Tool Tuesday Ep. 3: Classic Starrett Tools Repaired

I have a couple of the Starrett Last Word No. 711 indicators out of my Grandad's toolbox that was in need of repairs. I also have some No. 120 dial calipers that needed the jaws to be re-honed so I sent these three tools up to Starrett in Athol, MA to have some service repair work done to them.
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[@paulsullivan6392]

The love and respect you show your late Grandfather and Father with the picture closing on your vids and your reverence for some of their specialized tools is very heartwarming.

[@NiftyMCD_Australia]

It's wonderful that you are keeping the loved and used tools in working condition and have them serviced by the manufacturer. Thanks for preserving history!

[@jmazoso]

I love the love you have for the family heirlooms. That little something when you pull them out and say that this was grandads, and knowing that he's happy that they are still being used for what they were made for.

[@blobscott]

I have my dad's last word indicator - always wanted to get it refurbished and did not know Starrett offered this service. I miss him, and using his tools always brings back the good memories. Thanks, Adam for all the teaching and videos.

[@NSResponder]

Prescion machinery is a testament to human ingenuity. This is satisfying and inspiring.

[@tropifiori]

I have a few of my Grandfathers tools. He was a plasterer. They are precious to me. He put me through Medical School with his trowel.

[@kevindavis6042]

The elegance of old school tools Where has it gone

[@niles006]

That guy needs a KZbin channel, I love the way he talks and he explained everything very well 🥰

[@joewhitney4097]

Pretty cool. It was fun seeing the Starrett craftsman performing his work at the factory. Thanks for sharing.

[@jondavidmcnabb]

Adam, more than any other channel on KZbin, yours has made me appreciate good tools. I now carefully judge each tool i buy or own on usefulness and quality.

[@patricksullivan9951]

Hi Adam, very nicely done. A shout out to Starrett, a well done rehab! Years of life left in those instruments!

[@kingnull2697]

@@SteveColluns-hm2xx Some of them.

[@randyshoquist7726]

Most guys I know don't like Last Word indicators, but I'm quite fond of them. The small size fits into small spaces, and the half-yellow scale is helpful when using a mirror. Mostly I like the old-timey look. And the name, of course.

[@billsimpson604]

You know they were well made when they can repair precision tools that old.

[@mrvector257]

I'm really liking these short tool videos. Super interesting seeing old precision tools.

[@JayKayKay7]

The music, the photography, the content. You are an Artist!

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

I love the look of the last word that was restored with the original dial.

[@willb3018]

Sweet. I like this new Tuesday series. My dad was never more than a home DYIer. So no great tools like this. But I still cherish his old tools that I still have.

[@Rangitatahunter]

I love having and still using some of grandads tools, really special connection with the past using family tools

[@Obsidian1022]

Hope you and Abby stay safe from the hurricane!

[@JaapGrootveld]

Nice to see how much you care for the tools from your father and grandfather.

[@kurtdietrich5421]

I am very lucky to have inherited my grandfather's and great-uncle's tools. Both were machinists at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the 30's and 40's. I treasure them and still use them. I've had several indicators repaired or refurbished.

[@beaversixniner]

Love seeing your dad and grand dads tools 🛠

[@MotoRestoFL]

I sent Starrett my 120 dial caliper 3-4 years ago for repair, I could have bought a newer (used) one off eBay for less but like you, my dad gave me mine 43 years ago so I wanted this one. They threw in a new case as they were phasing out the old cases and the lady who called said it was her last case. Very personal service. I have my old last word I’ll have to send them. Thanks for the video.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

They stand by their product. I wish I could say the same for Mitutoyo, who cannot service my older 12" dial caliper. Their solution was to destroy them and offer me a coupon for a few % off, resulting in price higher than any of their retailers ask. I still have them, broken. I am now considering the purchase of used functioning shorter version that has low market value, and swapping out parts to restore the 12". If I ever buy any more precision tools, they will be Starrett, so my son and his future offspring can keep them going.

