Dial indicator

I would like to get a good quality dial indicator. I really know nothing about the different brands and what separates the bad from the great. I will use it for things like finding TDC, cam timing, checking rims for run out etc. I'm not sure I need the absolute best but definitely want a quality tool. Please recommend!

 

Best choice would be Mitutoyo.

Best regards

 

STARRET OR BROWN AND SHARP

 

The above brands yes. Beware of some of the (made in China.)


Ago

 

Jim, a couple of things to keep in mind, especially for the tappet work:

A 25mm (1") capacity works well and allows you to have plenty of "reserve" stroke if you can't get it fixtured just right on the tappet.

I would stay away from the cheapie digital readout ones - they're not repeatable and their mechanisms are cheaply made. I foolishly bought two of these and they're not worth the space they take up in my toolbox.

A jeweled mechanism is worth the extra money - they're noticeably smoother than the non-jeweled.

If Amazon delivers fairly reliably up there in AK, they have an excellent selection of Mitutoyo's. I own this one: Mitutoyo 2056S-01 Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 9.525mm Stem Dia., Lug Back, Yellow Dial, 0-100 Reading, 57mm Dial Dia., 0-25mm Range, 0.01mm Graduation, +/-0.025mm Accuracy: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific, and this one: Mitutoyo 2056SB-01 Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 9.525mm Stem Dia., Flat Back, Yellow Dial, 0-100 Reading, 57mm Dial Dia., 0-25mm Range, 0.01mm Graduation, +/-0.025mm Accuracy: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

And the difference in smoothness between the jeweled and nonjeweled is noticeable (It makes a difference when you're trying to do hundredths of mm's )

 

Some good recommendations. I like Amazon but if you wanted to see it first you could try Production Tool, I think they have outlets in AK. Sometimes they even have closeouts.

Don't forget a good magnetic base. You usually want to mount it solidly for max accuracy but sometimes you need to use a mag base.

 

Thanks for the info, I'll check those out.