Contact Points for dial indicators Are you looking for contact points for test indicators? If so, please go to page 21. |
What kind of point to use |
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Dial indicator and digital indicator contact points are fully interchangeable between manufacturers. There is only one deciding factor, and that is the thread diameter. For your average dial indicator you'll have a choice of inch 4-48 threads, or metric M2.5 threads. If the contact point can be screwed into the end of the spindle, then you can use it without any effects whatsoever on the indicator's accuracy. Some dial indicators which are not built to AGD standards, resort to specialty threads. This applies to the tiny dial indicators made by Starrett or Mahr-Federal; possibly others. Flat points are used when measuring round surfaces such as rods, cylinders and spheres. Rounded points are used when measuring flat surfaces. If contours need to be indicated, then a contact point with a ball tip should be used. Thin chisel points are used for grooves and slots. A special rolling wheel is used when measuring stock. You can even buy blanks which you can machine to your own specifications. |
Round ball contact: style 1 |
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The most common, and probably most useful contact point has a large 3 mm diameter carbide ball (.06" radius) set into the end of the point. Only a portion of the ball will be visible. The ball does not rotate and is not designed to rotate. This type of contact point should be used when flat surface measurements are taken. Carbide will provide a long useful life for these points particularly if any sliding motion is involved. Sliding the test piece under the contact point will inevitably wear down the point. For special applications, this ball can be made of synthetic ruby, Teflon or Nylon. The length (L) of the point is about 3/8" and can be altered by using a separate length extension. 
Ball diameter is 3 mm
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Order no. | ball material | Thread diameter | Price USD | |
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MTC10-02 | Carbide | AGD 4-48 | 19.50 | |
MTC10-03 | Ruby | AGD 4-48 | 29.50 | |
MTC10-04 | Teflon | AGD 4-48 | 29.50 | |
MTC10-05 | Nylon | AGD 4-48 | 19.50 | |
MTC10-07 | Carbide | Metric M2.5 | 19.50 | |
MTC10-08 | Ruby | Metric M2.5 | 29.50 | |
MTC10-09 | Teflon | Metric M2.5 | 29.50 | |
MTC10-10 | Nylon | Metric M2.5 | 19.50 | |
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Ruby and Teflon |
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These contact points are used for special applications, typically in optics. The ruby point does not expand or contract with heat and cold. It is also less likely to scratch delicate surfaces. It's also the material that will hold up to silicon carbide surfaces and it will not conduct electricity. The Teflon point is softest and made of a solid Teflon ball. It is least likely to scratch—and ideal for mirror finishes—but is not as long lasting as the others. |
Contact Point Extensions |
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These extensions will not alter the indicator's range. A 1" travel indicator remains a 1" travel indicator regardless of the extension. The extensions will allow you to reach further into a hole or groove, etc. Take the thread diameter into consideration when ordering these parts. To install: unscrew the contact point from your indicator, screw the extension into the indicator and then replace the point. You can combine extensions to your heart's content. Just make sure everything's snug and tight so that you'll get consistent readings. |
Order No. | Extension Length | Thread type | Price | |
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MTC09-16 | 1/2" | Inch 4-48 | $6.55 | |
EXT-1A | 1" | Inch 4-48 | $6.55 | |
EXT-2A | 2" | Inch 4-48 | $6.95 | |
EXT-3A | 3" | Inch 4-48 | $7.35 | |
EXT-4A | 4" | Inch 4-48 | $7.95 | |
EXT-MF10 | 10 mm | Metric M2.5 | $6.55 | |
MTC09-44 | 15 mm | Metric M2.5 | $6.55 | |
EXT-MF20 | 20 mm | Metric M2.5 | $6.55 | |
EXT-MF40 | 40 mm | Metric M2.5 | $6.75 | |
EXT-MF60 | 60 mm | Metric M2.5 | $6.95 | |
EXT-MF80 | 80 mm | Metric M2.5 | $7.95 | |
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Ball Style 2 |
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Different ball diameters are available for this style.
