Starrett # 196 Gauge Needs Repair

Starrett is gonna' charge you around $100.

If you want me to get it working for you, just send it to me and I'll give it a quick clean/lube; you pay the postage.
 
Probably just junk in the gears, and different speeds of plunger release gives more or less inertia into the dirty, spongy mechanism.

If the needle stopped at a odd point, say 1 o'clock, you can always pull the needle and reposition it.

The tool used for that looks like a mini arbor press, but instead of a gear and rack a fine screw. Screw is pointed and pushes the post, lifting the needle. Very handy to have.

If you send it in for repair, please report back :)
 
I'd be calling Long Island Indicator. As above they have a great reputation. If you are braver than I, then you can also buy parts from them.

This is a Cut/Paste from their website:
Starrett (USA) indicators are home-grown favorites and probably the best of the "made in USA" indicators. The new generation has clean, sturdy construction but they still suffer from bushings which will wear out rather quickly and rack teeth which shear off because of the inferior quality metal used in its manufacture. The new plastic bezels make it easier to replace damaged crystals. They are fairly priced and almost always repairable. Back-plunger model 645 is among the best of its kind and can be recommended. Avoid model 196, though. Starrett dial indicators do not come with serial numbers. Their on-line catalog is comprehensive and parts breakdowns are available online.

http://www.longislandindicator.com/p14.html

Daryl
MN
 
I'd just get a better indicator. In a test I did a few years ago of a Mitutoyo indicator,a Last Word,and a plunger back Starrett I have in new condition,the plunger back took by far the most force to move the needle. Just inherent in the design.

I tested them by pressing their feelers or plungers against a very sensitive digital diamond weighing scale we have for my wife's jewelry business. I checked how much(in grams)the scale registered to move the indicator .001". The plunger back was much the least sensitive. This means that you are less likely to get the most accurate response from it in actual use. I can't recall the numbers by now,but I certainly recall the order of least sensitivity of the indicators tested.

Somewhere in this site,my post still remains if you might do a search for it.

The Mitutoyo was BY VERY FAR the most sensitive. You really want the most sensitive one. Also,the long,thin feeler of the Mitutoyo can much more easily be gotten into difficult or impossible places that the plunger back just cannot reach.

Many years ago,when I was starting out,I used a plunger back,but have long since moved on.
 
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I've liked my Starrett 645 so much I picked up a 2nd one at a yard sale for $20 last fall.
Seems heavier and more durable than the 196.
I'm not sure that it is, and I haven't had them apart of done comparison tests.
I've not used the Mits.

Daryl
MN
 
Starrett charges a lot of money for parts, repair and postage. You're better off just investing that money in to
a new(er) Interapid. They are bullet proof and will only cost you another $60.00 or so if you find a deal.
LIIS is a great place for information. Email Rene, he is very helpful.
 
My first indicator was a plunger back Craftsman. Worked well for several years,then suddenly quit working properly. I took it open,and simply could not find what was wrong with it. Must have been some slight wear on a bearing or something. It was a decent indicator. I wonder who made it?

My first dial caliper was also a Craftsman. It lasted very well,too. Survived 3 or 4 drops on hard floors. Finally gave up the ghost. Whoever was making their stuff 50+ years ago was doing well.
 
Starett will give you a quote if you e-mail them.

I had a 98-8 precision level that needed a main vial.
Yes I could have done it myself just didn't want to screw it up.
Vial: $13. & change (can't remember exactly)
Labor $22.
Shipping $9.00

Turnaround 9 days total.

Can't hurt to send their customer service an e-mail and ask.
 
thanks everyone, I did manage to remove the crystal and lightly cleaned the 196, added a tiny bit of light oil too. seems to work ok now.
This gauge / Mercer kit is more of an acquisition for future use If I need it.
Another item for my tooling addiction.
My machining hobby is soon to be on the back burner for awhile.
Looking for a new job and R/C boating season is upon us here in Canada.
 
yendor said:
Starett will give you a quote if you e-mail them.

I had a 98-8 precision level that needed a main vial.
Yes I could have done it myself just didn't want to screw it up.
Vial: $13. & change (can't remember exactly)
Labor $22.
Shipping $9.00

Turnaround 9 days total.

Can't hurt to send their customer service an e-mail and ask.
Click to expand...

Wow, that's surprisingly affordable! I am happily surprised to see that they cover their products like this

Bernie


Bernie
 
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