though.

Note that the link is for the base AND and indicator for $86.70 + shipping. If you want an inexpensive version, Summit has an asian knock-off (just the base) for $37.97 here:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cbi-50220?seid=srese1&gclid=CJD-ltKnsb8CFY17fgodZaEAOQ

 

[sonvolt]

Noga for the $$, used everyday for over 10 years

 

[Hafen_Kafer]

Noga

 

[rodm1]

Noga is the best if it doesn't work I use a flex Starret but not very ridged.

 

[383 240z]

I've tried a bunch of the DI bases, I finally broke down and spent $115 on a Noga. I wasted so much time fighting with the cheap ones. I should have done that years ago. Keith

 

[Givl Reggin]

I'd probably prefer to keep it to $75 or less if I can.

I know I sound like a broken record, but...

If you are making your buying decisions concerned about the price, you are going off in the wrong direction.

Tools are something you're going to have the rest of your life; buy once, buy top quality and buy a name brand that'll be around in 20-years to honor their waranty should you need it.

 

[vette-kid]

I know I sound like a broken record, but...

If you are making your buying decisions concerned about the price, you are going off in the wrong direction.

Tools are something you're going to have the rest of your life; buy once, buy top quality and buy a name brand that'll be around in 20-years to honor their waranty should you need it.

No worries, I appreciate the input. Don't take this the wrong way, but you must be more well off than I am...I CANNOT make a purchase without putting a budget on it. I do want quality, but even quality has a budget. I simply cannot afford to make each purchase with a "money is no object, get he best available" mindset. If that were the case, I would drive a Veyron and live in a castle. But alas, money is an object. So even for quality items, there MUST be a budget. I could buy better ratchets, but I refuse to believe that you have to spend $100 on a ratchet, there are quality ones out there for $30-$40.

Im sure I could spend $200 on a base, but after some looking, I feel confident that $75 will get me a quality tool. I am still shocked that it takes that much, to be honest.

 

[Ign]

Noga Noga or Noga

 

[Strouty]

No worries, I appreciate the input. Don't take this the wrong way, but you must be more well off than I am...I CANNOT make a purchase without putting a budget on it. I do want quality, but even quality has a budget. I simply cannot afford to make each purchase with a "money is no object, get he best available" mindset. If that were the case, I would drive a Veyron and live in a castle. But alas, money is an object. So even for quality items, there MUST be a budget. I could buy better ratchets, but I refuse to believe that you have to spend $100 on a ratchet, there are quality ones out there for $30-$40.

Im sure I could spend $200 on a base, but after some looking, I feel confident that $75 will get me a quality tool. I am still shocked that it takes that much, to be honest.

A cheap magnetic base can't be compared to a cheap ratchet. If your budget won't allow for the noga or something in that price range, just buy a cheap one. I am willing to bet that the cheap ones are all the same quality just have different brand names.

 

[AlexNGreen]

I was in the same boat as you are now and messed around with the flexible mag bases but kept my eye on eBay and scored a Noga for $50. It was the best purchase made. Everybody that sees the Noga wishes they had one. I would wait and up your budget or be patient and keep an eye on eBay.

 

[383 240z]

Here is a heck of a deal on a NOGA!!!! The 20% off and free shipping ends today at 11pm EST!!!!


Fowler indicator
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=KK890-9824
$25.99 - 20% = $20.79
Noga base with 70lb mag
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?P...PARTPG=INLMK32
$60.95 - 20% = $50.36

Free shipping $71.15 Not bad for a good tool.

You could upgrade to the 176lb mag version for $105.95-20%=$84.76 That's the one I have, I use it 10-15 times a day and LOVE it. I have no idea why I suffered with the other type of mag base for so long. Keith

 

[dsimatt]

If you look in the MSC, Enco, or McMasters catalogue you can find parts and pieces for indicator bases. It is entirely possible to replace just the arm on your base or just the snugs. I find at swap meets often someone will have a box of miscellaneous indicator base parts. I will buy the lot if I can so that I have the parts and pieces to make up what I need to fit the job at hand.

lg
no neat sig line

My snap on guy ordered me a OTC base, arm and 2 clamps for $40 so I'm gonna roll with that for now.