AB ToolsAB Tools Dial Test Indicator DTI Gauge & Magnetic Base Stand Clock Gauge TDC TE107TE108

I bought this when I was in a bit of a bind - couldn't find my venerable Baty lying any-whereabouts - and didn't want to buy anything expensive to replace it.There were other DTI's on here, but this came with a mag-base, was extremely low-priced, so I thought I'd give it a punt. In any case, a spare mag-base in a workshop is always a handy thing to have if the DTI turned out to be pants.It wasn't.The plunger is firm and positive (no noticeable lateral play in the shaft), and there is no discernible backlash in the plunger-to-dial mechanism. The mag-base is well made, and the various clamps are more than adequate for the jobs they are required to do.Honestly, I don't know how this is being produced for sale at this price point, but I am glad it is, and I'm very glad I took a gamble on buying it.Oh, and unlike a lot of 'cheapo' DTI's I've come across in the past, the ball-bearing at the tip of the plunger - actually moves! Yes, it revolves freely!(As you can tell, that really surprised me - in a lot of cheap DTI's, it's either for show, or they are just badly made)The DTI is exceptionally well made for the price! Since getting this, the Baty magically reappeared and proved that this new DTI is accurate as the Baty.I've now put my precious Baty into semi-retirement, as it is pushing 50yrs old [Oii! Cheeky! It was my Dad's!] and am going to use this new one instead in the future.If you buy, I hope you get one as good as mine.Susi xx

Not a bad Clock, but the stand is not to my preference, I don't like the way you tfine adjust the clock on the stand as its not very rigid, but If you have a 12mm bar laying around you can just swap it out for your own, for the price I cant complain.

Good value bit of kit. We’ll constructed, easy to use and accurate despite idiot deliverer throwing the package over a high gate which damaged the box. Measured end float on my Triumph TR4 rear axle superbly. Magnet held on vertical inner body panels with paint finish but not on underseal covered panels. I wouldn’t have expected it to. Very pleased with this gauge.

Pleasantly surprised! Considering the price, this is an amazing piece of kit. The stand is good, the magnet strong, and very sturdy. The clock seems very good too, just needs a drop of oil on the zero ring and a bit of working by hand. The point has a little ball bearing, and the shaft is free moving. What more can you ask?!

Heavy good quality

As a Machinist (Turner) I found this works well in clocking / setting up tasks with good accuracy. The price point is what caught my attention and the magnet is strong enough to support itself on the side of a tool post without falling off. The features it has higher end models also share, such as the dial that can tweak the angle of the rod for awkward angles. It also has a nut at the base of the rod that is threaded to the magnetic base which is a nice touch at keeping it tight, anyone who has used these knows how the thread can fail and make the rod spin and lose its entire ability to work. Overall would recommend this for a novice and more advanced Machinist for setting up and checking work pieces. The only issue I found was the dial even when adjusting the screw at the top will with some difficulty not turn to set to zero or where your needle is. However this may be a one off, and hasnt bothered me or stopped my use of this. For this price it's very well equipped.

Haven'y used yet

This item is low cost. For the money the stand is pretty good, fairly solid with a good magnetic base. The dial works, but one cannot be confident in its readings. Using a more expensive dial (Mitutoyo) running across a surface shows every unevenness. With this, it moves in jerks, suggesting the friction prevents it sliding until the pressure builds. With care, it can do the job- but do not expect the performance of a quality gauge. I bought this for a Men's Shed, where it will be used by novices; hence the choice of low cost. But I would never use it for my own work.