Ron B.
Need suggestions on picking out a dial indicator tool.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
Need suggestions on picking out a dial indicator tool.
I want to get a dial indicator for checking rotors, balancer, wheels etc. What would you suggest for a brand/range of movement/ price range/accessories? I've never used one, but think I should learn to.
I want to start dialing things in a little closer.
If you know of an especially good set-up, please share.
Much appreciated,
Steve
I want to start dialing things in a little closer.
If you know of an especially good set-up, please share.
Much appreciated,
Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
I want to get a dial indicator for checking rotors, balancer, wheels etc. What would you suggest for a brand/range of movement/ price range/accessories? I've never used one, but think I should learn to.
I want to start dialing things in a little closer.
If you know of an especially good set-up, please share.
Much appreciated,
Steve
I want to start dialing things in a little closer.
If you know of an especially good set-up, please share.
Much appreciated,
Steve
Here's the link: http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...1782&category=
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 545
Croaker, I already have the exact same digital caliper they sell and I think it is well worth the cost. Unfortunately, I paid more than what they are selling it for and I'm still happy with it. I'm guessing the dial indicator will be similar in quality. Ron B.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
I use a Central Tools set, made in the USA. Look at Central Tools: http://centraltools.com/dial_sets.html. Also Matco tools: www.matcotools.com. Type in part number D1260 in the website search at Matco. Also Snap-on makes a quality set - might be made by Central but I'm not sure. The Snap-on and Matco are around $150.00 list, the Central is a bit less. You can probably buy them cheaper if you shop the web. All of these are precision instruments. I'm not sure how accurate a reading you could get from a set that costs under twenty bucks. If the dial is not accurate you may wind up shimming when you don't have to, or not shimming when you need to, etc. Could cause you more problems than it fixes.
Maybe someone has compared one of these inexpensive sets against a Central, Matco or Starret for accuracy and can give some feedback.
It's possible these inexpensive sets are ok but I have a feeling you get what you pay for.
Maybe someone has compared one of these inexpensive sets against a Central, Matco or Starret for accuracy and can give some feedback.
It's possible these inexpensive sets are ok but I have a feeling you get what you pay for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 2
From: Ft.Worth Texas
There is nothing at all wrong with these cheep tools. As a machinist I have tons of very expensive measuring tools and quite a few of this Chinese stuff. Their quality has vastly improved over the years. Remember when Japanese products were thought of as junk? Not so any more and China is not far behind.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,446
Likes: 1,475
From: Little Rock AR
Call me crazy but I bought a magnetic adjustable base and a dial indicator at Harbour Freight for peanuts. I have timed cams with it and used it to assemble engines. Works great. 
I also have a Cen-Tech cheapie dial caliper that comes in very handy. Not the best but good enough for what we are doing here.
I did buy a more expensive (huge) degree wheel to go with it. Bigger wheels can improve your accuracy without breaking the bank.
On the other hand I do have a set of import snap guages that aren't quite up to the task so I guess you have to shop carefully for the right level of quality.
-Mark.
I also have a Cen-Tech cheapie dial caliper that comes in very handy. Not the best but good enough for what we are doing here.I did buy a more expensive (huge) degree wheel to go with it. Bigger wheels can improve your accuracy without breaking the bank.
On the other hand I do have a set of import snap guages that aren't quite up to the task so I guess you have to shop carefully for the right level of quality.
-Mark.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
I use a Central Tools set, made in the USA. Look at Central Tools: http://centraltools.com/dial_sets.html. Also Matco tools: www.matcotools.com. Type in part number D1260 in the website search at Matco. Also Snap-on makes a quality set - might be made by Central but I'm not sure. The Snap-on and Matco are around $150.00 list, the Central is a bit less. You can probably buy them cheaper if you shop the web. All of these are precision instruments. I'm not sure how accurate a reading you could get from a set that costs under twenty bucks. If the dial is not accurate you may wind up shimming when you don't have to, or not shimming when you need to, etc. Could cause you more problems than it fixes.
Maybe someone has compared one of these inexpensive sets against a Central, Matco or Starret for accuracy and can give some feedback.
It's possible these inexpensive sets are ok but I have a feeling you get what you pay for.
Maybe someone has compared one of these inexpensive sets against a Central, Matco or Starret for accuracy and can give some feedback.
It's possible these inexpensive sets are ok but I have a feeling you get what you pay for.
No, they are not Starrett - but that's not the claim. They are a good tool for the intended purpose. If you need high precision, you must pay the price.
