Shars 1 Inch High Precision Dial Indicator

Curated from 89 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 28, 2025

Shars 1 Inch High Precision Dial Indicator

Brand: Shars
Price: $23
Snoop Score:
5.4
Sentiment
8.0
Popularity
8.7
Technical
3.3

Snoop's Take

The Shars 1 Inch High Precision Dial Indicator is a precision measuring tool designed for hobbyists and professionals alike. With a measuring range of 0-1 inch and graduations of 0.001 inches, this dial indicator is essential for tasks such as manual bed-leveling in 3D printing and other machining applications. Consumer sentiment about this product is largely positive, with users appreciating its affordability and reliability. As one user noted, "It’s a bargain brand but the tooling is solid for practical use," reflecting the general consensus that it provides good value for the price. However, some feedback highlighted the need for manual calibration, stating, "It works great. But some manual leveling is required," indicating a potential challenge for beginners. Overall, the Shars 1 Inch High Precision Dial Indicator is recommended for those in search of effective, budget-friendly measuring tools. Its combination of affordability and functionality makes it a solid choice for hobbyists, despite the minor setup challenges it presents for newcomers.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Dial Indicators

your suggestion was a big help to me!

Positive Feedback

It works great. But some manual leveling is required.

Negative Feedback
Product
5.4
Shars 1 Inch High Precision 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.
Effective for manual bed-leveling
your suggestion was a big help to me!
In most situations that is probably a bit overkill tbh.
Reliable brand for hobbyists
Pretty solid middle-of-the-road equipment, works nicely in my home shop.
Affordable and solid tooling
It’s a bargain brand but the tooling is solid for practical use.
They make great affordable products.
Good value tools
They make good value tools.
Functional tool at a low price point
It's functional but definitely cheap. They hit a price point.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Requires manual calibration for best results
It works great. But some manual leveling is required.
Can be challenging for beginners to set up
My bltouch clone sometimes doesn't trigger, enters an error state and still somehow completes a measurement, throwing my first layer out the window.
Personally I'd reconsider getting one they truly are a lifesaver.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on acceptable tolerance levels for measurements
It was way off, this is the closest I could get.
*real* close is plenty close enough.
Is this dude making aerospace parts out of wood?
Your profile picture is cursed.
Discussion on the accuracy and application of different types of indicators.
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.
Yes.
All that said, 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.
Comparison of accuracy between different brands
If you're a machinist, then the Sunnen is the way to go.
The .0001" is optional, but I like the accuracy even if can drive me nuts sometimes.
Insights on the use and accuracy of bore gauges
The Mitutoyo is nice, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t believe there’s a setting fixture option for the Mitutoyo and setting bore gauges off a mic sucks balls.
Discussion on micrometers and precision tools
My previous employer wouldn't allow any of their "precision" tools such as Micrometers and indicators.
Would you trust them with Micrometers?
meh...they're okay.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Community sharing tips and tricks
Get an ABL, they're so worth it!
Sounds like you got a real lemon.
It can reduce the points of failure.
Community sharing experiences with repairing indicators
She's cooked bro, every indicator I've pulled apart has died from a snapped shaft on one of the gears.
Insights on using dial indicators for various applications
$30 for a Shars indicator is much better than $500 for a Blake coxial.
Hobbyists enjoy improving low-quality tooling
Whether it's import or domestic, you get what you pay for.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Clarification on reading dial indicator measurements
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?
Discussion on budget-friendly options
Any thoughts on this brand?? Hey guys, has anyone ever used this "Shars" brand before, I'm looking forward to get a test indicator but I don't want to spend a lot.
Discussion on different brands for machinist tools
I also bought some accusize inner bore snap guages and an accusize dial indicator and stand which have worked okay for what I need it for.
Starrett top tier but $$$$, however mitiutoyo, brown and sharp, fowler are all good and more reasonable in price.
I HIGHLY recommend buying tools used, you can get them for sometimes 5% the msrp or less if you get lucky.
Yeah interapid for DTIs, Mitutoyo for most other measuring tools, and starrett for measurement/inspection tools without moving parts.
Discussion on calibration practices for measuring tools
don’t pay the price for accuracy. As you said - look for the specifics.
cheap equipment has made huge strides and pass with regularity, so don't ever feel weird about them.
Your far ahead of the game if you are doing this👍
General discussion on brands for affordable indicators
What brands are good and affordable? Is getting used a good idea?
Honestly, anything would work.
Insize makes decent stuff.
Advice on import digital indicators for woodworking
Start by looking at Shars, I don’t always buy their stuff but it’s a good place to get an idea of the price range for OK quality import stuff.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion on pros and cons of auto bed leveling vs manual
Getting the bed truly level is far better then auto bed leveling.
I could see why some prefer to keep it as simple as possible.
the first thing I would do is test it about 100mm up so there's no way it crashes into the bed.
Discussion on the quality of Accu-size tools compared to Shars
Not sure what to do and there aren’t any resources online that I can find for a cheap model like this.
If you're not wanting to spend a lot of money, I would recommend looking at a shars indicator.
Discussion on the limitations of coaxial indicators
Coaxial Indicators are for Rough Measurement Please stop using coaxial indicators for fine measurement.
Suddenly his parts started passing 🤣

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