[@donteeple6124]

Amen !!!! I had the same experience w Mitutoyo......all i needed was a simple replacement crystal and bezel and adjustment on my calipers...sorry we dont work on that model and dont repair it....its obsolete !!!!! however you can buy.........ughhhhhh what BS from a brand name.....NEVER AGAIN

[@hughmac13]

That's unfortunate. I used to repair them, whatever the model number, along with virtually all other dial calipers and dial and test indicators, and I almost certainly could have repaired yours. Aside from potential sentimental value or an aesthetic appreciation of old tools, the Last Word is a pretty shitty indicator, though my opinion is shaded by the fact that it's is an especial nuisance to service and/or repair. Nonetheless, Starrett replacement parts tend to be very fairly priced, and the LW is capable of reliably precise and accurate indication. Notwithstanding your justifiable dissatisfaction with Mitutoyo's lack of commitment to the servicing and support of their tools after sale, the quality of many of their tools is very high, and I'd advise that you use the best-quality tool of its kind, whatever the brand (and considering affordability). For example, Mitutoyo's digital indicators and calipers, at least the ones made in Japan, were and are probably the best-or the best quality-for-value proposition-in their respective classes. I repaired them as well; but because of Mitutoyo's aforementioned service shortcomings, I resorted to sourcing parts from used donor instruments. It worked.

[@rollinrat4850]

I've got one of those Last Words. It's just so simple. I got it from my mentor who trained me when he retired. I Still use it to indicate my vise or on the lathe but little else. I'll never forget my mentor nor my shop teachers. All great guys! I like my couple of Interapids for any precision work. I also have my grandfather's 1,2,3" Starrett mikes and a really old Swiss dial caliper. Forgot the brand. Probably WW2 era tools. I've got lots of perfectly good old US made tools from my family and coworkers. Most just don't make 'em like they used to and that's kinda sad.

[@tonyn3123]

During my career, I was not a mechanic or machinist like my dad and granddad. But I have the same reverence for their tools left in my keeping. Thanks for the video.

[@philipiano001]

Mad respect for the Starrett factory worker. 👍🏻

[@MaestroPrep]

Nicely done!! The editing and the history!! I stand and applaud you for this one!! Top notch content Adam!

[@MikeBaxterABC]

I'd say this is one of the favourite videos Adam has made! . Nice to see the old indicators rebuilt! ... The only "tenth's)" indicator I have is a very old Hardinge, big dial ... Since I sold my shop moved earlier this year its in storage with pretty much everything else own :(

[@cdrom1070]

i like the man that presses the green button. i think its dr frankenstein and he is happy that its alive

[@francisschweitzer8431]

Adam… since you visited the factory… how much joy does the repair/refurbish techs have in seeing some really old instruments??

[@garymonroe6699]

Hi Adam, love your videos! Knowing now, after watching this video, that Starrett will repair all their tools makes them truly a great investment. Thank you for sharing your love for your family heirloom tools.

[@mdvener]

It's the little things that count. Especially articles that have been handed down from older family generations. It might be a used Guage or anything for that matter, to a non family member, but to you it really has a personal touch. A heart felt feeling that touches you in a very special way. My father in law was an electrician and then I picked up th same trade, and it was the best job I ever had that I looked forward to every day. And be for he passed away he would give me all types of tools and same really old Milwaukee drills. Hand me downs. Every time I pick one up it just makes me smile. Thanks so much for sharing some of your memories. Hope this storm is good to you. We were in the north east side of the eye wall. Been in Florida for over 50 years and never want to do that again. Be safe n take care of Abby. Be hind every good man, is a great woman.

[@Bret4207]

Really liked this one and especially the film of the Starrett worker. Nice to see there is still some real quality left in Americas work force.

[@anthonymarino4260]

OLD SCHOOL THE BEST

[@stevenfarrall3942]

These relics from the earlier days of the 'American Method of Production' are fascinating. It is not just what they are but what they represent. That growth of precision enabling mass production of the most complicated products with components which were always precisely interchangeable.

