page 133

www.longislandindicator.com

Long Island Indicator Service Inc

Precision Tool Repairs, Sales & Spare Parts

• Bent point
• Button point
• Conical point
• Converter to adapt inch/metric
• Federal Group 0 points
• Radius point
• Roller point
• Ruby and Teflon
• Contact point extensions
• Flat carbide points
• Mahr Millimess - Supramess

• Flat disc steel points
• Fractional size carbide ball
• Rounded points with ball insert
• Make your own
• Needle point (carbide tipped)
• Pin vise contact
• Points with carbide balls
• Thin needle point (Adapt-A-Tip)
• Spherical carbide tipped
• Test indicator points
• Right angle contact attachment

• Contact points for test indicators are shown on page 21.
  
   

What kind of point to use

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.

Ruby and Teflon

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 making it suitable for CNC operations.

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.

Thread size

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

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.

• from indicator M2.5 to contact point 4-48 MTC13-02 ... $12.00
• from indicator 4-48 to contact point M2.5 MTC13-01 ... $12.00

Contact Point Extensions

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 is snug and tight so that you'll get consistent readings. Outside diameter = 5 mm (.188")

Order No.

Extension Length

Thread type

Price

MTC09-14

1/4"

Inch 4-48

$7.95

MTC09-16

1/2"

Inch 4-48

$6.95

EXT-1A

1"

Inch 4-48

$6.95

EXT-2A

2"

Inch 4-48

$6.95

EXT-3A

3"

Inch 4-48

$8.95

EXT-4A

4"

Inch 4-48

$8.95

MTC09-41

5"

Inch 4-48

$13.95

EXT-MF10

10 mm

Metric M2.5

$6.95

MTC09-44

15 mm

Metric M2.5

$6.95

EXT-MF20

20 mm

Metric M2.5

$6.95

EXT-MF40

40 mm

Metric M2.5

$6.95

EXT-MF60

60 mm

Metric M2.5

$6.95

EXT-MF80

80 mm

Metric M2.5

$8.95

EXT-MF100

100 mm

Metric M2.5

$9.95

Make Your Own Contact Point

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

Round ball contact: style 1

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

Order no.

Ball material

Thread diameter

Price USD

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

Ball Style 2

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

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

Flat Carbide

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

MTC08-03

.185"

3/8"

Inch 4-48

$19.95

MTC08-05

.185"

3/4"

Inch 4-48

$19.95

MTC08-07

7 mm

5 mm

Metric M2.5

$19.95

MTC08-08

7 mm

10 mm

Metric M2.5

$19.95

Common Radius Points—20% off

Radius points are the most common and can be the cheapest of the indicator contact points. The diameter (ØA) is .188" and the radius is 4 mm. 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 the following Common Radius Points only).

Order Number

Type

Thread

Thread

Price

MTC07-05

steel 1/4"

4-48

4-48

6.00

MTC07-07

steel 3/8"

4-48

4-48

6.00

MTC07-33

steel 10 mm

M2.5

M2.5

6.00

MTC07-49

carbide 1/4"

4-48

4-48

19.50

MTC07-56

carbide 10 mm

M2.5

M2.5

19.50

MTC07-58

carbide 25 mm

M2.5

M2.5

19.50

Flat Point, Carbide Tip

These flat contact points have a smaller diameter carbide disc brazed onto the surface. Refer to the dimensions shown on the drawing. If you need to use them in a metric set up, converters are available. Designed for Mitutoyo dial indicators and digimatic indicators, but can be used on any indicator having the same thread size.

Order Number

Mitutoyo

Thread

D / d / L

Price

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

MTC47-12

120041

M2.5

5.2 / 4.3 / 5 mm

21.00

Roller Point

The surface to be tested runs conveniently underneath this rolling 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 (without radius) when measuring something like wire or edges.

The stainless roller without radius (shown to the left) is not as hard as hardened steel (your other option) and will wear faster under abrasive circumstances, but it will not corrode if used under wet or damp conditions.

The schematic illustration shows the wheel with a radius. The dimensions are approximate but valid for all roller points.

If you can't find the correct thread size here, consider using a converter. Rolling contact points are frequently used with Mitutoyo or Teclock indicators but will fit any indicator having the correct thread size.

