51908 | Dial Indicator Test Indicator Magnetic Base & Point Set Inspection Set

This set is accurate to far greater precision than the margin of error on the tools I'm using in my home shop. For the price, it can't be beat.The test indicator failed (jammed) after receiving a moderately jarring impact. I am aware I should not have let it happen in the first place. Both the manual and the website claimed the tool was rendered permanently inoperable. However, on opening the case, I discovered that the problem was a simple return spring of no particular precision. The spring arm simply applies pressure to the linkage, by means of a follower stud pressed into the arm of the linkage. This stud, however, only fills some 40% of the void between the gear box carriage plates, with the spring arm set such that, at the far end of the linkage range it can actually slip free and slide over the stud.With the spring arm returned to its position and adjusted slightly to stay in place, I reassembled the case and the indicator worked as before, verified on precision surfaces of known value. A simple design choice would avoid this failure in the first place. The internal design also seems purposed to intentionally defeat any repair attempt by a user not possessing specialized tools, but a dental set and some patience gets around it.I would ordinarily subtract two stars for the obvious end-user hostility embodied in this design, leading to premature failure and unnecessary replacement. I give it five stars though because the simplicity of design makes it robust (once modified) and reliably precise (so long as you don't damage the brass linkage or gearing), and the price point is low enough to avoid a heart attack if the tool is damaged.

It does is job. I haven't used it much yet and don't know if it will last as long as some of the more expensive name brands, but if it breaks, it'll be easier to replace at this price point than those more expensive indicators. I'll be using this to indicate tooling in a production environment so I'm sure it'll get banged around and broken but so would a more expensive better built brand. If I was just inspecting parts in a quality lab or used in a dedicated measuring area I'd probably purchase a more expensive better built brand, but for the environment I'm using this in, the price point is great.

I have no complaints about the base or dial indicator. I measured displacement with my digital readout on my mill and it was tracking pretty well.The smaller indicator that I received isn't very good though, it sticks and jumps while measuring rather than a smooth motion that I would expect. It can jump 3-4 graduations while executing a smooth motion. I also am not a fan of how it attaches to the base, the mounting shaft is too short to make it all the way through the clamp, so it just doesn't feel secure.

I'm a beginner with machine work however I'm no stranger. My father, uncle and grandfather were machinists and I know a lot just from listening and watching them work so I'll give you my opinion. For someone like me, a hobbiest, with an old 48" atlas lathe with a milling attachment it's accurate far more than I need it to be. I'm happy with the overall quality and price. Would my dad have used it to make perfusion aircraft parts or surgical tooling inserts, I doubt it but then if that's your goal I'm sure your not bothering reading this review or looking at this tool.

For woodworking purposes, this is a great deal in a dial indicator and magnetic base. Works well for jobs such as aligning a table saw, drill press, etc. More than sufficient accuracy for woodworking. Received on time and in excellent condition. Thank you.

A great set. The base is great but the extension arms could be longer. I may fix that myself.EDIT: This following is not a review of the product but a recommendation for users. After having dropped the smaller indicator and broke the tip off where it meets the mechanism, I disassembled the unit to avoid damaging it when trying to remove the screw stump that was left. Don't do this. Even as a former watch repairman I could not reassemble this unit. If you can, brace the rotating connector and remove the stump that way. The parts inside were not as delicate as I had thought before getting into it, but it's a devil to get back together properly. After 6 hours I gave up. I will buy another as it served me well untill I dropped it.

I purchased this for dialing in a table saw (trueing the blade square to tracks / fence). For that it worked perfect. The magnetic base and angular fix positions make it easy to set up for the indicators to read accurately. Accuracy was good and repeatable to within 1/1000th. My Table Saw now cuts true square pieces accurately! :) I would rate this higher but the component quality and finish is on par with the cost =cheap. I encountered several plating burr's along both Magnetic base shafts = not able to adjust to that specific area or reducing travel along shaft =stopping at rough spot. I ended up fine sanding all the shafts and using a quality grease on the set screws of the mag base adjusters. For the price, application, and accuracy I thought the product was as advertised. If you can look past blemishes or quality in finish the product works.Satisfied Customer

This Dial Indicator seems like a nice device. It is very sensitive but easy to use and to read. However, the cheap Chinese clamp magnetic base is so weak that it is almost worthless. Seriously consider buying a separate rare earth magnet base and you will have a proper tool. I have only used this tool once to measure runout on a wheel, so I cannot speak to its long term reliability. The weak magnet base is the only disappointment I saw.