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38 reviews
Rugged construction. Compares w/$100+ name brands.
We use magnetic-mount articulating dial indicators in a production environment. Constant setups require a very flexible holder to check measurements on a wide variety of item sizes. Over the years we have gone through many of these with varied longevity. There are two types: mechanical/friction locking and hydraulic locking. We've found that the hydraulic style offers a more "fluid" movement (pun not intended) and nearly instant lockup in the required angle and extension. This one is the hydraulic style and is much stronger than other hydraulic styles we have used. Every arm maker seems to use the same "switchable" magnetic base which have a limited life of their own and can be replaced easily and cheaply. The threaded mounting point on the base has been a constant standard regardless of manufacturer (from appearance this part may be made by one company for everyone.) The lathe-machined aluminum reduces the threaded joints (oil leak points) from 5 to only 3, while reducing the overall weight which reduces the operators fatigue in a constant-use environment. The lock-up is secure enough to provide for a rigid mount point for the dial indicator offering a vibration free readout and promotes increased precision of the reading as well as life of any indicator's mechanism. The reach of this model is ~14" and perfect for our needs. Beware that many models are only ~9" and may not suit the range requirements of every application. We have not had the opportunity to judge the long term life span on this unit, but the feel of quality is evident. Even if the useful life is less than the very expensive competitors (if the competition isn't using the exact item themselves,) the price will more than compensate for the difference. One con that we did notice is that the mounting hole for the dial indicator was too small to accept the stem of the models we use (typically Harbor Freight) but there was enough room to allow us to drill it out to the required 3/8" diameter.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
Decent
Our company brand that we use are mainly Nogas. This isn't one. But it works decent. Base is nice and flat, magnet is string. Mine arrived with a burr in the top elbow. I believe it was on the retaining ring they use. A small rat tail file took care of it. It stays tight. Handle and knob are both plastic like the Noga. I'd imagine the inside "cam" for the magnet is plastic too. The Noga is also. For the price, you can't go wrong.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
A quality product
The one knob adjustment feature is very nice. The bore for the dial indicator was found to be 0.075" undersized. I opened up the bore with a Dremel tool, and it works fine. Reduced my rating to 4 stars because of this flaw.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
I love it
I always hated old school mag bases and after spending twenty minutes trying to figure out how to indicate something with one I order this model. It took me ten seconds to redo it with this mag base. I wish I would have gotten one years ago.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
It's been working well
I use it on a large cnc boring mill,,, most convenient mag base I've used with a 1" travel dial indicator. The indicator housing will not fit into the hole of the clamp,,,, I just turned the thumb screw around,,, screw it into the threaded side of the clamp and not through the clearance hole and put it through mounting eye on the back of the indicator,,, simple fixRead full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
perfectly suitable
I had to drill to holder out to 3/8in. no problem for anyone who would want one of these. I find it perfectly suitable for my purpose, which is hobby lathe work. If I was a pro, sure spend five times as much.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
Good valuee
Surprisingly sturdy and well built for the price. Long time durability to be determined, but the initial impressions are very good. Seems like great value for the price.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
Arm length
Not 14” arm but rather total height. Does the trick though. Way less than a noga.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
Magnets work
Very versatile tool that has a magnetic base as strong as I've seen. Works with both of my dial indicators.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: pacificsale
Magnetic holder
Had to re-drill the hole for the indicator which was too small for me. Works fine for my lathe.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: lineswish2016