How To Use A Dial Gauge Indicator.

Measurement and how to measure accurately is the basis of mechanical work. Taking the time to learn how to use the measurement tools will help you be a better mechanic.
Today we take a closer look at the Dial Gauge Indicator.
Dial gauges can be used to measure lots of different types of movement. They can be used to measure lateral movement like crankshaft end float or valve lift. Or they can be used to measure radial run out on rotating items like brake rotors or shafts. Dial gauges are also used in conjunction with many of the special measuring tools used throughout automotive repair.
Dial gauges have two scales on them, the outer scale and the inner scale. The outer scale is used for fine measurements at the dial gauge's rated tolerance. The inner scale is to count the number of outer scale revolutions. For example, a dial gauge with a 10 mm travel range will have an inner gauge with 10 positions or marks. These represent one full revolution of the outer scale. When preloading the dial indicator, we need to take note of the revolution counter position so that when we take a measurement, we know how many revolutions the outer dial has made.
When using a dial gauge, it is important to make sure that the gauge is mounted securely. If the mount used to hold the dial gauge has any flex or movement in it, then the measurement will not be accurate.
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This video is for entertainment purposes, please measure responsibly.
We are not sponsored by anyone, the links provided are the tools or products we use. If you click on a link and purchase, we will get a small amount of change, at no cost to you.
Thanks for watching!

[remcotissink]

Excellent subject ! Love these fundamentals, it's so important...

[wellnessotr]

🙌🏽 Thank you! I’m in a suspension class, and some things are a little bit confusing for me. Thank you for clarifying.

[blackrichard]

Thanks.
Nicely done. (Should have higher views!)

[danieljourney]

I liked the comparative measurement example with the piston skirt pretty cool, great idea it’s just like measuring cylinders. The pinion depth tool you show - you mention it can be used on 901s…the WSM doesn’t show the 385 setup for 901s. Do you use the same mandrels and extension as the 915 setup?

[thinkerdoit]

Kurt excellent and appreciated contextual video.

Re the vw 385/1 tool - wasn’t clear on that. (For others, normally used to measure the lash bet pinion and ring gear for determining diff axial preload reqs for side covers on diff assembly of 901 and 915s (Kurt pls correct me if wrong) g50/01?

Is the dial gauge at the top a specialized vw/porsche tool or can i source any brand metric gauge?

What does the dependency chain of set up for the end mounted dial gauge look like when it comes to set up of the other gauges? i.e. choosing the perpendicular pin tool that sits on 385/1 or adjusting the tuning fork? There was no video example on actual parts, so had a hard time picturing this contextually. Saw your trans rebuild vid but you didn’t go too in depth.

Ive been actively collecting these tools as they pop up if priced right (quite rare). Don’t have the dial gauge yet and would love to understand the full procedure of 385/1. Imo great video just on that topic - don’t believe anyone has made one yet.