Mitutoyo Dial Indicator Repair

[Gareth J]

I repair old smiths speedometers a bit. Only relevant thing to mention is as above, avoid wd40 for things like this. It's a water displacing fluid primarily, not a lubricant. Clean with non residue forming solvent and buy some clock oil to lube. Plenty of small pots f/s on eBay.

Oh, and watch the solvent on anything that might dissolve that shouldn't. Printed dials can be very delicate

 

[gordon stephenson]

I have fixed a few clocks that have become a bit sticky on the spindle or they do not return to zero, Usually its just the spindle tight in the bushes at the top and bottom, as above be sparing with a good quality cleaning fluid and work the spindle up and down a few times, Once free tiny drop of clock oil usually does the trick,I have found that WD 40 does not lubricate this sort of problem and can even make it worse, Often caused by being kept on damp garages or sheds, But if they have been dropped and the internal rack,gearing or hair spring is damaged, that is a whole new ball game and not often worth bothering with,

 

[Brad93]

Will open it up today, have a look and go from there.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Have you tried using Sowing machine oil.
I used it on a few repairs on Old smith gauges and a few DTI clocks.
It is a smooth light weight oil.

 

[Pete.]

I use a fast-drying solvent like acetone or even brake cleaner to flush them when they get sticky and it frees them right up. Oil and grease are the enemy of dial indicators. Most oils are too heavy for them, including wd40. Tried that once and it worked great - until the next time I went to use it - the plunger went in and stayed in.

 

[Brad93]

Cleaned it up, movement in the back wasnt too bad no real dirt in there but motion of the hands wasnt improved still had a bit of stiction. Only solution was to take the bezel and face off, clamped the back lug in the vice and tried to remove the bezel by hand once the lens was removed, wasnt having any of it, then finally come free. Broke the very point of the fine hand though should have removed the hands but couldnt figure out how without damaging. Anyhow see that there were little springs that had to be pulled in from the back with a small pointed object so thats something to look out for if i ever decide to strip another one down. Adjusted the three screws that align the movement and face with the spindle, much improved now moves freely and returns nicely. Doesnt have great repeatability but it is the adjustable type plunger. All back together. Could do with a new hand and a new dial as the paint is chipped and faded but its working nicely.

Its one of these but much older, all aluminium construction including the bezel. http://www.mitutoyo.co.uk/small-tool-instruments-and-data-management/indicators/2048s-10

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Most oils are too heavy for them, including wd40.

I use sewing-machine oil for light applications, works better than WD or stuff like 3-in-1.

 

[Fred H]

Have a look on Nik C Colyer youtube, on cleaning

 

[bigbadbugga]

Bought a used dial indicator and Noga base off eBay, the base is great but the indicator feels a bit sticky.
Is there anyone out there that strips them down and sorts them out?

@doubleboost i seem to remember on one of your videos you had an old Mercer sorted out?

Best regards

Bob (krv3000) on madmodder did mine. I think its the same guy who is Johns pal.

http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,10862.0.html

Thoroughly nice guy who does it for the love of it.

heres the thread he posted of the refurb...

http://madmodder.net/index.php/topic,10783.msg127489.html#msg127489