How to Clean a dial indicator

Quick and easy way to fix a Dia indicator. When indicators get dirty and quit working what do you do? Send it in for a expensive repair bill, or Watch this video and do it yourself/

[@geckoproductions4128]

Dale: I was stuck with nothing to do/but cant go anyplace today while watching my napping grandson. I dug out several old indicators I have acquired over the years and tried your method. Most of mine have some sort of access port on the side with a screw in it. I just took the screw out, dabbed a little mineral spirits inside with a Q tip as well as the sliding stems, and joisla! Your method works GREAT. Thank you so much for cluing me in.

[@ThisOldTony]

that indicator = spectacular

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+This Old Tony Its real cool to have the set of three, but they are to nice to use. LOL

[@DirtroadRestorations]

Thanks to your simple fix I just got 3 of my old indicators working. You rock

[@ChipMaker1066]

Thanks Dale. I've cleaned up a number of old indicators with mostly great results. If they're really dry inside, a drop (ONE drop) of synthetic watch oil seems to work great.

[@pauljones3866]

Dave, great video and results. A few years ago, I took the plunge on cleaning an old Mitutoyo No. 513-102 dial test indicator I purchased in 1970 and long ago stopped using it. It now works extremely well and glad I took to chance fixing it. Thanks for your cleaning tips.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Paul Jones Im so glad i could help

[@zyzzy1944]

Regarding knowing when to stop, sometimes the enemy of good is better. I enjoy all your videos, thanks. Jack

[@John4566442]

+zyzzy1944 I plead guilty to this. Sometimes I am my own worse enemy.

[@muskegsmith3388]

Hey Dale ! good on ya for giving it a try. in situations like this you will probably win more than lose. you don't know what you can do until you've done it, and now you have experience in DI tuneups, and with experience comes credibility, that is what we expect from a mentor !!! Thanks for your continuing efforts

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+muskeg smith I like the word "DIY tuneups" thanks for your comment

[@juanrivero8]

I add to my previous comment. I tried it. Worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@stxrynn]

Excellent! I buy those from junk shops as well. I've been a bit cautious with cleaning, but willing to take a basket case to learn on. Good job! Thanks for the great advice.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+stxrynn Glad you liked it

[@tomherd4179]

I see NO reason for any negative comments: You explained yourself very clearly! I will either try it or not, my choice. By the way - I know I will try it, I have an old Starret that sticks. Thanks, Tom :-)

[@jojorengers5368]

Thanks for the tip! Going to try that ☺ Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@timmer9lives]

Thanks for posting. Totally agree with you....Its worth a shot for a non working or sticking gauge. Worst case is to toss it or send it in for repair. And also agree....You can't beat the old mineral spirits. ( On a side note...stay away from the newer "green" non-VOC mineral spirits. That stuff doesn't hack it. )

[@garyc5483]

Hi Dale I agree, if you feel confident and want have a go, do it. Nothing ventured nothing gained. Glad you got your indicator working again as it is a beauty. Here in the UK it costs more to have an indicator repaired than to replace it most times. I have done several that I picked up at flea markets etc with good results. When you say "paint thinner" I presume you mean a thinner for oil based household paints. These are not very volatile and have very few VOC's. Over here we call it "white spirit" and it makes a good general purpose cleaner/thinner and will not make you feel too dizzy when you breathe it in. Not sure what you call it in the USA. Also Methylated spirit ( denatured alcohol ) is great for the job although it is very highly flammable so flashes dry very quickly. Any aggressive type thinner for auto paints etc should be avoided like the plague as they will melt the crystal and discolour the face unless its enamelled. (although they will also do a fantastic degreasing job :-) ). Nothing negative here I hope. I some times wonder if the users that give a thumbs down actually watch the content or even try to understand what is being said. Great channel thanks for sharing, regards from the UK

[@chemech]

+Gary C One caveat to using denatured alcohol - it can craze the thin plastic (acetate?) watch glass type lenses... I've been known to use 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol from the drugstore - sometimes the 91%, but that can strip paint. In any case, nitrile gloves can't hurt, and use the least amount of solvent, and work in a well ventilated room, and keep you solvents - and their vapors! - away from flames and electrical connections that can spark...

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Gary C Great input . Thanks :-)

[@kellerrobert80]

You wrote, "When you say "paint thinner" I presume you mean a thinner for oil based household paints. These are not very volatile and have very few VOC's. Over here we call it "white spirit" You are correct. US paint thinner = UK white spirit. Same stuff.

