12 best indicator stem

An indicator stem, in the context of dimensional measurement and industrial testing, typically refers to a component used in conjunction with a test indicator. Test indicators are precision instruments used to measure small variations or deviations in linear dimensions.These measurements are often vital in quality control and inspection processes in various industries.

Here are some key points related to indicator stems and their relevance in dimensional measurement and industrial testing:

  1. Test Indicators: Test indicators are mechanical or electronic devices used to measure minute dimensional variations or deviations, such as in machined parts, assemblies, or workpieces. They are often used to ensure that manufactured items meet the required specifications and tolerances.

  2. Indicator Accessories: Indicator stems are one of the accessories that can be used with test indicators. Indicator stems are often interchangeable and come in various lengths and styles to accommodate different measurement needs. They attach to the test indicator's mounting point and extend to the point of measurement.

  3. Dimensional Measurement: The primary purpose of test indicators and their accessories like indicator stems is to perform dimensional measurements. These measurements can include checking the concentricity, roundness, flatness, or other critical dimensions of a part or component.

  4. Test Measure Inspect: In the context of quality control and quality assurance, test indicators and their accessories play a crucial role in the "test, measure, and inspect" process. Manufacturers use these instruments to verify that their products meet design specifications and customer requirements.

  5. Industrial Scientific: Industrial scientific instruments, such as test indicators and their accessories, are essential in industrial settings to ensure the reliability and accuracy of manufactured components. These instruments contribute to the overall quality and safety of products in industries ranging from manufacturing to aerospace.

In summary, indicator stems are a vital part of the toolkit for professionals engaged in dimensional measurement and industrial testing. They allow for precise and accurate measurements of various features in manufactured parts, helping ensure that products meet the necessary quality standards and tolerances.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best indicator stem on the market
  

INSIZE 6296-2 Dial Test Indicator Holder

INSIZE

Based on 94 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dial Test indicator holder, with dovetail groove.

  • Supplied with hex key
  • Length: 5. 354"
  • Stem hole diameter: 5/32"

Mitutoyo 3428S-19 Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 0.375" Stem Dia., Lug Back, White Dial, 0-100 Reading, 3.071" Dial Dia., 0-4" Range, 0.001" Graduation, +/-0.005" Accuracy

Mitutoyo

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Standard dial indicator with a 0.375" diameter stem, a #4-48 UNF contact point thread mount, and choice of white or black face, for measuring surface variations in fractional inches
  • Units displayed in fractional inches, and has a rotating bezel and limit markers
  • Choice of flat or lug back for a variety of mounting options
  • Stem design provides long clamping range, no through screw-hole on the frame for dust- and water resistance, and involute curved lifting lever provides smooth movement of spindle and dovetail joint for tool-less connection
  • Meets ANSI standards, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) B7503-1997, and American Gage Design (AGD) standards for face and thread size, and bezel and stem diameter

User questions & answers

Question: how long is this indicator
Answer: this indicator is 4 in.

Mahr Federal 2034101 uMaxum II Indicator, with Output, ±.04" Range, 0.375" Stem Diameter, Flat Back, Black/Red

Mahr Federal

Product description

UMaxum II the "classic" amongst all measuring instruments, for over 30 years the Maxum and uMaxum series of digital comparators is synonymous for high precision, extreme robustness and exceptional value. This mew generation of inductive digital comparators offer in addition to being robust and highly precise, comforts such as options for extreme values can be saved from dynamic measurements, both a combined digital and analog display and data can be transferred to evaluation equipment. Since most digital indicators are used in a comparative gage the uMaxum is the perfect match of both application and value.

The Mahr Federal uMaxum II Digital Indicator 2034101 provides ±.04" (±1.0mm) measuring range, a .46" long stem with a .375" Stem Diameter.

With MarConnect there is no interface required. Data acquisition with MarCom Professional 5.0 now no longer requires an interface box; even so you do not lose the functionality of an interface box. Trouble free connection to measuring instruments. With MarCom all Mahr measuring instruments with MarConnect interfaces RS232, USB or Integrated Wireless can be connected; simply extend the measuring workplace with USB Hubs.

