Best Dial Indicators of 2025

"Having used dial gauges for years, I was impressed with the Clockwise Tools Dial Indicator. The magnetic base is incredibly strong, and the single knob operation made setup a breeze. I was able to check my drill press alignment in no time and was pleased with the accuracy of the readings. Plus, it comes in a hard shell case, which is a nice touch!"

"I bought this indicator to replace an old one that just wasn't cutting it anymore. Upon unpacking, I was happy to find it came in a hard plastic case. The locking mechanism works perfectly, and setting up is much quicker than with traditional bases. While the fine adjustment feature could be improved, it still meets my needs quite well for everyday use."

"I prefer analog tools, and this dial indicator is just what I needed. The clear markings and smooth operation make it easy to use, and it worked flawlessly for calibrating my table saw blade. I like that it doesn’t rely on batteries and came in good condition. I'd definitely buy it again!"

"As expected, you get what you pay for. I use this indicator daily in my work as a machinist in the steam turbine and nuclear power industry. While it's not a Starrett, it performs well for the price. The action is smooth and consistent. I've learned over 30 years that investing in good equipment is crucial for quality results."

"I recently purchased this Mitutoyo drop dial indicator and I couldn't be more satisfied. It's worth every penny and feels sturdy, unlike some bargain indicators. I've used it for lathe, mill, and grinding work, and it delivers very accurate readings. I highly recommend this indicator!"

"This indicator seems to be built well, with a good fit and finish typical of Mitutoyo. Although I haven't measured its repeatability and accuracy yet, it passed a 2 rev indication within 0.001" accuracy. My only minor issue is the plastic bezel ring. However, I feel the Mitutoyo is smoother and better made compared to others I’ve used."

"Using this indicator has made my job a million times easier. The measurements are accurate and consistent."

"I got this indicator for my CNC, and the magnetic arm's base holds surprisingly well on a thin steel plate. It's rigid enough for my needs."

"While this indicator is fairly accurate, I found the construction to be poorly made. The magnetic base is tiny, and the plastic feels cheap."

"I can't believe the quality and appearance of this indicator for the price. I've tested it on calibrated gage blocks from .050" to .750" and it was well within its accuracy range. Great job WEN!"

"I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy and well-made this unit is. The strong magnet worked reliably, and it made setting up my jointer a breeze!"

"I've been using these indicators to measure run out on brake rotors. They perform well, but I need to keep an eye on the screws on the back as they tend to loosen over time."

"I received this 3D printer gift from my son, and it has really helped improve my print quality. After leveling the bed with the paper method, I verified the accuracy with the Neoteck dial indicator and found the paper method could be off by 0.05 MM. This device is incredibly simple to use, and for about $25, it has significantly reduced my print issues. If you're struggling with leveling, I highly recommend searching for 'Bed Leveling Bracket' and 'Neoteck'!"

"I purchased this to fine-tune my 3D printer, and I can't wait to dive in. It arrived in a sturdy hard case and included a replacement battery. For the price, it's both affordable and reliable!"

"I was impressed with the quick delivery and the quality of the product. I've used it multiple times for diesel fuel pump setups, and it performs exceptionally well. The easy-to-read numbers and great customer service follow-up really stood out to me. Overall, it's a fantastic addition to my toolbox!"

"I use this to tram my milling machine and it works very well."

"After 33 years of use, I retired my trusty Mitutoyo for this one. It's very accurate, but the jewel won't turn to set zero. Regardless, I expect nothing less from Mitutoyo as a tool maker."

"I wish I had bought this sooner and ordered the full set. I had a DTI from LMS that was decent but got damaged. The Mitutoyo works smoothly and is dead on accurate, repeating measurements every time. I'm glad I spent the money on this instead of cheaper options."

“I think it offers good quality for the money, though I know it’s not a Starrett.”

“I bought this for work due to its travel. I've really put it through its paces over the year, and it has remained accurate! Now I use it in my garage for checking car bearing play, and it works wonderfully! I would highly recommend it!”

“These indicators are smooth and easy to use. Each revolution gives me a little over 1" travel, making it simple to read to .001". I’m not sure how long they’ll last compared to name brands, but for hobby use, I think they will be just fine.”

"I purchased this indicator as a backup for multiple machines, but I ended up using it alongside my Mitutoyo while making gear blanks. The first measurement was for the final pass while facing off a gear, and the accuracy matched my caliper. The quality feels solid, and I'm really satisfied with my buy."

"As a CNC machinist, I've found that for the price, Fowler offers a reliable product. Although it’s not made in the USA, it’s suitable for my budget, and I use it several times each week without any accuracy issues. Great performance for the cost!"

"This dial indicator is fantastic. The orange on black design makes it very easy to read, even in awkward positions. Smooth operation and good visibility make it a great tool for my needs."

"I found this tool to be great for the price. It helped me quickly pinpoint a brake rotor vibration issue without the hassle of guessing. The magnetic base is stable, and the adjustability of the arms is excellent."

"I received my package promptly and in good condition. The kit is solid, especially the magnetic stand, but the dial feels a bit flimsy. It worked well for aligning a blade on my rock saw, delivering the accuracy I needed despite needing some adjustments. The instructions could definitely be clearer, though."

"As a new machinist, I was looking for something to get by for now, and this tool fits the bill. The arms and magnet function well enough, even on vertical surfaces, but the dial adjustment is quite tight. I can see myself needing a better dial soon."

"I find this tool totally does what it's supposed to! I'm even considering purchasing another one to hold the dial from a different angle. The adjustments are really nice, and I appreciate the single tighten knob!"

"When I first used the indicator, it was frozen out of the box, and I noticed the magbase hardly locks. Additionally, the unpin inspection pivot ball was dented. I feel like the material is a bit soft, so I wouldn't recommend wasting time with this one."

"I bought this product to check the runout on my car's brake rotors, and it performed really well. The base sticks firmly, and the arm locks solidly. I do wish I had gone for a dial indicator with .01mm resolution, but that's on me."