How do I get the pointer to point at "0" on this dial?

[ARC-170]

I have a dial indicator that does not point to zero. It appears to be 0.025" off. It seems to work fine, but how do I get the pointer to zero?

 

[pdentrem]

Can’t turn the dial? Is there a lock screw?
Pierre

 

[Technical Ted]

The indicator is designed to be pointing at zero (the small hand) when the long hand is facing straight up the the stem. That's the way they are made. If you move the stem so the long arm is straight up and down I think you'll find the small hand will be facing the zero.

Ted

 

[ARC-170]

The indicator is designed to be pointing at zero (the small hand) when the long hand is facing straight up the the stem. That's the way they are made. If you move the stem so the long arm is straight up and down I think you'll find the small hand will be facing the zero.

Ted

It does, but not at rest. I have to move it a bit. Is that normal? I guess I just thought it was supposed to be pointing to zero when it was straight up and down at rest.

 

[Technical Ted]

It most likely will not at rest. I don't think I've ever seen one that does. It should be a little counter clockwise at rest so when the long arm is pointing straight up (towards the top of the stem) then the short arm points towards zero. It's by design. Your indicator is fine.

Ted

 

[higgite]

It's perfectly normal. It's made to do that so that when both hands are lined up at zero, you know for sure that it's touching the object being indicated and not just looks like it's touching to the nekkid eyeball when it's really not.

Tom

 

[ARC-170]

Thanks, everyone. You've solved my issue. It totally makes sense that it would have some over/under play range so you'd know it was touching, as @higgite describes.