Fowler 52-520-109-0 Adg Dial Indicator

Curated from 80 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 2, 2025

Fowler 52-520-109-0 Adg Dial Indicator

Brand: Fowler
Price: $36
Snoop Score:
6.9
Sentiment
10.0
Popularity
10.0
Technical
4.8

Snoop's Take

The Fowler 52-520-109-0 Adg Dial Indicator is a precision measuring tool designed to assist in achieving accurate measurements with a 0-1" range. Its features, such as a carbide ball contact point and a durable brass body, make it a reliable choice for both hobbyists and professionals in need of precise measurements. Consumer feedback highlights the dial indicator as a cost-effective alternative to auto bed leveling, with users stating, "Getting the bed truly level is far better than auto bed leveling." Many appreciate its consistency in producing reliable prints, noting, "I literally installed it and haven't had one issue... haven't leveled my bed in probably over a year." Furthermore, Fowler is recognized for its quality in precision measuring equipment, reinforcing its reputation in the market. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its reliability and effectiveness in achieving consistent results, the Fowler 52-520-109-0 Adg Dial Indicator is highly recommended for anyone seeking a dependable measuring tool in this category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Dial Indicators

Getting the bed truly level is far better then auto bed leveling.

Positive Feedback

How to read 0.0005 dial indicator?

Insightful Chatter
Product
6.9
Fowler 52-520-109-0 Adg Dial Indicator
Automotive Inspection
5 / 10
Industrial Calibration
5 / 10
Machine Shop Tooling
5 / 10
Quality Control
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Dial Indicators

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Cost-effective alternative to auto bed leveling (ABL)
Getting the bed truly level is far better then auto bed leveling.
It's an amazing printer when it works but all the stupid QC issues are infuriating.
Helps in achieving consistent prints
I literally installed it and haven't had one issue (knock on wood) haven't leveled my bed in probably over a year.
It can reduce the points of failure.
Fowler is recognized as a good brand for precision measuring equipment.
Fowler is a good brand for precision measuring equipment.
Fowler dial indicator is recognized for reliability and quality.
Thinking about just getting a magnetic base from harbor freight but I want a good dial indicator that will last.
I have a Fowler that I bought from the Mac truck.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
People share experiences with ABL systems
I appreciate everyone telling me to get one, but i'm just gonna upgrade printer to one with ABL.
ABl will not level the bed for you, but it is the best tool for leveling one IMO.
your suggestion was a big help to me!
Users share needs for dial indicators for specific measurements.
i might go with the fowler, i dont need a dial indicator that often, just for measuring bearing endplay on Hinos and non preset bearings.
Preference for magnetic bases and holder quality over indicators.
Honestly, the holder is probably more important than the actual indicator.
Calibration importance for accuracy
So in my opinion - don’t pay the price for accuracy. Hell - how it looks even.
Calibration tech here. Listen to this guy.
Your far ahead of the game if you are doing this👍

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about manual vs. automatic bed leveling
Ordered some spacers though to see if I can just level it once and be done with it.
the overall quality and consistency of all my prints are vastly improved now.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Understanding reading of small increments
How to read 0.0005 dial indicator?
Each tick is 0.0005".
Don't let the "small numbers" confuse ya...
The exact same way?
People are seeking affordable alternatives to expensive dial indicators.
I need a dial indicator with magnetic base but dont really want to spend 250$ for a rebranded Matco one.
Discussion about various dial indicator brands.
Fowler, Starrett, Mitutoyo.
Users have varied needs depending on work type (home vs. professional).
I am a machinist, I made my money with a dial indicator.
Discussion about adequate brands for dial indicators
I want to get some tools so I don’t have to pay a shop to do things like take measurements.
The Sunnen are hands down the best. They are expensive. And worth it.
Sunnen dial bore gauges are the industry standard.
Advice on using micrometers with setting rods for accuracy
Fantastic advice, thanks.
Mention of alternative brands and their pricing
that whole kit is really, really expensive.
Insize are alright.
If I were doing this for a living I'd probably pay for a higher end Starrett or something like that.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Misconceptions about tool accuracy
Most people over estimate the accuracy they need and want to brag about expensive tooling.
Bothers me that people think they're accurate to 50 millionths.
Challenges of printer calibration and leveling issues
Sounds like you got a real lemon.
Discussion on calibration issues with dial indicators.
they’re not particularly prone to calibration issues, atleast not as much as something like a torque wrench.
Discussion on accuracy differences between brands
I use the Sunnen bore gauges most.
If you're a machinist, then the Sunnen is the way to go.
That said, I prefer the Sunnen.
Discussion on gauge accuracy over brand choice
It's more about the accuracy of the gauge than the brand.

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