Old inspection indicator

[Lewayne]

I bought this dial indicator in a lot of old machine shop tools some years ago. 8 maybe, For very little money. Nice wood box and everything. I think it’s all there even. The plunger on back of the disk works but it’s become sticky. Is there a way to clean these up so it will work again? I don’t want to do something wrong right off the bat.
Thanks

[John Evans]

Put a drop of ATF or Marvel Mystery oil on the shank and work it back and forth ,both have detergents that will clean out and old oxidized oil. DO NOT over oil !!!!

[SteveM]

I find that if I need to clean out an indicator, flushing with lighter fluid works well.

Maybe adding some ATF to the lighter fluid will get more of a detergent action going.

Don't use so much or in such an orientation that you get any into the crystal, as it could damage it.

I have gotten more than a dozen indicators working with that.

Starrett oil is probably a good choice as it is very light.

As John says, don't over-oil! Excess oil will make thing sluggish and when the oil dries it will just stick again.

Steve

[John Hasler]

I clean indicators with automotive starting fluid. It dissolves congealed old oil, flushes out dirt, leaves no residue, and doesn't harm most plastics and paints.

If I oil them at all I oil them like watches: use the tip of a needle to apply the smallest possible drop of light oil to each bearing. Don't oil gears.

[SteveM]

I clean indicators with automotive starting fluid. It dissolves congealed old oil, flushes out dirt, leaves no residue, and doesn't harm most plastics and paints.

Hadn't thought of that. The nice things is it completely evaporates and quickly.

Just be sure to do that outside!

Steve

[earlgo]

FWIW. Just in case the label is missing off the end of the box, that is a Starrett Universal Dial Test Indicator Model 196. I have one but haven't used it in years, for no good reason than I have others more modern.
--earlgo

[Richard_W]

Actually in its day it was the indicator set to have.

Richard W.

[elewayne]

The label is still on the box. Its a real nice little indicator. I'm not sure how its would be used though.

[John Hasler]

Lots of different ways, since you have all the accessories. I would have used it this afternoon if I had it.