[@edsmachine93]

I have used the LS Starrett repair service several times. Some of the old tools I sent are treasures. Some were very old and the put them in Perfect working order. And they are still perfect. When I started as a machinist all of my micrometers and tools were LS Starrett accept for my Brown and Sharp dial calipers. They have served me well for many years. Great company. Thanks Adam. Have a great day.

[@jimmyboles3409]

Great to know !and oh the memories for your grandpa’s tools , means a lot , Thanks for sharing!

[@williamkroth9429]

Starrett is the "Snap On" of precision measuring tools. Never knew that they service their tools like this!

[@johnkraus728]

Can you imagine a Starrett truck coming to your shop weekly?

[@tdg911]

Really nice camera for that close shot. Always enjoy your videos. Much love and gratitude

[@em21701]

I prefer the old yellowed faces, there's an added character. The new crystal on the other hand, does not take away from it at all.

[@jimadams8182]

However much those repairs were it's well worth it in my opinion to support such an iconic American tool company.

[@MoparStephen]

Really enjoying this new series. I also have some 3rd generation tools in my box that I regularly use. They were very well built and also well cared for.

[@pcantigos4817]

Eu também tenho....

[@ThomasLips]

I have a pair of Starrett calipers 120s that I inherited from my Dad. I just went running to the other shop to open up the jaws. Thanks for the warning! It's funny the things you don't know until you're told😊

[@bwwarden74]

Thank you for the content. I can appreciate you nostalgic love for your father / grandfather tools. I like the short tool segments!!

[@josephcote6120]

Good to see old tools kept in good shape. That's kind of my area of interest in old electronic tools.

[@apistosig4173]

I adore the restoration / rebirthing of old tools and tooling. Ain't much to match the stuff these days.

[@aceroadholder2185]

I was always told 60 years ago to never store calipers or micrometers with the jaws or spindles closed because of thermally stressing the frames and micrometer screws from heating and cooling over a long period of time.

[@jesstreloar7706]

Fluke does this also. I dropped my 177 from the top of a 6 foot ladder and the impact on the concrete cracked the display. Sent it in to Fluke for repairs expecting to have to pay something. Never got the email saying how much it would cost. My meter came back repaired under 'warranty', it was at least 3 years out of warranty. They calibrated it, which is an annual service which was not charged and there was a hand me down shock protective holster on it. Good service!

[@WreckDiver99]

Was this changed? I bought a Fluke 87 True RMS meter in 1991. Within about 4 years the display started having issues. I could "Fix" it by pulling the LCD glass off and resetting it. I got tired of doing this every week so I contacted Fluke about it. They told me "Oh, a repair on that meter will start at $150 and could go as high as $250 if it can't be repaired and we opt to replace it for you". I was not impressed when that happened. I was always told Fluke had AMAZING customer service, and that their products were guaranteed for a VERY long time. Maybe I need to try again because it is VERY annoying to need to pull the thing apart almost every time I want to use it now (I don't use it daily any longer).

[@angelramos-2005]

Great repair and great service provided by Starrett.Thank you,Adam.

[@frfrpr]

You Abby and family stay safe..

[@prodoverjeff2876]

Wishing you LOTS of safety!!!

[@frankornelaz8234]

Like the new music.

[@Rickster1100]

Love these Tuesday Tool Nights!

[@-HustleUnion-]

imagine if you could return anything you bought no matter how long ago and the manufacturer would honor a repair. That's class.

[@stevebumstead9840]

I've always loved the Starrett and Brown and Sharp tools. Thanks Adam.

[@rleeAZ]

Really enjoying your Tool Tuesdays. Wonderful that you have heritage tools to use. Thanks for sharing.

[@CrimFerret]

That's so cool that those can be used just as they were when new.

[@phillipchase4491]

😂After the Clockwork video I asked for watch work and…well it’s not a watch and Starrett did the work but you’ve knocked it out of the park with another great video! Thanks, Adam. You even showed us your watch near the end and ABOM size chips at the end! So…not “working on a watch with ABOM size chips”, but “working with your watch on with ABOM size chips“?😂

[@PhilWaud]

Beautiful tools, thanks for sharing. I really like this shorter video format!

