Need a dial indicator with Mag base--flexible arm style

[1982fxr]

Needed for occasional motorcycle work. I have an old style with the two sliding arms and I friggin hate that thing. I want one of this style. I've never used one but it looks so much better. I see these no-namers on Amazon. Is there any reason to pay more? Are the low end name brand ones coming out of the same factory?

Thoughts? Advice?

https://www.amazon.com/HDLNKAK-Indicator-Machinists-Alogbment-Measurement/dp/B0CYZHGMHF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[1982fxr]

Im ok with buying just the mag base set up if this indicator can mount to it. I doubt I'd ever use this base again.

 

[Firebrick43]

Needed for occasional motorcycle work. I have an old style with the two sliding arms and I friggin hate that thing. I want one of this style. I've never used one but it looks so much better. I see these no-namers on Amazon. Is there any reason to pay more? Are the low end name brand ones coming out of the same factory?

Thoughts? Advice?

https://www.amazon.com/HDLNKAK-Indicator-Machinists-Alogbment-Measurement/dp/B0CYZHGMHF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Those style are really bad, they never hold position in my experience.

Have you tried a Noga?

Very little pressure to lock the arms which are super easy to adjust unlocked.

The ones with the base adjust screw are the best, you can set your indicator close and easily without bumping the indicator zero it out as you bring it in/out via the screw at the base.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07VQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[1982fxr]

Those style are really bad, they never hold position in my experience.

Have you tried a Noga?

Very little pressure to lock the arms which are super easy to adjust unlocked.

The ones with the base adjust screw are the best, you can set your indicator close and easily without bumping the indicator zero it out as you bring it in/out via the screw at the base.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07VQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm open to getting that style if it's better and easy to use. That's a bit more than I was hoping to spend...

 

[Firebrick43]

I'm open to getting that style if it's better and easy to use. That's a bit more than I was hoping to spend...

I have used some hydraulic imports in the past that are decent, maybe even a little smoother, and cheap, but they tend to fail after half a decade or so. The noga's have never disappointed me over the decades, my first is still as good as the day I bought it.

Here is the same base a little cheaper but shipping might make it the same in the end?

NOGA DG10533 176 LB Magnetic Force Indicator Holder Magnetic Base w/ Fine Adjustment At Base

www.shars.com

Noga does sell a cheaper one but it doesn't have the base adjust that is so nice.

Before you buy however I do need to point out that they above linked stand is for 3/8 stem mount. You need to check the stem diameter of your dial gauge.

They also make 8mm stems on gauges. They do make bushings to use 8mm stems in a 3/8 but its best if you just match the stand to the gauge.

 

[1982fxr]

I have used some hydraulic imports in the past that are decent, maybe even a little smoother, and cheap, but they tend to fail after half a decade or so. The noga's have never disappointed me over the decades, my first is still as good as the day I bought it.

Here is the same base a little cheaper but shipping might make it the same in the end?

NOGA DG10533 176 LB Magnetic Force Indicator Holder Magnetic Base w/ Fine Adjustment At Base

www.shars.com

Noga does sell a cheaper one but it doesn't have the base adjust that is so nice.

Before you buy however I do need to point out that they above linked stand is for 3/8 stem mount. You need to check the stem diameter of your dial gauge.

They also make 8mm stems on gauges. They do make bushings to use 8mm stems in a 3/8 but its best if you just match the stand to the gauge.

Im not understanding the base adjust you mentioned.

 

[Firebrick43]

Im not understanding the base adjust you mentioned.

The screw on the base is used for fine adjustment instead of one up by the head that tends to deflect the arm slightly

Some have both but I don't care for that.

 

[larry_g]

Before you buy however I do need to point out that they above linked stand is for 3/8 stem mount. You need to check the stem diameter of your dial gauge.

They also make 8mm stems on gauges. They do make bushings to use 8mm stems in a 3/8 but its best if you just match the stand to the gauge.

I was going to say the same thing, so quoted for truth. Shop the Noga catalogue for what is available and then make your choice. There are import clones of the Noga arms that may be cheaper and work for you. That said I don't think that you will find ONE tool that will cover all your needs. You may also need a clamp on base if your working on some different surfaces that the mag base will not stick to reliably. It is also possible to buy a Noga arm that fit your mag base if that will work for you.

lg
no neat sigline

 

[whateg01]

Not having that adjustment is the only thing I dislike about most of the noga knockoffs. It's hard to get the indicator exactly where it needs to be and then lock it without moving it. Not a big deal on the lathe but it can be a pain in other cases. I've not spent the money for a real noga, but I hear they are smoother and lock better.

I'll add that the arms are great for all sorts of stuff. My favorite alternative use so far is I made a phone holder that is solidly attached to the dash behind the radio bezel. Keeps the windshield itself clear so I can use a folding screen easily and never falls off the windshield.

 

[MongoTA]

Anther recommendation for Noga. They work, always, at least for me. Others seem to work less always. I had a mix from various auction lots. I only use the Noga.

 

[RoninB4]

Im ok with buying just the mag base set up if this indicator can mount to it. I doubt I'd ever use this base again.

-What is your application and how reliable/solid does it need to be? Plunger or arm style indicator?

 

[KnurledNut]

I use this one for automotive applications more than a mag base:

 

[Steve_P]

I've wanted two different sizes of the legit Nogas for years but just cannot pull the trigger for as little as I use an indicator anymore. I have two Mitutoyo conventional bases and for as little as I use them, I can spend the extra minute fiddling. There is a huge difference between a Mitutoyo base and my ancient HF copy- which I gave away.

I also have a generic "Noga style" arm that is connected to a vise grip for rotor runout checks and it actually works pretty well.

If this is something that you're going to use more than a few times a year, I'd get the proper sized Noga for your application.

Edit- yeah, I have an import copy of the pic above. Mine works just fine.

 

[rmack898]

Once you go Noga, you never go back.

 

[senlow]

Noga, Noga, Noga. (Chant like the frat boys in Animal House.)

But seriously, you won't regret getting a Noga. There is a reason that they are the industry standard.

 

[AEAdam]

I have 3 or 4 Nogas. In a machine shop they are totally worth it, use them every day. For automotive, if you were an engine builder, yeah maybe a Noga makes sense. For occasional use, you can buy knock offs from SHARS for $20, possibly with an indicator