Xtest Indicator
Interapid look-alike made in China

It has only been a few years since Fowler decided to have the Chinese make a rip-off look-alike of the popular and best selling Interapid test indicator which is made in Switzerland. They are selling at about half the price and, at least on the catalog pages, look so much like the real thing that many a purchaser is fooled.

The manufacturer of Interapid is Tesa in Switzerland and they understandably went into panic mode when this Chinese version appeared in American catalogs. They lowered the prices drastically which means you can now own the real indicator at a substantial savings.

detail of Interapid model 312B-1 in back, SPI Xtest in front

The Chinese indicator has now appeared with many different brand names on the dial and I'm sure we could have them made with the Long Island Indicator logo as well. The Chinese contact us regularly with such offers.

You may have perfectly good reasons to want to get the cheap version because, after all, your budget may dictate it. In these times, it's better to be cautious. And, if the Xtest ever crashes or stops repeating, you can simply toss it away with those unfinished containers of Chinese food.

If you'd like to try one for yourself, or you'd like to replace one you have we can offer you the SPI rip-off version which is identical in every way to the Fowler Xtest.

Be forewarned! This Chinese indicator is an absolute atrocity. It comes with a certificate: a little slip of paper with the word "certificate" printed on it. That's all... On the new indicator the pointer may be bent, the attachment stem off at an angle, the movement as sluggish as the legendary molasses in January... buy it at your own risk. We make no guarantees and we will not take it back if you don't like it.

The extended range Xtest indicator comes in a box with the following:

• Range .060" in two directions
• Graduations .0005"
• Bezel diameter approx. 1-1/2"
• Permanently mounted 5/32" swivel stem
• Two dovetail stems 3/8" and 5/32"
• Three carbide contact points .040", .080" and .120"
• SPI model #13-176-3 Chinese Xtest indicator... not available from us on principle

The complete set includes the Xtest indicator in a box along with the following:

• Height gage bar (1/4" x 1/2") with swivel clamp
• Axial support with 3/8" stem and dovetail
• Reduction sleeve 3/8" to 5/32" (4 mm)
• Two dovetail stems 3/8" and 5/32" (4 mm)
• Three carbide contact points .040", .080" and .120"
• SPI Chinese #13-177-1 Xtest complete set... not available from us on principle

For replacement Xtest contact points see page 218

For details on the real McCoy, please take a look at page 23 which also gives you more indicator options, specifications, accuracy, etc.

A note about Xtest repairs: Spare parts are not available and the low selling price makes these uneconomical.

A final note: this page was printed for your amusement. We sincerely hope you don't order one of these "indicators."