[@daveknowshow]

I have done this b4 myself. my dad was a watch maker from age 10. I have his work bench and all his tools so I have been into a few of these myself including a last word indicator of my own. good job!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+daveknowshow thanks

[@mikewofford9954]

I like it. I met you at the tool show on Thursday. Keep it up.

[@smayjr72]

Great video and tips!

[@BMWDCK75]

Thanks saved me some money!

[@fxm5715]

Getting fancy with the multi-camera shoot and editing! Nice work, Dale.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+FXM Thanks

[@KyHighlander59]

When I was a little boy, my father would clean my watch by opening a bottle of alcohol and placing the watch with the back off over the opening of the bottle. This allowed the fumes to get into the works and clean the inner workings. I had a cheap little watch and it would stop working about every few months and he would clean it and it would work again for a few months. I wonder if that would work on old indicators.

[@jonrbryan]

Thanks for this advice. If mineral spirits had a slightly lower vapor pressure it would be a light oil. The stuff eventually evaporates, but it takes a long time. I've picked up several used indicators online that needed nothing more than a little buffing and mineral spirits to get them looking and working almost like new.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Hi Jon thanks for your comment. I hope a lot of people read it.

[@jonrbryan]

As an experiment I put about 1/16" of mineral spirits in the bottom of a small measuring cup after leaving the last post. After five days in my shop with no A/C there was still enough left to cover the bottom. Meanwhile I scored an Ames 211.5 (in the original box and looking like it had never been used) for $34 delivered. It has 1/2" of travel and 0.0001" resolution (and three dials). It was just a little sticky, and is working like-new again.

[@lewismcclain8957]

Good job.liked the great tip.

[@rasmillion]

Thanks dale, I have a test indicator that does not repeat anymore. Guess I'll give this a try. It's not a super expensive one so repair would not be worth it, but this may well be the ticket!

[@lordkillspree]

Thanks for the info. P.S. I loved you in the Rocky Horror Picture Show

[@adwaugh]

Dale, I have revived a few DIs over the years. There is a product called Horolene which clock and watch repairers use for cleaning movements (I repair clocks and watches as a hobby). You need to take the dial off as it will attack the soft paint usually used for numbering, but horolene will not otherwise affect plastics or shellac (Shellac is sometimes used as a glue in precision instruments. You don't really need to completely strip the mechanism, 15 mins in an ultrasonic bath with Horolene will get the mechanism pretty clean, any oxydised oil/grease will be loose enough to remove with a toothpick, then a blow off/brush off with a soft brush or rubber bulb blower, then another session in the US cleaner with fresh Horolene will get it about as clean as new. Once the mechism is clean, I dip it briefly in clean Isopropyl Alcohol (to get the water based horolene off Caution, Alcohol will dissolve shellac so just a quick swish around) then blow the mechnism off with the rubber bulb and put it under a lamp until it is completely dried. A few minutes with some clock oil and a fine wire to lubricate the pivots/moving surfaces then reassembly and the DI is good for a few more decades. If you're going to order Horolene from a horological supplier get some clock oil, a clockmakers brush and some Rodico. Rodico is a soft rubbery material, sort of like silly putty, or car detailing clay, you roll/rub it on a surface it will clean any contamination off. The problem with using just a solvent is that it will remove any lubrication so relubricating is necesary. In a pinch you can use Sorry if this is long, and sounds trollish - I am fairly sure that some horologist will now troll me for suggesting that you can clean a mechanism without disassembling it :-)Horolene, by the way, is essentially plain unscented soap, ammonia and oxalic acid - you can google for a DIY recipe - it is fantastic for cleaning brass and copper. I usually make it myself, real Horolene is only marginally better.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Andrew Waugh Great comments. Giving me information is never, troll Like. :-)

[@cjaystrong44]

Thank you. I really liked that you took the time to give detailed instructions on your experience cleaning precision instruments. I learned a lot, for instance I never considered the word "horological" to describe the study of clocks, it makes sense, but I just never knew. haha Again, thank you.

[@homotorsports]

I didn`t see problem in what you did..My brother restores`s old phonographs and the grease on the clock spring becomes like glue he soaks them and re oils them very similar to what you just did....Nice work...

[@lewisl5985]

Good informative channel thanks for spending the time to share your experience with us all

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thanks Lewis.:-)

[@danielwerger5641]

Thanks Dale. In fact, I was looking at an Ames I have which has the same or worse issues. I'll try your suggestions next weekend, and see if I can bring it back to life... Cheers, Daniel

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Daniel Werger Im Glade I could help

[@Zrambo49]

I have my grand fathers tool makers box. It was made c1919. In it is a very nice indicator. It sticks and I don't know where to send it. I think I'll try your way of cleaning it less taking it apart. Thanks. Enjoy your channel.

