Tesatast Horizontal Metric Test Indicator

The ideal test indicator when working in a metric environment. Many of the Tesatast models are unavailable in the U.S. but, if you find them, they are worth the investment.

High Quality Swiss test indicators with metric attachments. For all intents and purposes, the Swiss-made Tesatast indicator is identical to Bestest, Swisstast, and Roctest. All parts are interchangeable, including contact points.

What is the difference between Tesatast and BesTest?

They are both made by the same manufacturer (TESA) and only the dials and certain accessories differ. Most significantly, Tesatast indicators come with a metric 8mm diameter dovetail extension attachment, while Bestest is supplied with 1/4" diameter extensions. You will also find Tesatast has several configurations, particularly those with long contact points (1.5"), which are not available in the Bestest models. Conversely, if you don't find the configuration you need here, be sure to look at the Bestest models. All the necessary accessories and contact points are available.

• For a more detailed comparison of brand names.

Supplied with 8mm diameter dovetail extension and case. This is the perfect metric replacement for popular BesTest indicators.

Accuracy of the Tesatast models:

• 0.01 mm ± 0.01 mm
• 0.002 mm ± 0.002 mm

Certificate of Accuracy is provided without test data. The certificate guarantees the accuracy as shown above. If you need full certification, you will have to send the indicator to a calibration lab.

• Other stem and dovetail attachments are available.

• Ruby, Nylon and Teflon contact points are available in different sizes.

Tesatast Vertical Test Indicator

Supplied with 8mm diameter dovetail extension and case. This is the perfect metric replacement for popular BesTest indicators.

Accuracy of the Tesatast models:

• 0.01 mm ± 0.01 mm
• 0.002 mm ± 0.002 mm

Certificate of Accuracy is provided without test data. The certificate guarantees the accuracy as shown above. If you need full certification, you will have to send the indicator to a calibration lab.

• Other stem and dovetail attachments are available.

• Ruby, Nylon and Teflon contact points are available in different sizes.

Tesatast Parallel Test Indicator

Parallel style Tesatast models have dials mounted on the side of the body. There are 3 separate dovetails along the edges of the body as shown in the photo.

Why are these "currently unavailable" metric models being featured on this page?

We can hope that the metric models will be put back on the market at some point. Quite possibly they are available in Europe where metric manufacturing is the norm.

Supplied with 8mm diameter dovetail extension and case. This is the perfect metric replacement for popular BesTest indicators.

Accuracy of the Tesatast models:

• 0.01 mm ± 0.01 mm
• 0.002 mm ± 0.002 mm

Certificate of Accuracy is provided without test data. The certificate guarantees the accuracy as shown above. If you need full certification, you will have to send the indicator to a calibration lab.

• Other stem and dovetail attachments are available.

• Ruby, Nylon and Teflon contact points are available in different sizes.

Some very interesting questions

Q: Could I order a new crystal for this indicator [shown above]? I know that it looks beat-up, but still works fine. If a new or used bezel is also available and not too expensive, please also tell me how much that would be?

• It will not be possible to install a new crystal in a bezel which is no longer perfectly round. Replacing the bezel is not easy. Unfortunately it is time to send it to a repair shop.

Q: The machinist who is requesting this Tesatast indicator was wondering if there was any was to make it more oil resistant. That seems to be the main issue with many of our indicators and due to the cost of this indicator it would help extend its life.

• None of the test indicators are immune to oil or liquid contamination. Although not as much of a problem if the oil sprays from above, it can quite obviously enter the body near the contact point. Some people have experimented with plexiglass shields. Perhaps this is something you can look into.

Q: I have a side mounted dial Tesatast indicator (18.10011) and one of the screws securing the dial is loose. Consequently the dial is not moving freely if not completely centered. Are you able to advise as to how I can remove the crystal and dial to secure the screw? I feel shipping to the US from Australia will make this an expensive repair for a minor issue. Can I take it to a watchmaker?

• For answers to this and other test indicator questions, please take a look at some of our new publications.