Tool quality question: how much for quality dial gauge?

[Scott Y]

I've spent too much time on the web looking at dial guages, and I can't figure out if I need to spend $200 on one to ensure accuracy, or not.
I was going to go through MSC, any other suggestions?

I'll initially be using it to do flywheel step measurement, but I can see at some indeterminate future date that I will use it for brakes/engine building/RC helicopters/some-other-stuff-that-I_haven't-thought-of-yet. So long-lived accurate performance is required.

How much have you guys spent? Where have you bought from?

 

[Barnes]

I would just get one of the more inexpensive Mititoyo's or Starret's. Can't really go wrong there.

 

[Muskrat]

Also, remember if you want it to remain accurate it should really be calibrated at least once a year.

 

[Dan D]

For the general use stuff you don’t need to spend big bucks. I have a Fowler that was less than $50 and it’s good enough to 0.001”. I compared it to some brown & sharpe and starrett indicators our maintenance machinist has here at work. The expensive ones have a nicer feel to them and I imagine they hold up over time better without adjustment & calibration, but they were not more accurate.

 

You really should use a depth gauge for measuring your stepped flywheel.

 

[Barnes]

Couldn't he attach his dial indicator to a flat bar?

 

[Dan D]

In my experience, a dial indicator and a fixture as seen here: RRE Flywheel Tech is easier to use than a depth gauge. There isn't a good a large flat reference surface on our flywheel to put the plate of a depth gauge against so you might accidentally rock it and mess up your measurement. $0.02

 

If you are using a depth gauge like this, there should be no rocking whats so ever.