PAGE 4 — BESTEST INDICATORS
PROFESSIONAL REPAIRS & SALES IN THE U.S.A. SINCE 1959
We are proud to be a Hexagon/TESA/Brown & Sharpe worldwide certified service partner
— Roy Meyer and team
America's most popular test indicator
This Brown & Sharpe indicator is still one of the best test indicators available. It is compact and has excellent repeatability. The black dial and orange hands have practically become a trademark for this gage. It's hard to imagine a better measuring instrument.
There are several new improvements to the 2017 models. The indicator model number is now etched on the cover of the case rather than on the dial. Unfortunately because many of the components are sourced from foreign countries, the indicator can no longer legitimately be labeled "Swiss Made".
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Why are the black dials less expensive? Because they come with fewer accessories. You'll get a 1/4" diameter stem holder, contact point "wrench" (carbide .080" diameter point included) and a plastic box. Black dial models only come in the standard horizontal version.
BesTest 7033-5 is particularly popular. Notice that the graduations are sub-divided into .00005" but the accuracy is no better than the .0001" model.
These test indicators come with an unsigned statement from the manufacturer that the gage is within tolerance and that these are traceable to "national master standards". There are no data provided.
How do these compare to the competition? You will find out on our indicator brand comparisons page.
Type | Graduations | Range | Dial Ø | Point Length | Model | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black dial | .00005" | .008" | 1.5" | .5" | 7033-5 | check price and availability |
Black dial | .0001" | .008" | 1" | .5" | 7032-5 | check price and availability |
Black dial | .0005" | .02" | 1" | 1.4" | 7034-5 | check price and availability |
Black dial | .0005" | .02" | 1.5" | 1.4" | 7035-5 | check price and availability |
Black dial | .0005" | .03" | 1" | .5" | 7030-5 | check price and availability |
Black dial | .0005" | .03" | 1.5" | .5" | 7031-5 | check price and availability |
Black dial | .001" | .03" | 1" | .5" | 7029-5 | check price and availability |
additional contact points | ||||||
additional stem holders & attachments |
These are the standard, white dial variety (yellow dials if they are metric) with carbide contact points.
Bestest indicators have a very lightweight body and excellent response. They come with one carbide point (installed), with 2 accessories (shown below) and a plastic storage box.
Note that the .00005" model dials are subdivided. Their accuracy remains at .0001"
These test indicators come with an unsigned statement from the manufacturer that the gage is within tolerance and that these are traceable to "national master standards". There are no data provided.
How do these compare to the competition? You will find out on our indicator brand comparisons page.
Swivel clamp 599-7045-1 is included with the horizontal models but also available separately. The clamp attaches to the indicator's dovetails. The clamp has two openings: 3/8" and 7/32" diameters.
Rectangular bar 599-7047 is included but also available separately. It is 1/4" by 1/2" by 3" long. The fastening stud is 7/32" (.220") in diameter and will clamp into the Swivel clamp shown above. The bar can then be fastened on your lathe or to your height gage.
Type | Graduations | Range | Dial Ø | Point Length | Model | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Horizontal | .00005" | .008" | 1.5" | .5" | 7033-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | .0001" | .008" | 1" | .5" | 7032-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | .0001" | .008" | 1.5" | .5" | 7023-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | .0005" | .02" | 1" | .5" | 7030-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | .0005" | .02" | 1" | 1.4" | 7034-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | .0005" | .02" | 1.5" | 1.4" | 7035-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | .0005" | .03" | 1.5" | .5" | 7031-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | .001" | .03" | 1" | .5" | 7029-3 | check price and availability |
Horizontal | additional contact points | |||||
Horizontal | additional stem holders & attachments |
These are the standard, white-dial variety with the dial mounted on the end. This configuration is often referred to as Jig-Bore Style. Bestest indicators have a very light body and excellent response. These models come with a universal dovetail mounting attachment (see photo), .080" diameter carbide point, contact point wrench, certificate of accuracy and traceability and an ugly plastic box. Other stem attachments, turning holders, accessories, contact points and spare parts are also available.
These test indicators come with an unsigned statement from the manufacturer that the gage is within tolerance and that these are traceable to "national master standards". There are no data provided.
BesTest does not make a metric vertical model but you can find an equivalent Tesatast indicator.
How do these compare to the competition? You will find out on our indicator brand comparisons page.
Universal holder 599-7054 is included with the vertical (end mounted dial) indicator but can also be purchased separately.
Type | Graduations | Range | Dial Ø | Point Length | Model | Header |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vertical | .00005" | .008" | 1.5" | .5" | 7038-3 | check price and availability |
Vertical | .0001" | .008" | 1.5" | .5" | 7024-3 | check price and availability |
Vertical | additional contact points | |||||
Vertical | additional stem holders & attachments |
Ideally suited for work with height gages and transfer gages. The come supplies with a rectangular bar and swivel clamp.
Supplied in a plastic case together with:
1 contact point 1/2 in with a .080 in dia.
1 rectangular bar
1 swivel clamp
1 contact point wrench
For metric versions, refer to Tesatast
Caution: if you are ordering from Amazon, check the description carefully since most of the time their photos are wrong.
Type | Graduations | Range | Dial Ø | Point Length | Model | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Parallel | .0005" | .030" | 1.5" | .5" | 7021-3 | currently not available |
Parallel | .00005" | .008" | 1.5" | .5" | 7022-3 | check price and availability |
Q: Why is the hand not set at 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock?
Q: I am looking for a suction tool to remove crystals. I have several old B & S gages that I will need to replace the crystals; however, I am lacking the suction tool. Can you please let me know what it is called and where I might find one?
Q: I purchased several B&S 599-7032-5 about 3 months ago. Some of them are already sticking. I just think they are not jeweled and wear faster (this may be a total fantasy – but as you are the expert here, I thought I’d throw it out). Is B&S Bestest better than I think?
Q: I have a Brown & Sharpe BesTest 7031-5, and needs to have the crystal face replaced (cracked and cloudy). If I buy the replacement part, how do I change it? Or, do I need to send it out for repair?
Q: I believe that I have gotten in over my head so to speak. I have repaired these indicators in the past with good results, but have never replaced the hair spring before. Is it possible to purchase the bezel plate with the hair spring and anchor pin as an assembly?
Q: One of my coworkers bought a BesTest indicator two months ago and it is already malfunctioning. My best guess is at some point oil or moisture got inside and is making the needle stick and not repeat accurately. Is this covered under warranty?
Q: I read that you guys recommend the white face on the Brown and Sharpe indicators unless people have experience with the black face. Why is this?
Q: I have a Federal Testmaster LT-111 which looks like it's the same as your 7033-5. Can it be repaired?
Caution if buying from Amazon: their product images sometimes do not match the product description. Read carefully!
Companion Reference Guide for Test Indicators
$19.50
Now available at Amazon.com
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