[@TheUncleRuckus]

I wonder what they charge for services like this? I inherited my Father's Starrett Combo squares set, a 4 Inch and a 12 inch after he died 8 years ago and I'd really love to get the 4 inch square he used everyday at work for 45+ years freshened up. The Scale on the 4 inch is pretty worn, the edges & corners are all rounded from a scribe dragging across it for years and so are the Faces of the Square body.

[@k.s.1871]

It's hard to "kill" a Last Word . I bought one at auction several months ago . That one was pretty gummed-up, and of course the lens was yellowed . I didn't hold much hope for it, but sure enough with some patient cleaning it popped back into life . The yellowed lens just gave it a little character and now it's back into daily use .

[@NotJRB]

Nice video and music. I really like the midweek videos. Thanks!

[@ernerstowerdum3942]

Beautiful instruments, much more if were of your grandpa

[@elijahwilliams7975]

I have a old Alina test indicator same scale as yours just it's reverse of the Starrett ones oddly enough

[@BillyWillicker]

Josh Renfree at Accurate Origins does excellent work as well. I've had him do a few things and bought a few things from him and it's always been super work and service.

[@jwdickinson643]

the rooftop shot is awesome!

[@1stAxelKain]

I was delighted when I called them a few years ago to find out that they DO offer the repair and refurbish service. I have a couple mic's that were my dads and had always been a little rough, so some time soon, they'll be taking a trip home for service!

[@scrotiemcboogerballs1981]

Thanks for sharing

[@kimber1958]

Nicely done

[@stevebo8055]

Tool Tuesday is great.

[@PhilG999]

Amazing how people don't know you NEVER leave calipers or mics with the jaws/anvils touching! I got a 0-25mm mic when I was in HS that somebody had closed tight in the Winter and it froze solid in the Summertime! Asked the Physics/Science teacher If I could have it. I took it home and got it apart, then cleaned it up and zeroed it. I don't trust it for anything but it works...

[@mrlithium69]

the last word is cool

[@mikepayne8756]

If they take away material from the O.D. jaws what do they do for the I.D. jaws?

[@CothranMike]

The type of Hone they use there removes imperfections left from grinding since it is the same type of hone just a different location it WILL be different, all machines seem to have 1 or more idiosyncratic quirks don't forget. In his specific case the surface was restored to like new condition... It had little pitting before and the same number of pits after. The stain was removed only, around .000010 inches or .0000254 mm or .254 microns. You can notice with a glancing light some defraction patterns with polarized lens, same as the thin films on wind shields as seen from the seated individuals seeing via that vehicle's windshield. The I.D. jaws must not have been stained, the ID jaws didn't make contact with each other or have a bare or mucked surface, easy clean unlike the OD jaws which were closed on muck and bacterial erosion does happen on SS alloys which can be hardened, Starrett uses flame hardened stainless steel, satin finished for that older dial type. Oh, and yes, stainless does actually stain, just only in certain environments. Some types such as 18-8 will not be effected by low concentration >0.3 hydrofluoric acid whereas tool steel will be slowly disintegrated allowing a broken tap to be removed for example, ask me how I know...

[@z06doc86]

Awesome. I’m going to watch this one again. Thanks Adam.

[@PaulSteMarie]

Lovely! How much did the repairs cost?

[@ebenbildable]

indeed? how much????

[@fireantsarestrange]

Very nice.

[@wmweekendwarrior1166]

Good stuff

[@ChainsGoldMask]

An Abom short!

[@RobertKohut]

Touching!

[@ScottHamilton-ys2cm]

I love the old Starrett tools. Are the ID blades affected with the honing process?

[@garychaiken808]

Nice 😊

[@teedawg2112]

music and edit - 👏 🙇

[@jrmintz1]

You're a lucky guy - no heritage like that in my family, unfortunately.