[@KnolltopFarms]

Thanks Dale, I hope you have a great weekend and get to enjoy whatever it is you do while folks watch the SuperBowl, and if that's watching the game, then enjoy that too ;) I'll be out in the shop, Aloha...Chuck. P.S. I'm glad you said Mineral Spirits before using the umbrella term of "paint thinner", since as a seasoned autobody painter, I know just how many different types of thinners there are out there, and automotive Lacquer thinner may be a bit on the strong side ;)

[@mertsilliker1682]

I always learn something from watching your channel

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Mert Silliker Thanks :-)

[@oldSawyer]

Been a while since I've done any, but I used to take indicators apart and clean them all the time at work, including fixing some that the Inspection Department couldn't get working good enough. Old Dried out water-based coolant film gets on everything in the shop and gums them up a lot faster than dried out oil films do.

[@dixonqwerty]

Found your channel after watching Mr Ruckers tour video. I am a new subscriber on this great channel! Thanks for the high quality videos.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, and welcome to the channel. :-)

[@horneygeorgeforge7079]

Love your video! for some reason I knew your were going to do more that you said, when you said somth8ing like I think I'll only clean it up a bit on the outside.. funny how one thing leads to another? done it myself too. keep having fun. thank you for sharing your doing great!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+dennis brooks Im glade you liked the video

[@deanharris7149]

Awesome! Wanted to see it’s guts though. I love old indicators! You should do some more videos about this. On second thought that’ll drive the price up on big faced Federals and I love those

[@ChrisB257]

Yes - that works!! May well help someone revitalize an old sticky indicator!

[@supyrow]

great work!

[@fdegeorge2000]

An old timer taught me to clean up with thinner 40 + years ago however I always spray a rag then wipe. To lubricate we use graphite lock lubricant.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+fdegeorge2000 Great suggestions

[@williamrekow7513]

That Ames is very beautiful. I will try this on a couple of sticky (and very old) gauges I have.

[@NikColyerMachineWorks]

I've been using Ronsonol lighter fluid, but I like the thinner trick. Cool vid!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Nik C. Colyer Thanks

[@joemiller5110]

Excellent video.. I was wondering why you did not mention why you should not use oil on the moving parts. Thanks for the videos!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+joe miller Good question . I don't know enough about oil to suggest a good one.

[@felixcosty]

This video reminded me of what you said know when to stop. Had a .001 $20 indicator that was not working well, it was very slow and stiff. So I started cleaning it to the point it did not work at all, and the sad thing is i had it working good at one point but in my mind i always think i can make it work better and so i kept cleaning it till it stopped working. I did learn two things, how they work on the inside and STOP when it is working good enough for the job. Was happy in some way that is was the cheap fowler and not the expensive Mitutoyo Good thing i had permission from my boss to give a try to fix it Sure would have loved to see the workings on the inside of the one you are cleaning. i just love to see how things work so in the q and a if you can go through your video and pull some still shots and show how all the gears work, it would be very appreciated. Was really hoping you would not have done it in fast forward, and take it apart and showing all the nice insides And i am with FXM i learned the word shmuts and it stuck with me Thanks for the video

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+E Hiebert Great comment

[@roylucas1027]

Great video. I have a guage that needs a little tlc. Now I know how to start.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Roy Lucas Have fun

[@1dnr91]

Love the video..... great advice.... and I promise I won't say anything about not wearing gloves :)

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+1dnr91 LOL

[@bobshepherd9353]

brave man! and a useful technique

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Bob Shepherd LOL

[@johnmcdonnell6109]

Great video Dale. Hater will always be haters!

[@outsidescrewball]

Going to give it a try, enjoyed....like the vid production

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+outsidescrewball It has saved alot of gage for me over the past few years.

[@ArcticWolfSilver]

Ah! very handy! I just might try that on my tiny old Starrett indicator! It sticks somethin terrible!

[@fgardner3482]

Nice job. Those are a pretty set of indicators. Ames indicators are designed to be easy to maintain. .0001" graduations are a bit more tricky, but the .001" ones are very simple. They are built in an old style, by hand, rather than the current indicators that have a fair number of stamped and plastic parts. I sell new indicators that are pretty much the same and repair parts are available for the more adventures DIY crew. Francis Gardner, President and Owner, B. C. Ames Inc.