Rather than being incorporated into the contact point, these balls are brazed onto the ends. They're suitable for tracing contours or reaching into grooves, slots, recesses and holes. |
Order no. | Carbide Diameter | Length | Thread | Price |
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MTC10-235 | .031" | 1/2" | 4-48 | $19.95 |
MTC10-236 | .062" | 1/2" | 4-48 | $19.95 |
MTC10-238 | .120" | 1/2" | 4-48 | $19.95 |
MTC10-240 | 1 mm | 1/2" | M2.5 | $19.95 |
MTC10-241 | 2 mm | 1/2" | M2.5 | $19.95 |
MTC10-242 | 3 mm | 1/2" | M2.5 | $19.95 |
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Flat Carbide |
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The diameter (ØA) is .185"
These American-made flat contact points have a carbide face on them. They are about the same diameter as most indicator spindles: .185" (7 mm). You'll be able to get them in a variety of lengths (inquire about lengths not shown below). If you need longer lengths, get an extension. These carbide points will fit all mechanical and digital dial indicators with inch (4-48) or metric (M2.5) threads. |
Order no. | Diameter | Length | Thread | Price |
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MTC08-3 | .185" | 3/8" | Inch 4-48 | $19.95 |
MTC08-5 | .185" | 3/4" |
MTC08-7 | 7 mm | 5 mm | Metric M2.5 | $19.95 |
MTC08-8 | 7 mm | 10 mm |
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Common Radius Points |
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The diameter (ØA) is .188"
Radius points are the most common and can be the cheapest of the indicator contact points. There are two styles: they're made of blackened, hardened steel or they have a carbide end, both with a light radius. Although they are available in many different lengths, we think it's best to buy the standard 1/4" length, and then combine it with an appropriate extension. If you'd rather have specific lengths, please inquire. A discount of 20% applies to quantities of 3 or more of one type when ordered online (for Common Radius Points only). |
Order Number | Type | Thread | Length | Price |
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MTC7-05 | steel | 4-48 | 1/4" | 6.00 |
MTC7-33 | steel | M2.5 | 10 mm | 6.00 |
MTC7-49 | carbide | 4-48 | 1/4" | 19.50 |
MTC7-56 | carbide | M2.5 | 10 mm | 19.50 |
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Flat Point, Carbide Tip |
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These flat contact points have a smaller diameter carbide disc brazed onto the surface. If you need to use them in a metric set up, converters are available. |
Order Number | Mitutoyo | Thread | D / d / L | Price |
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MTC47-09 | 131259 | 4-48 | .2" / .17" / .2" | 21.00 |
MTC47-10 | 131260 | 4-48 | .27" / .25" / .4" | 32.00 |
MTC47-11 | 131261 | 4-48 | .41" / .37" / .4" | 39.00 |
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Roller point |
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The surface to be tested runs conveniently underneath this contact point. The roller allows for continuous readings to be taken. Used with flat metals, foils, sheets of fabric, etc. A lock nut (included) keeps the roller aligned. 
Available in non damaging Teflon®, hardened steel or stainless steel. The wheel can have a radius or it can be flat. You will probably want to use the radius wheel on a flat surface and the flat wheel when measuring something like wire. The illustration above shows the wheel with a radius and the dimensions for model MTC12-22. The stainless roller is not as hard and will wear faster under abrasive circumstances, but it will not corrode if used under wet or damp conditions. Hardened steel is your third option. If you can't find the correct thread size here, consider using a converter. - 4-48 Teflon® roller point with radius MTC12-22 ... $38.95
- 4-48 Stainless steel roller point without radius MTC12-25 ... $38.95
- M2.5 hardened steel roller point with radius MTC12-20 ... $38.95
- M2.5 Teflon® roller point with radius MTC12-24 ... $38.95
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Carbide tipped needle point |
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Although designed for Mituoyto dial indicators, these carbide needle point contacts will fit any other brand of indicator having 4-48 threads. If you need metric points, then consider using a converter. |
Diameter | Length | Thread | Mitutoyo No. | Order No. | Price |
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.018" | .12" | 4-48 | 131281 | MTC46-04 | 28.00 |
.040" | .12" | 4-48 | 131280 | MTC46-05 | 20.00 |
.060" | .5" | 4-48 | 131279 | MTC46-06 | 19.50 |
.078" | .04" | 4-48 | 131271 | MTC46-07 | 19.50 |
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Thin Needle contact points "Adapt-A-Tip" |
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If you need to reach into small holes or grooves you can use one of the test indicator points which have either M1.4 or M1.7 threads, a 2 mm diameter shaft, a length of up to 5" and a small diameter carbide or ruby ball at the end. This is accomplished with an Adapt-A-Tip adapter. The adapter is about .33" long and it screws into any dial or digital indicator spindle which has a 4-48 thread. Then you screw the test indicator contact point into the adapter. It's an excellent solution for fitting into tight spots. |
- Adapt-A-Tip adapter (4-48 male to M1.4) MTC13-04 ... $10.95
- Adapt-A-Tio adapter (4-48 male to M1.7) MTC13-03 ... $10.95
- test indicator contact points are shown on page 21
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Button Point contact points |
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These have large convex discs (hardened, black oxide), useful for special applications of your dial indicators. - 3/8" diameter (4-48 thread) ... MTC11-02 ... $9.95
