How to Use a Dial Bore Gauge

Dial-bore gauges (DB) or dial indicators, when used in conjunction with a micrometer, can give very accurate and precise inside measurements. Used for holes of at least two inches in diameter, they consist of a base that houses an interchangeable anvil that sets the range of the measurement and a small sliding stud that when compressed will give a reading on the gauge or dial portion of the tool. The dial will have a rotating bezel that is rotated to "zero' the gauge at the target measurement, which is set by a separate micrometer. Dial-bore gauges are useful in checking for taper or out-of-round conditions in a cylinder bore as well as many other inside machinists measurements.

Things You'll Need

• Dial bore indicator set
• Micrometer (of the desired range)
• Machinist's rule

Instructions

Setup

1. Determine the rough opening with a machinist's rule. Lay the rule across the top of the bore and dress the zero end of the rule to one edge of the hole. Orient the rule so that the point measured is 180 degrees away from the zero end. Slide the clip down the rule to mark the edge of the hole and record the measurement.

2. Select and install the appropriate anvil. The anvil should be long enough to contact the side of the bore and slightly compress the stud when inserted into the hole. Do not use an oversized anvil and try to force the indicator, as this will likely destroy the accuracy of the tool.

3. Select a micrometer in the appropriate range. Most cylinder bores will be in the two-to-three-inch or three-to-four-inch range. Set the micrometer for the target measurement or for an arbitrary measurement. The arbitrary measurement should be close to the target measurement and be an even number that will be easy to do quick math on to arrive at the actual measurement. Record this number on paper with room to do simple addition problems.

4. Insert the anvil and stud between the micrometers machined surfaces. Rotate the bezel until the "zero" is in line with the needle position. The DB indicator is now ready to read a measurement relative to the setting.

Using the Dial Indicator

1. Insert the base of the indicator into the hole. Ensure that the two contact points are 180 degrees from each other and that neither the anvil nor the stud are hanging on scoring or the cross-hatch pattern of the bore wall.

2. Hold the indicator as near to vertical as possible and gently and slightly rock the DB indicator along the anvil/stud axis. The needle will swing clockwise as the tool comes to vertical and the anvil/stud come to their proper position. Read the number on the dial at the point where the needle stops rotating clockwise and attempts to start backing down in a counter-clockwise direction. This is the "relative" measurement. The number may be a positive or a negative . Record this number and remove the DB indicator from the hole.

3. Add or subtract the positive or negative number, respectively, from your target or arbitrary number. This final adjusted number is the actual measurement of the hole.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the hole to be measured and ensure that it is free of oil, grease or particles before introducing a precision measuring tool into the hole.

• Never force precision measuring tools. Permanent and expensive damage may result and the tool will likely be ruined. Avoid shocks to the tool such as dropping it or hitting it.

References

• Dial Bore Gauge, The Must-Have List
• Precision Measuring Tools - Measuring Up