[@MikeDittmanmachining]

I've got a Chinese half thou indicator that is sticky now I think I'll give the mineral spirits a try. Thanks for the information.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Mike Dittman Glad you liked it.

[@mayhem7090]

Very cool vidéo ,👌👍,great job !

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Thanks

[@RyanWeishalla]

Yep, that is a good first step. As you alluded to at the end, probably best to apply with a swab or something similar rather than spraying. I'll have to try mineral spirits next time to see how that works. Just for the education, I would some day to find a video of somebody taking one completely apart and then putting it back together to see exactly how to handle all of the springs, etc. on a dial indicator.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+ILGopher Great idea for a video you should don it.

[@rogerkimball2098]

indicator cleaned up nicely. I personally would only try it on a "Pittsburgh" brand or "throw away grade" indicator. That vintage indicator looks awesome. It kind of reminds me of like a pocket watch with the lettering and styling. They sure dont make them like that anymore!

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Roger Kimball Its a beautiful gage. Its really to nice to use.

[@tedfarwell3132]

Great video. Ignore the trolls. What have they ever uploaded to KZbin?

[@paulwomack5866]

This video, 3 times (about a year go, thieving bastards)

[@ericapelz260]

Thanks, I may take a chance on the sticky Federal at the second hand store.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Erica Pelz Give it a try, I think you will like it.

[@douglasthompson2740]

Be careful. I used a rag that had been used with paint thinner (felt dry when I picked it up) on my level bubble face. It immediately fogged the plastic lens. Permanently! I was wiping it down to get the dirt and moisture off it. Now I have a 24" Craftsman from the fifties that belonged to my dad with a fogged bubble. It blew me away how little and how quickly it reacted. I have seen several other people say the same on You Tube. Plastic just doesn't do well with harsh chemicals especially if it is old. Glass would be fine. Stan just did a video on sending out one of his gauges to a place recommended by Oxtools. Some fine watches and gauges years and years ago used whale oil (sperm whale specifically). I wonder how the modern synthetics compare to it? I enjoy your channel. Doug

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Douglas Thompson Great input, thanks.

[@halfbaked4life]

Nice tip. I normally use Ronsonol. Just squirt some on the stem.

[@chrismayhew4531]

Another great Video Dale! I don't think I have ever watched one of your video's and not been inspired to "build something cool" Regarding lubrication of the dial gauge (or anything else of a similar nature) my Grandmother use to put a tin lid with a few teaspoons of Kerosene in it, in the back of her mantle clock if it was starting to loose time - the fumes seemed to "loosen" the workings up. I wonder if the same basic idea could be applied in this type of application?

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Chris Mayhew Interesting Idea.

[@adamalterman6657]

Nice video. Did you use mineral spirits to clean the dial face? I had luck cleaning the face with distilled water so as to not dissolve the printing on it. Isopropanol and Ethanol usually cause damage. Small dial crystal scratches come out easily with headlight scratch remover. I agree with Wolverine, brake cleaner spray works great on the internal mechanism, then I apply minute drops of watch oil or Starrett Tool and Instument Oil on the gear pivots with the point of a toothpick. I use the LEAST amount of oil as possible, and have the best success by keeping the plunger dry after cleaning.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Adam Alderman Yes I used paint thiner o the bezel, But i tested is first. Great suggestions

[@toddlfrank]

I use Aero Kroil on my precision tools. I recently switched jobs and had to store my tools for almost 2 years. I was out of Kroil and used WD 40 and it gummed up all of my tool and stained them. Put Kroil on them and they loosened right up it gets down to a millionth of an inche.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+toddlfrank Thanks of the info

[@wayneevans5050]

I've always wondered if I could do that I have a couple of old sticky gauges I bought in lots from ebay.

[@junk1189]

I was given an expensive German made dial indicator the brand is Kafer. It’s around 30 years old. The bezel to zero it out is very stiff. I cannot turn it to zero it out without forcing it, is there a way to fix this without disabling it. Thanks

[@johngalt9262]

I didn't know I wanted a large dial indicator till I saw this ;)

[@JohnBare747]

+John Galt When you get old and your eyes go to shit like mine I would like to have an indicator the size of a wall clock.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+John Galt Its a cool gage. I don't use it very often because it very heavy and hard to get set up.

[@misterfixit1952]

Thanks for the input. I clean a lot of tools up and usually use WD or some such but didn't want to use that on my indicators. Hadn't thought of paint thinner. After the volatiles flash off the residue in just some light petroleum products. Good tip. I just bought 3 well-used Interapid 312B-3 indicators for $60. 2 need new glass and all could use a good cleaning. DIY glass is $10 ea and cleaning is me. Best machine shop deal of the year.

