Fowler 72-641-300 Flex Arm Base and Indicator Combo

I work in mining and our mechanics (I'm an electrician) use dial indicators frequently, some use Fowler with this flex mounts, others use real high end indicators with custom made mounts. The flex mount can be a pain at times if in awkward areas but I knew this before I purchased. I like the Fowler indicator and the flex base.

This indicator holder works pretty well, but I had to play around with the tension on the flex shaft to get it right. Once you get it tight enough it wont sag or creep on you when using it at most angles. I did discover that the flex arm makes it difficult to use in a cramped space since you can't position the indicator too close to the base. This is due to bending radius of the flex shaft. The mag base is pretty standard and works just fine with ground surfaces on the bottom and back.

It got the job done, but the magnet it way to weak. I had to use a clamp to keep mine from moving around. If I could do it over again I'd buy the unit attached to the vise grips. If you are buying to measure the lateral runout on your disc brakes, you will be happier with the vise grips version. Gauge and flex arm preformed as expected.

A dial indicator is essential to anyone that does machine work or has a CNC that requires calibration.This dial indicator works perfectly, and cannot be beat for the price.I should have purchased one of these years ago and saved myself a lot of frustration.

Works great, especially for the price. The flexible arm is much better than the old style.

The magnet is not very strong and the adjustment lever is slightly cumbersome to use.

Pretty good quality. The red tightening lever fell on mine from continuous hard use, so instead I just use an allen wrench as a knob now. Besides that this is a great tool.

Quality seems a bit lacking for a fowler instrument. The corner of the label on the base was peeling up when I got it. I do like the arm, it's real quick and easy to get into position. Case a dial are decent too but at the end of the day it's just a Chinese tool with a brand name printed on it.