Starrett Magnetic Base Indicator Holder, Complete Set

Used this with my Starrett dial indicator to re-gear the five differentials on my 2003 and 2013 Jeep Wranglers and my RWD 1990 Volvo 740. Excellent build quality, made in the USA by folks who take pride in producing very high quality measuring instruments. Not cheap, but will last a lifetime. Just like the old days. Quality is worth the expense for some things. This is one of them. The cheap POS from Harbor Freight doesn't even stay on the differential housing without shifting around. This magnetic base allows you to take accurate measurements of backlash, etc. It is expensive but saves you a lot of time (and the expense of eight or nine crush sleeves). If you only need to use it once you can always sell it later on CraigsList. These - around here, at least - sell quickly. I plan on keeping mine, however. I have already used it enough to have gotten my money out of it. Great magnetic base. Highly recommended!

Use every day

I was a bit suprised at first when I opened the box for this holder at how small the magnet and arm are. that has actually been a good thing. this holder will go into places that a larger magnet would not and it holds very well. only problem has been that the thumb screw that holds the dovetail on the indicator will actually lock itself down, making it a pain to remove the indicator. But that is better than the indicator falling out, so it is a minor issue.

A little pricey but worth it. Starrett product are top notch.

Sometimes you need to use the small rods. And it can be really hard to find a good tight snug to fit them. I recently had to use some small, skinny rods due to very confined areas, and this snug was perfect for holding the small rods right where I needed them. Thanks to this little guy I no longer feel like I need the thicker rod all the time. I've found that a lot of the time the smaller rod will work just as well and get me the same results just as fast, and sometimes even faster.

Basic which is good. Only one moving part so there is almost nothing to break. They are surprisingly sturdy and go very well with the 2" tall green army men.

Product is exactly what I expected but condition was not. Starrett provided excellent support identifying proper components needed for our inspection setup, even though non-Starrett products were included in the mix. Item was advertised as new, and probably was, but it was clearly an older product, having sat on a shelf in the sun for years. There was surface rust on the rods and the ground surfaces of the magnet base. It cleaned up with emery cloth but greater care should be taken for new product held in inventory. Selling price was higher than MSRP but total price with shipping was competitive for a NEW product.

If you can afford it , buy it. From the magnet to the rail everything feels like a craftsman tool (not the china brand)