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Mitutoyo 2046S Dial Indicator

Curated from 68 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 13, 2025

Mitutoyo 2046S Dial Indicator

Brand: Mitutoyo
Price: $38
Snoop Score:
6.2
Sentiment
6.9
Popularity
8.6
Technical
5.2

Snoop's Take

The Mitutoyo 2046S is a precision dial indicator designed to measure small distances with exceptional accuracy. Featuring a 0.01mm resolution and a durable stainless steel stem, this tool is ideal for both professional machinists and hobbyists who require reliable measurements in their projects. Consumer feedback highlights the Mitutoyo 2046S as a leader in accuracy and quality, with many users stating, "Mitutoyo indicators are accurate," and expressing a preference for Mitutoyo over other brands like Starrett. Users appreciate its reliability, with one remarking, "I have a set of Mitutoyo telescopic gauges that I have been using for the last 25 years and I haven't had any issues with them." Despite some critiques regarding its cost and slow dial reaction, the overall sentiment leans positively toward its performance and durability. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its accuracy and reliability, the Mitutoyo 2046S is highly recommended for those seeking a dependable dial indicator in its category. It stands out as a preferred choice among professionals and enthusiasts alike, ensuring precise measurements for a wide range of applications.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Dial Indicators

My Mitutoyos have been spot on compared to them as far as accuracy goes and I prefer to use those.

Positive Feedback

Interapid's are good indicators.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.2
Mitutoyo 2046S Dial Indicator
Automotive Inspection
7 / 10
Industrial Calibration
8 / 10
Machine Shop Tooling
8 / 10
Quality Control
8 / 10
See how this compares to all Dial Indicators

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Mitutoyo indicators are accurate.
My Mitutoyos have been spot on compared to them as far as accuracy goes and I prefer to use those.
I will be using the Mitutoyo dial to measure crankshaft runout on a 4 cylinder Honda.
If you're a hobbyist, then IMHO either Mitutoyo or Starrett is the way to go.
Mitutoyo indicators are known for their accuracy.
Can a needle/lever test indicator do the same tasks accurately as to a plunger type dial indicator?
You can be more accurate with a test indicator, you just have far more limited range.
Mitutoyo is reliable and repeatable.
Real ones. So many fake companies make those and it is vastly inferior to real ones.
Mitutoyo indicators are high quality.
New Mitutoyo DTIs!
Very nice stuff.
Preference for Mitutoyo over Starrett
They prefer mitutoyo now.
I can't think of anyone better than Mitutoyo when it comes to electronic tools.
Genuine Mitutoyo products are reliable.
Mitutoyo is the clear winner.
Get the genuine Mitutoyo IP67 Absolutes, and never have to buy calipers again.
The ip67 ones are nice at the machine for in-vise measurements under the spindle if needed.
Mitutoyo indicators are considered number one.
Mitutoyo analogue dial indicators are number one. Change my mind…
Mitutoyo products are reliable and durable.
I have a set of Mitutoyo telescopic guages that I have been using for the last 25 years and I haven't had any issues with them for what that's worth.
Mitutoyo offers the best feel for gauging.
This is the set to get. I've used Mitutoyo, Brown and Sharpe, and Starrett.
This is the set I own, smoothest locking adjustment of any I’ve used.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Preference for other brands due to specific features.
Interapid's are good indicators.
The mag base is strong on my cheaper stand, but I heard maybe the more expensive stands are 'better'.
The point is this little pear shaped bead.
Aside from starrett, is Federal, Central or Brown and Sharpe a better brand?
Mitutoyo requires finesse for readings in non-round bores.
The Mitutoyo can get a reading, but it takes more finesse.
Dial reacts slowly and is hard to read.
The dial reacts so incredibly slowly to any movement in the bore gage.
Defective product requiring a return.
It's fucked. Open a case on eBay and request a refund for a defective product.
Lower cost Mitutoyo calipers can malfunction with moisture.
I wish I got the ip67 lol I got the yellow ones, both solar and battery and they have both shit themselves from just even the slightest bit of dampness.
Mitutoyo is more expensive compared to alternatives.
I know Mitutoyo are sorta the gold standard, but Starrett is comparable everywhere I look and my apprentice wages are telling me to go for the Starrett.
If you use it everyday always pay for the best you can afford.

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Accusize Industrial Tools 0-1'' Dial Indicators P900-S099Accusize Industrial Tools 0-1'' Dial Indicators P900-S099$32
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HDLNKAK Dial Indicator with Magnetic BaseHDLNKAK Dial Indicator with Magnetic Base$59
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SE Triton 1" Dial IndicatorSE Triton 1" Dial Indicator$18
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2.4
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on the strengths of magnetic bases.
It's strength of the magnet and base flatness.
Discussion on the capabilities of needle/lever test indicators vs. plunger type indicators.
Either would be more than good enough for a 3d printer, and a plunger style would probably be easier to read and use due to the larger dial and larger travel.
Discussion about the measurement range and sensitivity of different types of indicators.
Some do have certain needle positions that are most accurate, but you likely don’t need to worry about that.
Discussion on the quality of Swiss-made indicators.
The best USA dials are the ones made in Switzerland.
Calibration results for different brands vary.
So in my opinion - don’t pay the price for accuracy. Hell - how it looks even.
Standardized accuracies in linear tools.
Listen to this guy.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Mention of using an Interapid dial indicator.
I've ran an interrapid 312b for most of my career.
Mention of a secondary dial to adjust sensitivity.
I believe there’s a secondary dial that acts like a grip on the needle to adjust its sensitivity.
Discussion on the quality of older brands compared to Mitutoyo
Mitutoyo for measuring equipment.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on reading dial indicators
Could someone explain to me how to read a 0.0005 dial indicator?
Each tick is 0.0005".
Don't let the "small numbers" confuse ya...
The exact same way? It just had numbers either side for when you’re going minus on the dial
Personal usage frequency of dial indicators.
This is just something I use 1-2x a year so nothing too crazy is needed.
Cleaning the mechanism may resolve lag issues.
Might just be some oil or residue causing the mechanism to stick a bit.
Skurt some lighter fluid in around both ends of the spindle and work it til it loosens up.
Seller is willing to honor the return policy.
Amicable interaction with the seller overall, so I can't be too mad, but I'm bummed I won't have a bore gage.
Discussion on pricing for Mitutoyo dial indicators.
I think I paid somewhere around $150 each make an offer on all or some.
150 isn’t a terrible price for them.
Discussion on purchasing genuine Mitutoyo indicators from eBay.
I can't tell if it's the real thing or a Chinese copy.
I just can't get myself to order something like this shipped from China.
Just go with Amazon for this one, it'll most likely be genuine.
Discussion on eBay deals for measuring tools
If you're a competent eBay user you can get some crazy deals.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Interapid is considered a standard in dial indicators.
a .0005” Interapid was seen as the standard for a dial indicator.
Interapid is still the undisputed king of dial test indicators.
One of the few brands that can still be rebuilt.
Discussion on the importance of dial angle and cosine error.
Is a Mitutoyo dial angle important? Is the angle of a dial important for accuracy?
The angle of the dial is pretty unimportant, but the angle of the tip relative to what you are measuring is important - look up cosine error.
I cringe seeing some of my inspectors use them at like 45 degrees 😬
You want the needle to he as close to parallel to the object you're measuring as possible if you're taking a measurement.
Discussion on the quality of older Brown and Sharpe indicators.
Brown and Sharpe was probably one of the best on the planet years ago.
Importance of checking tools by a Metrology Laboratory.
Your far ahead of the game if you are doing this👍

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