[@Grappa96]

I've been a photographer for 40+ years and never heard the expression FUBAS. I know FUBAR.. what does it mean? Good video!

[@imysteryman]

Hi Dale I ran across a youtube channel you might like, this old guy has some great ideas. John Fink

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+imystery man Thanks Ill take a look

[@tacticalant3841]

Dang, you fast forward through the part i needed. Removing the crystal and bezel on the Ames. Any tutorials on that?

[@GarryFullerSr]

Dale. Thru the years I've done the same thing to a few of my Gages. After years of abuse in a Shop they get dirty. I can't see how anyone would disagree with how you went about this.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Garry Fuller Sr Thanks for you positive comment. :-)

[@OleGramps53]

Great suggestion for cleaner, I used wd40 on my federal last word dial indicator to clean it up. Boy is it sensitive.

[@CompEdgeX2013]

Yup, used the ol'WD many times to clean up the indicators...works fine by me. :-)

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+CompEdgeX interesting idea

[@gj91471]

WD 40 does not work very well on door hinges.... ' SQWEEK' comes back 72 hours later everytime

[@juanrivero8]

I just so happen to have a sticky beat-up gauge, inexpensive Grizzly. I'll give it a go. Thanks.

[@tombellus8986]

A little common sense goes a long way in our travel through life thanks enjoyed

[@DochNiemals]

Thanks for the useful info! Sadly, I had a really annoying troll diatribe ready to post but accidentally hit "cancel." Then I typed a big, stupid safety nazi rant and did the same dumb thing! I just hope you're not too sad that no huge trolls came out.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Randy Draper LOL

[@McFingal]

Dale you haven't heard from me in a while because it's just so hard for me to be positive! Lol. Another fine video Dale, but we need more details.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+The Texas Gun Guy What kind of detail.?

[@McFingal]

+Metal Tips and Tricks (Dale Derry) Well you didn't show us how you disassembled it, then reassembled it. But it's all right.

[@trainedtiger]

I have an idea for a cool project you can do. Use a waterproof variable speed motor to pulley drive a 5C spin fixture, it doesn't need much power, it is actually better to keep it pretty weak like 1/4 horsepower with like a large rubber o-ring for the belt so it can slip if it gets overloaded. Then mount it at a 90 degree angle onto a 6" sine plate. Keep everything precise and you will be surprised how often you'll use it on the surface grinder.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+trainedtiger I have one of those on my tool grinder. :-)

[@erikisberg3886]

Like this old video, used this method successfully. I saw WD40 mentioned - not good for indicators. Dont ask me how I know... It gums up over time, You need a more stable oil if lubricating the indicator at all which should really be avoided. The vegetable oil in WD40 oxidizes with air over time and hardens like flax oil in paints. That is why it slows corrosion somewhat. The hardened oil is difficult to remove, methyl chloride works if You can get it and know the risks. Also here in Europe paint thinner is xylene, ethylacetate, toulene and similar. These will attack most plastics and paints. Light naphta or kerosene is more like present US paint thinner so be careful. I use a product labeled "aliphatic naphtha" in the shop for cleaning stuff.

[@10223220]

If you have a sticky inductor and it doesn't work any way why not try and fix it I am going to give it a try thanks for the great video

[@BuildSomthingCool]

I like your attitude. :-)

[@marceltimmers1290]

Hi mate. I had been wondering about this, and also putting the whole unit in a ultrasound cleaner with alcohol, and clean it that way. It would be interesting to find out if it works. One would only have to remove the bezels I would think, the numbers might wash away. Sorry, you might have to be a bit careful with paint thinner, outside the US, paint thinner might be many other more harmful stuff than methanol.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Marcel Timmers Good input.

[@bohartvigwestergaard7443]

det er nogle rigtig gode fif du har ville lige komme med at få det brune fra glasset når du nu hade det af tand paster til plast glas på en klud kan gøre det helt klart igen Bo fra Danmark

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+bo hartvig westergaard Jeg bliver nødt til at give det en chance. Tak for din kommentar. :-) I will have to give it a try. Thanks for your comment. :-)

[@MattsMotorz]

You don't ask people to leave nice comments. For one, basic rules of the internet say that trolls take that as a perfect opportunity to NOT leave nice comments, and two, you shouldn't care so much about mean comments. KZbinrs need to have thick skin because unfortunately, the internet can be a very mean and terrible place. As a side note, I did very much enjoy the video :D

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+MattsMotorz Thanks for your comment

[@FastEddie007007]

Perfect example of not over fixing things. Everything does not have to be perfect to be functional.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Charles Shanafelt I learned it the hard way.

