Mounting a Lug Back Dial Indicator to Noga Universal Mount (Easy Way)

In this video I show how to mount a Starrett 25-series indicator to a Noga Universal clamp. Tools needed are cordless drill, 1/4” drill bit, (2) 6mm flat washers, small Phillips screwdriver for removing the case back, vise or some way to hold the case back while you enlarge the hole. This solution provides an easy and cheap way to mount this indicator to a Noga universal mount without having to buy or make a specialized holding device that fits the lug. I HIGHLY recommend that you remove the case back from the indicator before enlarging the hole. This is easy to do as the Starrett indicator shown only has 4 small Phillips screws that hold on the case back. If there is not sufficient tension with the flat washers, substitute 2 “star”-type lock washers.
I’m not sure if this method will work with other brands or sizes of lug-back dial indicators. Please leave a comment if this method worked for you with another brand or size of indicator so that others can be aware of the fix.

[@coldlogiccrusader365]

You are a genius. I have struggled for a long time using a Lug Back. When inserted into the clamp, there is no room to access the fine adjust nob. 2 simple washers and a few seconds of reaming and I got my only problem with Noga solved!!

[@vettepilot427]

Awesome! Glad it worked for you. Thanks for the feedback.

[@lespaul12307]

Thanks for the help!

[@vettepilot427]

You’re welcome. Hope it helped you out!

[@geckoproductions4128]

Nice trick, thanks.

[@vettepilot427]

Glad it helped.

[@davidfreeman3472]

Starrett has a 1/4" indicator attachment for the Lug back that fits in the Noga. Starrett part# 657Y

[@vettepilot427]

Awesome, thanks.

[@curiousgeorge4608]

It is amazing how little there is on mounting lug back indicators out there. I guess you are expected to just know. It is probably obvious once you do know.

[@vettepilot427]

I agree completely, that's why I posted the video. There's pretty much nothing out there that I could find myself besides pictures that gave any information on mounting. Most folks are machinists and make their own mounts, but that didn't really help me. Even though it's supposedly an AGD "standard" design, there's not a lot out there.

[@curiousgeorge4608]

@@vettepilot427 I even contacted Noga. They said yes you need an adapter and no we do not sell one. Honestly, other than the fact they did respond, I got the impression they did not want to sell me anything more.

[@vettepilot427]

@@curiousgeorge4608 Interesting. In their literature, Noga specifically mentions that this arm is compatible with Lug indicators. I assumed when I bought mine that I didn’t need anything else. Oh well, hope this helped you!

[@dwilley3754]

What kind of bench vise is that? Looks nice.

[@vettepilot427]

It’s an Orange Vise Bench Vise. It’s made by folks who make high-end CNC vises. I really like it. It’s pricey, but comparable to Wilton Bullet vises in price.

[@Bob_Adkins]

Helps a lot, but still not right. It's very awkward to use compared to a real lug back holder. Noga can do a LOT better!

[@vettepilot427]

Agree 100%. It’s far from ideal. I’m not sure what the original design fits, but it sure is not this……..hopefully this at least got you working!!

[@Bob_Adkins]

@@vettepilot427 I was doing something similar, though my screw is smaller than 1/4. and I had to bushing it. Your complaint with Noga inspired me to make a dove tail adapter from a lug back holder. Thanks again VP!

[@Bob_Adkins]

@@vettepilot427 My home-made dovetail adaptor worked like a charm!