- 3/8" diameter (M2.5 thread) ... MTC11-02M ... $12.95
- 1/2" diameter (4-48 thread) ... MTC11-03 ... $9.95
- 1/2" diameter (M2.5 thread) ... MTC11-03M ... $12.95
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Conical contact points |
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These conical steel points will fit any dial indicator or digital indicator. You will need to know the thread size or use a converter. Your price is $10.95 each. |
Order Number | Conical ° | Thread | Length (L) | Mitutoyo Number |
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MTC48-09 | 60° | 4-48 | 1/2" | 101190 |
MTC48-10 | 60° | M2.5 | 10 mm | 101120 |
MTC48-11 | 90° | 4-48 | 9/32" | 101191 |
MTC48-12 | 90° | M2.5 | 5 mm | 101385 |
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Pin vise contact point |
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This small pin vise gives you great flexibility when your contact point needs to fit into tight spaces or small grooves. The pin vise screws into your indicator like any contact point (be sure you select the correct thread size) and then you're free to use any of the included contacts, or one of your own design. The vise will hold pins with diameters up to .060". The complete set includes everything shown above. Replacement pins are also available. |
Order Number | | | Thread | Price USD |
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MTC13-05 | complete set | | 4-48 | $38.00 |
MTC13-06 | complete set | | M2.5 | $38.00 |
MTC13-10 | replacement pin | .031" Ø flat end | | $6.10 |
MTC13-11 | replacement pin | .060" Ø flat end | | $5.55 |
MTC13-12 | replacement pin | bent | | $6.35 |
MTC13-13 | replacement pin | conical end | | $6.10 |
MTC13-14 | replacement pin | .120" Ø ball | | $7.50 |
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Federal Group 0 Points |
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These contact points fit not only the Federal miniature indicators (model numbers beginning with the letter A, such as model A3Q) but any indicator having 0-80 or 10BA thread sizes. These are not original Federal points and may vary slightly in appearance and dimensions. 
Black oxide. Made in USA. $10.95 each. |
Order Number | Style | Thread | Length (L) | Federal Number |
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MTC16-09 | flat | 0-80 | .25" | AL-61 |
MTC16-01 | radius | 0-80 | .125" | PT-43 |
MTC16-10 | taper | 0-80 | .4375" | PT-119 |
MTC16-11 | button | 0-80 | Ø.375" | PT-118 |
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Bent Point |
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This .060" diameter hardened steel stem is bent as shown above. A lock nut is provided which keeps the point properly orientated. To get correct readings, be sure that the spindle is moving perpendicularly to the measured surface. In other words, don't set your indicator spindle at an angle. These are only available with 4-48 threads. If you want to use it on a metric indicator, you may need to get a converter. - 4-48 bent contact point MTC15-10 ... $12.00
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Make Your Own Contact Point |
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We provide a 1-1/2" long contact point made of soft, machinable steel. It has a diameter of .188" and a 4-48 thread. You can machine, file or grind it to any desired shape or size. When you're done, you can harden it, if you like. If you need this with a metric thread, you'll have to get a converter. - 4-48 machinable contact point MTC14-04 ... $19.50
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Thread size |
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The way some people bandy the terms 4-48 and M2.5 about, you'd think this was an innate sense we should have been born with. 4-48 is the thread size in inches, and M2.5 is in metric. They're different, and one won't fit into the other. Just because your indicator is graduated in inches or in millimeters doesn't automatically tell you which point to use. There are metric reading indicators which have inch threads, and vice versa. To make sure, take out your micrometer or calipers and measure the diameter of the threaded portion of the contact point which fits your indicators. Allowing for some variations in manufacturing, the 4-48 thread will have a diameter of about .108" to .110" while the metric M2.5 thread will be about .1" (that's 2.5 mm). Threads which are just a bit undersize will have one major advantage: if they ever break off inside the spindle, it will be easier to get the broken part out. You'll have no control over this; it's just a side note. |
Metric and inch point converter |
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You can use the 4-48 contact points with your metric M2.5 indicators or vice versa if you use these simple converters. The male end will screw into the indicator spindle. The contact point will screw into the female end of the converter. The converter adds about 3/8" of length to your point. - Male M2.5 to female 4-48 MTC13-02 ... $12.00
- Male 4-48 to female M2.5 MTC13-01 ... $12.00
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Stem Adapter Sleeve |
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This metal sleeve will fit over your 8 mm diameter indicator stem so that you can hold it with a 3/8" clamp or holder. Some of the best quality dial indicators only come with metric dimensions, so this adapter will be an absolute necessity if you're working in an imperial environment. Swiss made. - 8 mm to 3/8" sleeve 03560101 (35.60101) ... $13.30
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