• 4-48 Teflon® roller point with radius MTC12-22 ... $39.95
• 4-48 Stainless steel roller point without radius MTC12-25 ... $39.95
• 4-48 Stainless steel roller point with radius MTC12-26 ... $39.95
• M2.5 hardened steel roller point with radius MTC12-20 ... $39.95
• M2.5 Stainless steel roller point without radius MTC12-27 ... $39.95
• M2.5 Teflon® roller point with radius MTC12-24 ... $39.95

Carbide tipped needle point

Although designed for Mitutoyo 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

.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

Thin needle contact points "Adapt-A-Tip"

If you need to reach into small holes or grooves you can use any 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 ... $12.95
Adapt-A-Tip adapter (4-48 male to M1.7) MTC13-03 ... $12.95

Adapt-A-Tip shown. Test indicator point is not included and is shown as an example of this adapter's use. Test indicator contact points are available on page 21

Button Point contact points

These button points 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

Conical contact points

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 $12.95 each.

Order Number

Conical °

Thread

Length (L)

Mitutoyo Number

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

Pin vise contact point

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 here. Replacement pins are also available and they can be used with either 4-48 or M2.5 pin vises.

Order Number

Thread

Price USD

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

Federal Group 0 Points

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 insignificantly in appearance and dimensions.

Black oxide. Made in USA. $12.50 each.

Order Number

Style

Thread

Length (L)

Federal Number

MTC16-09

flat

0-80

1/4"

AL-61

MTC16-01

radius

0-80

1/8"

PT-43

MTC16-05

radius

0-80

5/8"

MTC16-10

taper

0-80

.4375"

PT-119

MTC16-11

button

0-80

Ø.375"

PT-118

Bent Point

This .060" diameter hardened steel stem is bent as shown. A lock nut is provided which keeps the point properly oriented.

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

Mitutoyo flat point - disc shaped

These durable flat, disc shaped steel contact points can be used on any brand indicator, mechanical or digital, providing you have chosen the correct thread size.

A flat contact is normally used to measure round shapes such as spheres or rods. If it is used for flat surfaces, you will have to make sure it's parallel.

Order Number

Mitutoyo

Diameter : Length

Thread

Price

MTC48-01

101188

1/2" : 3/8"

4-48

14.50

MTC48-02

101189

3/8" : 3/8"

4-48

14.50

MTC48-03

101117

10 mm : 10 mm

M2.5

14.50

Mitutoyo spherical point, carbide tipped

The carbide tips on these contact points are of a slightly smaller diameter (d) than the rest of the point (D). This feature makes these Mitutoyo style points different from other points, but they can be used on any dial or digimatic indicator with the proper thread size. (L) refers to the overall usable length.

Order Number

Mitutoyo

D / d

Thread / Length

Price

MTC45-25

120058

5.2 / 4.3 mm

M2.5 / 5 mm

21.00

MTC45-27

120060

10.5 / 9.5 mm

M2.5 / 5 mm

32.00

Carbide Ball - Fractional Size

Carbide balls Grade 25 AFBMA with tolerance of ±.0001" and sphericity of .000025" are mounted on short shafts whose length is B and diameter is C in the chart below. American made.

Order Number

Ball diameter

B / C

Thread

Price

CP405

1/8"

.250" / .187"

4-48

14.00

CP412

3/8"

.312" / .250"

4-48

21.50

CP409

1/4"

.250" / .218"

4-48

14.50

CP407

3/16"

.250" / .187"

4-48

14.50

CP414

1/2"

.375" / .250"

4-48

27.50

Right angle contact attachment

The right angle attachment fits onto the 8 mm diameter stem of your dial indicator. It will not fit on 3/8" stems! Thus, it transforms the vertical spindle movement to horizontal as shown in the accompanying photo.

The 90-degree contact points are not replaceable and only come with the 2 mm diameter balls as shown. Adjustable ball bearings make this the most accurate attachment of its kind. Swiss made by Compac.

Note: Be sure to install a flat contact point on your dial indicator (unlike the set-up in this photo). As anyone knows, spherical-on-spherical is a no-no for accurate measurement.

Compac PA (right-angle contact attachment) ... $95.00 order now

Mahr Millimess - Supramess

These are genuine Mahr contact points with 3 mm diameter insets of steel or ruby balls. Metric M2.5 threads.

Although other M2.5 contact points shown on this page can also be used, these special Mahr points made for the Millimess series of dial comparator have a slimmer 6 mm profile which may be an important consideration in some set-ups.

• Millimess - Supramess contact point 921 (steel ball) 4362001 ... $40.50 order now
• Millimess - Supramess contact point 921R (ruby ball) 4362002 ... $98.00 order now
  
   

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This page's most recent revision: 25 June 2010
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