  • Features: Inch/Metric, – operator switchable resolution. Normal/Reverse, Preset capabilities, “Absolute” Transducer – no over-speed errors or constant re-zeroing
  • Transducer always remembers its location, even if power is off, High resolution digital readout and analog bar graph - digital display shows deviation from zero or actual dimension size (Preset)
  • Lightweight, Contamination resistant - ruggedly built to withstand hard use - gasketed case, crystal and stem assemblies resist fluid contamination
  • Calibratable - if ever needed - values remembered even after battery change. MarConnect data output: USB, OPTO RS232C, Digimatic Auto-power down -extremely low battery consumption
  • Increased resolution (0.0002 mm / 10 ?inch) for today's demanding tolerances Unilateral Tolerances Go/NoGo Display Feature

Mitutoyo 2414S Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 0.375" Stem Dia., Lug Back, White Dial, 0-100 Reading, 2.244" Dial Dia., 0-0.5" Range, 0.001" Graduation, +/-0.001" Accuracy

Mitutoyo

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Standard dial indicator with a 0.375" diameter stem, a #4-48 UNF contact point thread mount, and choice of white or black face, for measuring surface variations in fractional inches
  • Units displayed in fractional inches, and has a rotating bezel and limit markers
  • Choice of flat or lug back for a variety of mounting options
  • Stem design provides long clamping range, no through screw-hole on the frame for dust- and water resistance, and involute curved lifting lever provides smooth movement of spindle and dovetail joint for tool-less connection
  • Meets ANSI standards, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) B7503-1997, and American Gage Design (AGD) standards for face and thread size, and bezel and stem diameter

Mitutoyo 543-472B Absolute Digimatic Indicator, ID-C Standard Type, #4-48 UNF Thread, 3/8" Stem Dia., Flat Back, 0-1" (0-25.4mm) Range, 0.00005" (0.001mm) Resolution, +/-0.0001" Accuracy, Meets IP42 Specifications

Mitutoyo

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Electronic indicator measures 0 to 1" (0 to 25.4mm) with 0.00005" (0.001mm) resolution and + or - 0.0001" accuracy, for measuring short, linear distances in mechanical engineering, machining, and manufacturing applications
  • LCD screen displays measurements in inches and metric units, go/no-go display lights red or green when upper and lower tolerances have been set, and indicator face can be rotated 330 degrees for reading from different angles
  • Stem has 3/8" diameter and a #4-48 UNF contact point thread mount, and unit has a flat back for stem/plate mounting
  • Absolute electrostatic capacitance-type linear encoder for accurate measurements
  • Ingress Protection certified IP42 for protection against objects greater than 1mm and dripping water

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with any other contact points
Answer: Just the one, though we've found that these tend to last much longer than average, with no deterioration on most measurements.
Question: A small white plastic piece comes in the box -- I think it clips onto the spindle -- but the instructions don't talk about it. What is its function
Answer: The plastic piece clips on to the spindle as you stated and is for use as a spindle lifting devise. It will allow an operator to lift the spindle without touch the rack directly

Product features

Mitutoyo 543-472B Absolute Digimatic Indicator

Features:

  • Similar in size to Series 2 dial indicators.
  • As compact as standard Series 2 dial indicators.
  • Large, easy-to-read LCD.
  • GO/±NG judgment can be performed by setting upper and lower tolerance limits. The judgment result (GO/±NG) can be displayed in full-size characters.
  • The positive/negative count resulting from the spindle’s up/down movement can be toggled.
  • Internal calculations using the simple formula of [F(x)=Ax)] are available
  • Employing the Absolute linear encoder, the ID-C always displays the spindle 'Absolute Position' from the origin at power-on. Also unlimited response speed eliminates over-speed errors.
  • The ID-C indicator face can be rotated 330° to an appropriate angle for easy reading.
  • With SPC data output.