[@joevolpi9192]

Instead of paint thinner. Buy fine instrument cleaner and rinse. Use Starrett fine instrument oil. I've been doing indicator repair for 15 years. Any questions feel free to ask me

[@1jtolvey]

GREAT VIDEO !!!! JUST SUBSCRIBED .

[@johnjohn-ed9qt]

Nice job. As others said, I might follow up with synthetic watch oil if the stickyness returns. Use a fine needle to apply it. You don't want visible drops, just what capillary action brings on the surface. NOTHING on the spindle to gum up the gap between it and the stem. About the only problems that can't be fixed by basic cleaning are bent spindle, broken stem, and more severe physical damage. I do leave spring repair to the pro's, though, as it can be a bit tetchy.

[@gbowne1]

I'd invest in a small ultrasonic cleaner for this type of delicate work.

[@arnljotseem8794]

Great fix on a beautiful instrument. Pretty geeky, in a good way :-) I just wonder, why to you keep talking about trolls in every vid you make? I see some critical comments here from time to time, but trolls?

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Arnljot Seem I talk about trolls because not every one has seen all my videos. I want my channel to be a fun and safe place for everyone. Trolls bring everyone down. I do like critical, thoughtful comments they add to the channel. Thanks for your comment ;-)

[@OldIronShops]

get the stake ready Dale they're going to burn you lol

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Chris Anderson LOL

[@pierresgarage2687]

Just like you say... " If it works....!!! " ;)

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+pierre beaudry Thanks for your comment

[@somebodyelse6673]

I know most people don't care, but it irritates me when any kind of indicator with a needle isn't at the "12 o'clock" position at its unloaded zero. On every mechanical indicator I have, the pointers come off just like on a watch. I got a watch hand puller, and I can just remove the pointer, put it back on in the position I prefer. Taking the pointers off also allows me to better clean the backing plate behind them.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

I do believe that Dial is spelled with an "L". All Positive.

[@1970chevelle396]

That dial indicator sure is big.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+1970chevelle396 Its very cool

[@axa.axa.]

Thing looks like Flava Flavs jewelry

[@petefletcher]

I always thought FUBAR was "fu**ed up beyond all recognition"

[@JohnBare747]

+Peter Fletcher Exactly!

[@suzukichopper]

+Peter Fletcher When did he ever say FUBAR? All I heard was foobaz.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Peter Fletcher The word Is foobaz, Not Fubar. :-)

[@FirstDagger]

+Metal Tips and Tricks (Dale Derry) Is Foobaz related to Foobar ?

[@davidschulz5334]

One thousandth’s of an inch

[@manusudha4269]

Paint thinner damages the dial and some types of plastic

[@TheMarcball]

positively, i want to eat that indicator !

[@CSGATI]

I use electronic spray cleaner

[@pinselplins]

I prefer brake cleaner spray then paint thinners

[@seanflanagan5674]

+Wolverine, I prefer it as well, but what is your solution for the bad taste in your mouth when you wake up? A pint bottle of Listerine was ineffective for me!

[@pinselplins]

Vodka ;)

[@suzukichopper]

+Wolverine Brake cleaner can do some really shitty things to some plastics and rubbers though. You need to watch out for it.

[@John4566442]

+suzukichopper Very true!

[@conoba]

The magical substance called WD40 is just mineral spirits with some perfume.

[@bendavanza]

+MainsOnTheOhmsRange kerosene and fish oil

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+MainsOnTheOhmsRange LOL

[@duobob]

My momma' always told me "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." ........Silence....... Seriously, I do pretty much the same thing, Dale, and IT WORKS!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

The correct technical term is "Schmekma". If you had proper training is cleaning things like oil tanks, sewage tanks, chemical tanks, Boiler internals, deck plates you would of know this. I would like to request that you do more research. All Positive here all positive.

[@fxm5715]

+Randy Richard - That's a bit too close to "smegma" for me. I'll stick with the good old Yiddish, "shmuts."

[@marceltimmers1290]

+Randy Richard It sounds like it is a Jewish word.

[@BraveLoch32]

+Randy Richard Not to be confused with Schwarma!

[@marceltimmers1290]

I don't think so, I love schwarma.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

+Randy Richard LOL