A lever-type Dial Test Indicator on a magnetic base enables run-out checks, surface parallelism measurement and machine spindle alignment — Multi Trade Combines stocks them in Guwahati, price on request.
A dial test indicator (DTI), also called a lever-type indicator or Tesatast-style gauge, is the precision measurement instrument of choice for machine set-up, quality inspection and alignment work in workshops. Unlike the standard plunger-type dial gauge, the DTI's stylus moves in a pivoting arc, allowing measurement in radial, axial and angled directions from a single magnetic-base mounting. Resolution is typically 0.01 mm or 0.001 mm depending on the model; the balanced dial face allows immediate reading of positive and negative deviation from a reference surface.
The magnetic base supplied with the instrument mounts to any steel machine bed and provides multi-articulated arm adjustment to position the DTI tip at virtually any angle or offset from the magnet's contact point. This flexibility makes the DTI+magnetic-base combination the standard tool for checking lathe chuck run-out, checking milling vice jaw parallelism and verifying CNC table levelness.
Guwahati's growing machine-tool workshops — producing components for the oil and gas sector, bridge fabrication and defence manufacturing — use dial test indicators daily for in-process quality checks. Kirloskar pump service centres use DTIs when reassembling pump shafts to verify bearing-seat run-out after machining. Engineering polytechnics in Assam and Manipur teach metrology with dial gauges and DTIs as practical lab instruments. Tea factory engineering departments use them during annual maintenance to check CTC roller shaft run-out and conveyor roller alignment.
Pair the dial test indicator with our vernier caliper and outside micrometer for a complete measurement station at a workshop inspection bench. A granite surface plate (ask our team for availability) provides the datum reference surface for flatness and height comparison. The magnetic base works equally well with a standard dial gauge from our range — many inspectors keep both a plunger dial gauge and a lever DTI on the same magnetic base with a quick-swap dovetail adapter.
| Category | Measuring Tools |
|---|---|
| Key specs | Lever-type, magnetic base |
| Probe type | Lever-type (pivoting stylus) |
| Resolution | 0.01 mm standard; 0.001 mm high-resolution |
| Included | Magnetic base with articulated arm |
| Availability | In stock — price on request |
More from our Measuring Tools range
A standard dial gauge (plunger type) has its probe moving axially — straight in and out — and is typically used for flatness, height and depth comparisons. A dial test indicator (lever type) has a small ruby-tipped stylus that pivots on a lever, allowing measurement in tight spaces and from the side of a bore or shaft where a plunger probe cannot reach. The lever mechanism lets you measure run-out on a rotating shaft held close to a lathe chuck jaw — an operation impossible with a plunger gauge. Both tools are sold by Multi Trade Combines, often used together.
The magnetic base grips any ferromagnetic steel or cast-iron surface — lathe beds, milling machine tables, surface plates and steel fixture plates. On aluminium, brass or plastic fixtures, the magnet will not hold. For non-ferrous machine beds, a clamp-type articulated arm holder is used instead of the magnetic base. Our team can advise on the right accessory for your machine type when you enquire.