Screwying with Replacing a Dial Indicator Crystal

I had a couple of dial indicators which didn't have crystals. I wasn't able to get the new ones in by hand, so I decided to try to use one of Chuck Bommarito's (outsidescrewball) screwyballs to help bend the crystal to get it in the bezel.

I wish I had a larger round ball to match the size of the indicator I needed to put the crystal in, but it gives a general idea of a setup you could use if you had to do it yourself and don't have a specialized crystal press.

[outsidescrewball]

Hi Ryan...interesting/ingenious use of the Screwyball, thanks for showing!

[shawnmrfixitlee]

Very nice job man, That can't be easy . Looks pretty hard man !!

[bcbloc]

You would need to use a bowling ball to match that radius I think.

[turningpoint]

Pretty clever thinking. After watching that I wonder if something like a tennis ball might prevent the dimple. It would conform to the lens as it goes slightly funnel shaped. And have a large enough surface area when compressed a bit to give less localized pressure over a larger area. Would only work on those 3"+ indicator faces tho.

[RichardHeadGaming]

Nice idea, wonder if a light application of heat with a heat gun would relax the dimple.

[roberthayden]

You might try a little hot air from a heat gun on the center of the crystal. It should soften it enough to return to the proper arc,