Dial Indicator comparison (Harbor freight versus Starrett)

Have you ever wondered how Harbor Freight Dial indicator stacks up against a Starrett? In the video I discuss one of the strength and weaknesses of both of these cages.

[lsstarretttools]

We appreciate you taking the time to do a product comparison. With proper maintenance, our tools have been time-tested and are proven to give accurate and repeatable results the first time and every time.

[southsideron]

Starrett tools are an investment for the professional. I purchased all of my precision tools, mostly Starrett, in the 1970s and they never failed me during my 40+ year career manufacturing. I also had a tool box draw of loaner tools for my co-workers who either could not afford or were too cheap to purchase their own tools.

[theslimeylimey]

I have a Brown and Sharpe dial made by Kaefer Germany I believe and it has a spring designed specifically for consistent pressure. It feels like you are pushing against a weight not a spring fighting back so it sort of floats in and out smooth as butter. Black face with orange concentric hands, it's beautiful. I love it so much I rarely use it because I don't want to damage it.

[peterbaynes]

A good comparison with a focus on real world application, thanks Dale.

[julianlangdon]

Superb, thank you. Clear and Concise. An amateur DIY-er who just needs 'Good Enough'. I need it today, but I might never use it a second time

[hotdrippyglass]

That was really excellent information. The real trick is knowing what to use when, and where the questions of reliability are the most important. Thanks for doing this one. I think it going to save alot of us new to the shop a ton of money while we build out our inventory of tools.

[marathondude]

there s a video out there of a tour of the actual Starrett factory, done just before the company goes on Christmas break. Recommended.

[johnallen]

I think your statement " Know the strengths and weaknesses of your tools " is absolutely spot on.. Cheaper tools can be as appropriate as expensive precise ones depending on what the user is working on and whether professional or hobbyist.

[worzyno]

Thanks for your videos. I wish I could buy you a beer and chat with you. I just "threw" a chinese dial indicator on the floor and reordered another Chinese one of eBay. I just couldn't justify buying an expensive indicator given my low skill level and budget. I was feeling bad that I couldn't get something better, but now after your video I don't feel so bad! Thanks for making me feel better! Cheers!

[oldschoolcopshop]

Thanks Dale, I never would have thought the HF Indicators were any good for anything, but now I can see some good uses for them.
Regards,
John

[RTIZONI]

The difference is Starrett has quality and consistency. The only way to know if the HF is measuring right is having a Starrett to compare it to when you start to use it the first time out of the box.

[JeffreyVastine]

Dale, more good info and your are still on track, which is excellent. Well done! Thanks once again.

[upsidedowndog]

Nice shop. I would have never thought about the spring pressure on a dial indicator. I usually check aircraft crankshaft runout so it doesn't matter there but will in other projects.

[RaysGarage]

Hi Dale,
Great new format, really liking it buddy! Thanks for doing the indicator comparison very helpful!

Regards,
Ray

[ExtantFrodo]

What a great and unbiased review. Thanks a lot.

[tracyguilbeau]

Yup! you nailed it. Also, I used to use strictly Starrett, I found them to be pretty fragile compared to Mitutoyo... Mitutoyo is not cheap either!, , , a few years later I went the Harbor freight ones due to replacing them is much cheaper than dial indicator repair... they work perfectly for use on my job, running a 24 inch (swing) lathe and some Bridgeports.. I actually buy these indicators by the half dozen... one each for 3 different contact point styles...saves time changing out the points., , then a couple for "magnetic back" travel indicators. Keep up the great videos.

[paul]

I appreciate you for making this content...as a novice to machine work, that subtle secondary quality of "push back" onto the part ...I would have completely overlooked if not for watching this video, thank you

[bsdubois]

I am a hobbyist and I must pay for all my own tools. I cannot write them off as a business expense. It may take longer to build up a collection of tools. I would rather pay more for the USA made tool simply based on the fact it helps keep Americans working. I certainly will not pay multiple times for the Starrett name if it is made in China. I need to download a current Starrett electronic catalogue to see if each item lists the place of manufacture. A good friend gave me a Starrett dial caliper. He told me it was 30+ years old. It feels and looks like brand new. The quality of this one item sold me on Made in the USA Starrett tools.

[ExtantFrodo]

Then too, knowing the pressure induced by the stronger spring you could gauge how much to compensate for the deflection in your part. For half the cost of a Starrett, you could even afford 2 gauges front and back for perfect compensation. :-)

[jamesgui]

Thank you for the video. I've been looking for someone that gives honest and straight forward answers