Mitutoyo 1411S Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 0.375" Stem Dia., Lug Back, White Dial, 0-50-0 Reading, 1.614" Dial Dia., 0-0.25" Range, 0.001" Graduation, +/-0.001" Accuracy

Mitutoyo

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Standard dial indicator with a 0.375" diameter stem, a #4-48 UNF contact point thread mount, and choice of white or black face, for measuring surface variations in fractional inches
  • Units displayed in fractional inches, and has a rotating bezel and limit markers
  • Choice of flat or lug back for a variety of mounting options
  • Stem design provides long clamping range, no through screw-hole on the frame for dust- and water resistance, and involute curved lifting lever provides smooth movement of spindle and dovetail joint for tool-less connection
  • Meets ANSI standards, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) B7503-1997, and American Gage Design (AGD) standards for face and thread size, and bezel and stem diameter

User questions & answers

Question: What is the diameter of the dial face (circular white portion) of this device
Answer: 1-3/8"

Starrett 670B AGD Indicator Hole Attachment, 1.6875" Hole Depth, 0.375" Stem Dia., 0-0.5625"/0-14mm Range

Based on 54 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Hole attachment for use with American Gage Design (AGD) indicators enables measurement inside of holes and recessed areas
  • 0.375"/9.5mm stem diameter fits all indicators made to American Gage Design (AGD) standards
  • 0.5625"/14mm range for hole depths to 1.6875"/42mm
  • 1/8"/3mm diameter ball-style contact point

User questions & answers

Question: Is the screw plastic
Answer: Absolutely not. Starrett makes high quality tools.
Question: Is there any way to repair the main body if the threads become stripped and do not tighten
Answer: Yes, but it will be expensive. If you send it back to Starrett they will likely replace it with a new unit for 50% of the current MSRP.
Question: It says standard shipping (free) 5 to 8 days but when i ordered it says it will take 4 to 8 weeks
Answer: I have always received my order earlier than expected.

Product features

Starrett 670B AGD Indicator Hole Attachment

These hole attachments make it possible to measure the inside of holes and other surfaces that cannot be reached with the regular indicator spindle. Both attachments have a 9.5mm (.375") diameter hole to fit all indicators made to AGD standards and can be securely clamped to the indicator stem. The ball end on the swivel arm which contacts the work is 3mm (1/8") in diameter. 14mm (9/16" ) Range.

Mitutoyo 543-392B Absolute Digimatic Indicator, ID-C-Type, #4-48 UNF Thread, 3/8" Stem Dia., Flat Back, 0-0.5" (0-12.7mm) Range, 0.00005" or 0.001mm Resolution, +/-0.0001" Accuracy, Meets IP42 Specifications

Mitutoyo

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Electronic indicator measures 0 to 0.5" (0 to 12.7mm) with 0.00005" or 0.001mm resolution and + or - 0.0001" accuracy, for measuring short, linear distances in mechanical engineering, machining, and manufacturing applications
  • LCD screen displays measurements in inches and metric units, go/no-go display lights red or green when upper and lower tolerances have been set, and indicator face can be rotated 330 degrees for reading from different angles
  • Stem has 3/8" diameter and a #4-48 UNF contact point thread mount, and unit has a flat back for stem/plate mounting
  • Absolute electrostatic capacitance-type linear encoder for accurate measurements
  • Ingress Protection certified IP42 for protection against objects greater than 1mm and dripping water

User questions & answers

Question: does this product comes with a calibration certificate
Answer: It comes with a generic certificate but not an accuracy certificate that most companies would except as a certification. We still have to have all of these certified by MetroCal Inc ($25/indicator for A2LA cert) and do at times find some to be out of tolerance. All will depend on what you need the certification for. It is a good product but the very small slip they call a cert will never be excepted as a real certification.