[@piteralvarado1028]

Muy buenas herramientas yo tengo un reloj comparador y un micrómetro de 0 a 25 milímetros y son de exelente calidad

[@user-wr5el6wz6x]

Good aim2😎✌🏻

[@a.bakker64]

2nd life 👌🏻

[@mm9773]

7:50 I very much prefer the old dial face.

[@jasonhull5712]

Wow, I had no idea they could refurbish old tools like this? I have an old last word that needs a refresh. I’m interested in having one sent in. How do I go about getting it in ? Never mind.. google.. I like the Pink Floyd vibe like music you got goin on in here too by the way. 😊👍🏻

[@sbrunner69]

Why didn’t you tell us the Starrett repair prices you paid? Would have been useful for a few of us I think.

[@leviwilder1205]

probably endorsed or got a reduced price since whenever he talks about Starrett he talks very highly in a light similar to an ad or promotion

[@shaunsautorepairs5410]

I can't imagine the cost is much less than buying new... it may even cost more due to the time it takes.

[@tryphontournesol427]

As he said, you can ask directly Starett for a quote.

[@grntitan1]

If you have to ask, you were not serious in the first place. Absolutely nothing in the machining industry is cheap.

[@kindablue1959]

I'm sure it depends on the age of the device (scarcity of replacement parts) and the kind of work it needs. That's why they will give you a *quote* before you agree to any work.

[@JimWhitaker]

Given that the honing would remove some metal, did they have to re-align the dial to show 0 when closed or is the amount of metal removed too small to affect the reading?

[@ydonl]

If the correction is small, you can just turn the whole dial assembly to get it back to zero. I don't know what you'd do if the correction was larger.

[@earlbrown]

When they honed the OD jaws on the calipers, did they address the other 3 measuring faces too?

[@stevebumstead9840]

Good question.

[@jdavidkatz]

Adam, what was the turnaround time for the last word refurbishing?

[@geckoproductions4128]

Adam: many years ago you did a video about some indicators you sent to a guy to get refurbished. I can't find the video. Do you recall what that guys name was?

[@hobbiesrus]

How would you compare Starrett to MR Tool?

[@andresmanueltoledo2314]

This is the second video I see that shows rust in Starrett tools, being the other one a square in a Stefan Gotteswinter video. Low quality stainless?

[@CatNolara]

Stainless can rust too if it's exposed to rust from regular iron/steel.

[@andresmanueltoledo2314]

@@CatNolara Yes, everyone knows that and was also seen on this video, but in the case of Stefan Gotteswinter video, his tool was located with all his other measuring instruments (Mitutoyo, Mahr, Mauser) also made with stainless, but the only one that rust was Starret

[@gappmast9712]

How did they make the other side, inside jaws, match the outside jaws when they were done?

[@CatNolara]

looks like they hone both sides at once and the honing machine is adjusted so the stones are held extremely parallel.

[@gappmast9712]

Yes but the jaws for measuring IDs have to be matched to the OD jaws how do they do that

[@CatNolara]

@@gappmast9712 oh, that's what you mean. Good question indeed

[@ydonl]

You might have to hone both, depending on tolerances, yes? Let's assume Starrett thought of that. :) But maybe we didn't get to see it in the video.

[@tonyray91]

With the second indicator theres a bar with a round peg at 90 degrees. Please can you show how that is used.? , I’ve never been able to work out what that’s for. thanks

[@helicopterdriver]

For mounting the indicator in a tool post on a lathe. It's old school before magnetic mounts were popular.

[@tonyray91]

Thanks

[@fireslayer919]

Hey Adam! Long time viewer! I recently came into a possession of a set of Starrett Calipers. I'd love to share pictures with you! Have you tell me what you think of them! Just let me know how to send them to you!

[@johnleake708]

I wish I had a few if my grandfathers tools who was a master master toolmaker who repaired printing presses

[@flinch622]

The tools that helped win ww2? Anyone want to ogle some complex bits, battleship guns are extraordinary works. I remain amazed.

[@Scrappy69905]

Where do they get the name last word from ?

[@kindablue1959]

From the marketing department.