Spare parts for Starrett 196 dial indicator?

[Elliott1940]

Hello everyone
I recently obtained some old Starrett dial indicators. One is missing the entire back plunger assembly. I don’t like throwing tools away and wondered if it was possible to get a new plunger from somewhere. Can anyone advise me please?

Thanks

 

[projectnut]

There are several places that repair and sell parts for measuring tools. One place I've contacted in the past is Long Island Indicator Service.

Long Island Indicator Service

Repair service for test indicators and other precision measuring tools by Brown & Sharpe and Mitutoyo.

www.longislandindicator.com

In the past they did carry parts for the Starrett 196 indicator. You can also contact Starrett directly to find services in your area that carry parts. Be advised however in many cases the parts cost more than the original cost of the instrument. Years ago I purchased a Starrett 120 dial caliper. Somewhere along the line it was dropped and damaged. The cost of new parts exceeded the original cost of the tool. The cost to have a service repair it was within a few dollars of buying a new one.

As an FYI many of these services also sell repair manuals for particular instruments. It might be more cost effective to purchase a manual and search auction sites like eBay, or places like Craigslist to find damaged indicators for parts. There are currently 179 listings for Starrett 196 indicators on eBay. Some are as low as $24.99 in good working condition. I wouldn't spend much on parts when the whole tool is available for that price.

 

[DiscoDan]

Also check out MR Tool Repair. He appears to do some great work. He has a facebook page.

 

[Packard V8]

They seem to be a bit fragile. I think I have a non-functional unit around somewhere.

jack vines

 

[Elliott1940]

Thanks everyone

I think i’ll just put it on ebay for spares or repair