Mitutoyo 543-476B Absolute LCD Digimatic Indicator ID-C, Standard Type, #4-48 UNF Thread, 0.375" Stem Dia., Flat Back, 0-1"/0-25.4mm Range, 0.0005"/0.01mm Graduation, +/-0.001" Accuracy

Mitutoyo

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mitutoyo IDC Digimatic Indicator, Resolution: .0005"/0.01mm Range: 1", Stem diameter: 3/8", Back: Flat back, Output: Yes, Face rotation: 330°, Functions: Origin-set/Preset, Zeroset, GO/±NG judgment, Counting direction switching, Power On/Off, Data outpu

  • Absolute Encoder ensures all settings and readings maintained for the life of the battery (even when the power is turned off)
  • Preset, Zero-Set, inch/mm, +/- direction and GO/±NG functions SPC output
  • Face rotates 330° for use at various angles
  • Calculation function f(x)=Ax allows the spindle reading to be multiplied by a constant (ie 2X or .5X)
  • Average battery life 7,000hours using SR-44 battery

Mitutoyo 2414SB Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 0.375" Stem Dia., Flat Back, White Dial, 0-100 Reading, 2.244" Dial Dia., 0-0.5" Range, 0.001" Graduation, +/-0.001" Accuracy

Mitutoyo

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Standard dial indicator with a 0.375" diameter stem, a #4-48 UNF contact point thread mount, and choice of white or black face, for measuring surface variations in fractional inches
  • Units displayed in fractional inches, and has a rotating bezel and limit markers
  • Choice of flat or lug back for a variety of mounting options
  • Stem design provides long clamping range, no through screw-hole on the frame for dust- and water resistance, and involute curved lifting lever provides smooth movement of spindle and dovetail joint for tool-less connection
  • Meets ANSI standards, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) B7503-1997, and American Gage Design (AGD) standards for face and thread size, and bezel and stem diameter

Mitutoyo 2923S-10 Dial Indicator, #4-48 UNF Thread, 0.375" Stem Dia., Lug Back, White Dial, 0-5-0 Reading, 2.244" Dial Dia., 0-0.5" Range, 0.0001" Graduation, +/-0.0002" Accuracy

Mitutoyo

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Standard dial indicator with a 0.375" diameter stem, a #4-48 UNF contact point thread mount, and choice of white or black face, for measuring surface variations in fractional inches
  • Units displayed in fractional inches, and has a rotating bezel and limit markers
  • Choice of flat or lug back for a variety of mounting options
  • Stem design provides long clamping range, no through screw-hole on the frame for dust- and water resistance, and involute curved lifting lever provides smooth movement of spindle and dovetail joint for tool-less connection
  • Meets ANSI standards, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) B7503-1997, and American Gage Design (AGD) standards for face and thread size, and bezel and stem diameter

User questions & answers

Question: What is the face size
Answer: 2"

TESA Brown & Sharpe 74.111370 Interapid 312 Dial Test Indicator, Horizontal Type, M1.7x4 Thread, 0.157" Stem Dia., White Dial, 0-15-0 Reading, 1.5" Dial Dia., 0-0.06" Range, 0.0005" Graduation, +/-0.01mm Accuracy - 312b-1

TESA Brown & Sharpe

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • TESA Interapid dial test indicator with rotatable, white face and carbide tip for measuring surface variations in narrow or recessed areas
  • Continuous clockwise pointer rotation and revolution counter, and ball-bearing lever system swivels through to 210 degrees
  • Dial face mounted parallel to the insert's axis, and has a dovetail and swiveling shank for mounting horizontally or vertically from the front, top, or back of the indicator
  • Monoblock body design with jeweled bearings in an isolated assembly for high accuracy, and full metal construction provides durability
  • Meets Deutsches Institut fur Normung (DIN) 2270, and Norme Francaise (French Institute for Standardization) NF E 11-053 standards, and includes a declaration of conformity

User questions & answers

Question: What is difference between 74.111370 vs
Answer: Brown & Sharpe Mfr Part #:599-7049
Question: Good morning, can the ball contact be adjusted? if so, will this affect accuracy
Answer: no just a dove tail
Question: Where can I purchase a replacement tip
Answer: I looked for one also with a 1.75" length, I could not find one. I also called vendors who carried the same test indicator and they could not locate one. I ended up buying a second indicator with the long "pin" (a different brand). Having said that I still like this one very much.
Question: can I get a .030 ball tip for this indicator and is it available
Answer: yes stand included and shipped with a solid wooden box

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