B&S BesTest America's most popular Swiss made dial test indicator
BesTest Indicator with black dial
Manufactured in Switzerland, this Brown & Sharpe indicator is one of the best test indicators available. Don't be fooled by Japanese and Chinese imitations. 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.
Why are the black dials less expensive? Because they come with fewer accessories. You'll get a 1/4" diameter stem holder and a plastic box. Other holders and accessories are available on page 36. Other contact points (carbide, ruby) are available on page 21.
The accuracy of .00005" and .0001" indicators is ±.0001"
The accuracy of .0005" and .001" indicators is ±.0005"
These test indicators come with an unsigned statement from the manufacturer that the gage is within tolerance and that these are NIST traceable. There are no data provided.
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.
You can place an online order by clicking on the linked prices shown below. Ordering online will save a lot of money over the purchase order price.
You may order online by selecting any linked price shown above. Free shipping is sometimes included. How do these compare to the competition? On page 37 you will find indicator brand comparisons.
Questions and Answers
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?
The red hand on the black dial may be hard to see for people with diminished vision or people who are color blind. Also, red is a hard color to see in dimmer lighting. Some red hands will wash out over time and become pale orange or even white. Sticking to the black hand / white dial avoids potential problems.
Q: I have a Federal Testmaster LT-111 which looks like it's the same as your 7033-5. Can it be repaired?
It is the same as 7033-5 and 7033-3 because it was made by the same manufacturer. It will use all the same parts including the same contact point. The Federal Testmaster indicators are no longer available but you can readily replace them with the Brown & Sharpe models.
Bestest horizontal indicator with carbide contact point
These are the standard, white-dial variety (yellow dials if they are metric) with carbide contact points. Bestest indicators have a very light body and excellent response. They come with one carbide point (installed), with 2 accessories (shown below) and a plastic storage box.
The following standard accessories are included with these indicators:
Swivel clamp (599-7045-1) included but also available separately, attaches to the indicator's dove tails. The clamp has 2 holes: 3/8" diameter and 7/32" (.220") diameter.
Rectangular bar (599-7047) included but also available separately, 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.
If you need stem holders, please take a look at indicators sets shown below. Individual stems and other attachments can be purchased separately. See attachments on page 36.
The accuracy of .00005" and .0001" indicators is ±.0001"
The accuracy of .0005" and .001" indicators is ±.0005"
The accuracy of 0.01 mm indicators is ±0.01 mm
The accuracy of 0.002 mm indicators is ±0.002 mm
They come with an unsigned statement from the manufacturer that the gage is within tolerance and that these are NIST traceable. There is no data provided.
Note that these models supplied by Long Island Indicator Service have .080" diameter carbide ball contact points installed.
Why Amazon? There is no denying that Amazon is underselling most of us and competing is futile. Go ahead and click any of the "check stock" links below and you will find the best prices and—often times—free shipping as well. We get a small commission as a consolation prize. It's better than never making any sales at all, isn't it?
What if your company won't allow you to buy from Amazon? Then you are welcome to send us a purchase order with the purchase order price listed below.
Ordering online will give you substantial savings over purchase order prices. * while stock lasts—limited supply
Bestest indicator set
If you don't need the clamp and bars which come with some of the regular Bestest indicators, you may be interested in these sets with different attachments as shown below:
3 carbide contact points (.040" .080" and .120") one of which is installed
one dovetail extension (1/2" by .25" diameter)
one dovetail extension (1/2" by .22" diameter)
contact point wrench
certificate of accuracy and traceability (without data)
plastic case
The complete 599-7032-6 set includes the .0001" model 7032-3 indicator as shown above.
Ordering online will give you substantial savings over purchase order prices.
Bestest indicator - vertical style
Swiss-made. 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 (shown below), .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 available. For a less expensive vertical style indicator see Compac on page 43.
Bestest model 7037-3 shown above with attachment (included)
The accuracy of .00005" and .0001" indicators is ±.0001"
Bestest does not make metric versions of this vertical style but you can select an equivalent Tesatast indicator, as shown on page 35.
Repairs
Long Island Indicator is an authorized repair shop for Bestest indicators. You are welcome to send any Bestest indicator to us for a free evaluation. If you believe that the indicator is covered under warranty, please include a copy of the invoice to verify purchase date.
Spare parts are available and repairs can effectively be made on any of these indicators. Our fixed repair costs are shown on page 30.
It's our policy to replace all damaged or worn parts necessary for the full function of the indicator. This way you'll be sure to get an instrument that's as good as new and one you can rely on. If you use a credit card for payment, turn-around is less than one week.
And, if you ask for it, we'll provide you with a short-form certificate of calibration free with every indicator repair. After all, when your instrument comes back, you need to know that it's accurate.
Do you only want the crystal replaced? That'll be $35 and it includes return shipping. Just send it along with a check and instructions and you'll get a quick turn-around.
Repair Manual for Swiss-made BesTest and TesaTast Indicators by René Urs Meyer. Complete and fully illustrated.
Contains detailed photographs of every step required to disassemble, clean, and reassemble these indicators. Step-by-step instructions on replacing and repairing damaged parts. Illustrated parts lists, parts breakdowns, exploded view drawings. Calibration trouble shooting. Repair tools and techniques. Based on over 35 years of personal experience.
For some hints on BestTest repairs and disassembly, see page 123.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why is the hand not set at 12 o'clock or 6 o'clock?
At rest, the hand is set at 5 o'clock on the BesTest indicator. This insures that you get the full range of travel. You will be adjusting the position of the indicator in such a way that the hand points to zero when you take readings. Now you will be able to read deviations in either direction. In the following example, you will be able to read .015" clockwise and .015" counter-clockwise, plus a little bit of overtravel.
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?
A: If you have really old models you won't need a suction cup but if you have the new ones we find that this method really doesn't work. You are better off breaking the crystal to install a new one. Detailed repair instructions are available in our Repair Manual for Swiss-made BesTest and TesaTast Indicators.
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?
A: Sticking on the Bestest is due to only one of two things: oil has gotten inside and is causing the hair spring to malfunction or severe shock can break a tooth on the crown gear and cause the hair spring to coil up permanently. The Bestest indicator is perhaps a little more sensitive than the others but it also has excellent response and repeatability. It is fully jeweled. You can take a look by removing the cover plate (if you have a screw driver small enough). Unfortunately there is nothing you can do to clean it, except send it to a repair shop. If you would like us to take a look, please refer to page 30.
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?
A: You can replace the crystal if two conditions exist: 1. You are able to remove the old crystal. 2. The bezel is still in perfectly round, undamaged condition. In that case, the new crystal can usually be pressed in place with the thumbs. It may be safer, however, to send the indicator along with $30 and instructions to "replace crystal only". We would take care of this immediately.
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?
A: This assembly is not available but you can find detailed instructions on hair spring repair, with photographs, in our Bestest repair manual.
