Starrett 25 Series Dial Indicator with Jewel Bearings and Lug-On-Center Back - White Face, 0-1.000" Range, 0-100 Dial Reading, .001" Graduation - 25-441J

There's not a better indicator out there for the money. I will tell you why: 1. Durability. We use these to check tolerances on certain carbon fiber aircraft components at work, and from being dropped onto hard concrete shop floors to knocked over to kicked, they still measures accurately to .001". Tough and durable measuring tools are hard to find, and it's remarkable that the mechanism still silky smooth after such harsh treatment. After seeing that, I knew I had to have one in my own toolbox. +1 star. 2. Mechanical strength. Upon delicate examination during calibration, I have examined the gears, jeweled bearings, springs, bushings, and other mechanical components of the tool and can confirm that this instrument is mechanically solid on the inside. +1 star. 3. Competition. Though it is American made, I can proudly say that I did not purchase this tool for my own tool box simply because of the fact. Having researched various other competing models made by Mitutoyo, Brown & Sharpe, Insize, etc.--the tool itself is competitive in both price (check other professional brand prices) and function. It does the job well for a long time, without completely draining your wallet. It's still expensive, but you do get what you pay for in tools. +1 star. 4. Ease of use. Digital indicators are remarkably accurate and are now coming with more bells and whistles than ever, but somehow simplicity wins out in some jobs, which is one of the prime benefits of a mechanical instrument. There's not too many surprises with it, and it won't get in the way of your work. It's easy to use, and an analog dial is somehow a bit refreshing. +1 star. 5. Storage. This is a category that is often overlooked, and Starrett did a good job of it. It arrived in a beefy box with lots of foam, which is not as good as a crafted wood case but which still does the job well during shipping and in your toolbox. +1 star. Overall, an excellent instrument with a score of 5.

Wow. This guy costs a lot but really paid for itself. I have re-geared or rebuilt five differentials on my two Jeep Wranglers and my old Volvo 740 using this to set backlash, etc. Quality it worth expense if it saves you time and money in the end. This dial indicator did just that. I had a Harbor Freight dial indicator and magnetic base. It took inaccurate measurements. It caused me untold stress and aggravation. I purchased this and the magnetic base needed to do differential work and got things "dialed in" on the first attempt. This is a very accurate instrument. It is very well made. It is made in the USA by people who pride themselves on making some of the finest measuring devices you would ever need in your shop. Highly recommended!

Starrett quality is second to none, excellent indicator, great packaging, value like a mother effer!

Nice tool.

It's a Starrett, known for precision top quality instruments made in USA. I am going to nit-pick and fuss on a few issues on this expensive and delicate instrument: The factory '9 o-clock' position for pre-load was slightly off but within tolerable limits. I also noted a tiny bit of rust specks on the dial locking thumb screw. Careful inspection did not show any other rust so I am keeping it as measurement accuracy and dial indicating smoothness appears to be ok. Amazon needs to improve the warehousing environment for these precision instruments.

Shipping was slow. Beautiful indicator. Arrived in perfect condition. Was packaged with the attention to detail you would expect for a precision instrument. You can buy cheaper indicators, but the quality of a fine tool such as this warrants the extra money. This product and all of the precision instruments you buy are an investment in your work.

Wow. There is more plastic on this gauge than on the $30 Chinese-made one I have, there are no comparator sliders and the rack is noisy and rough. And $200 doesn't even get you a case? I had assumed one would be arriving with it due to the product description listing a "no-glare satin finish on case," but nope. The Chinese one came with a freaking case! Starrett used to be really, really good. I still have a bunch of their old tools that I'm sure will serve me for years, but this is my last new one. Oh it had a little note telling me that the indicator's hand had been pre-positioned at 9'o clock, but that was wrong too. It's at more like 10'o clock. CHEAP QUALITY FOR PREMIUM PRICE.

I purchased 2 of these for my husband who is a millwright and very particular about the tools he uses in his work. He has owned other Starrett gages for over 20 years that he uses and this is his preferred brand. Great price for a quality precision instrument. Delivered on time. Highly recommend.

Product came packaged very well and on time. The instrument is accurate and is versitile in its uses. I have used for measuring rotor runout on a car I'm restoring and will also use it to set up my woodworking tools as well , such as tablsaw and router table.

It is a quality Starrett precision measuring device and meets my expectations. They are also made in America! All good!

Top quality dial indicator, used daily in a machine shop