A digital indicator is the electronic type of dial indicator. This model is excellent in terms of speed. Instead of reading the two scales, a digital indicator allows you to read the reading instantly on the screen which lets you quickly know the measurement result. You don’t need to manually read the smaller and the bigger dial scales.
Since it’s electronics, dust and water may intrude into the system and then causes interference. Interference means an error that may result in giving a false reading. Therefore, some products come with an IP rating. This rating is important to indicate how resistant a digital indicator against water and dust ingress.
The downside thing about this electronic measuring tool is the battery. When it’s off, you are totally unable to use it. Moreover, you need to consider the type of battery that it uses.
Like working with analog indicators such as dial indicators and test indicators, you require a magnetic base to hold the indicator stand and work properly. Without this equipment, a huge error can happen and the measurement is not accurate.
If you are going to purchase a new digital dial indicator, you are at the right stop. You could take a look at some digital indicators that we enlist in this post. We also rank them as well. To give you a quick preview, the following table shows their name, measurement range, resolution, NIST traceable certificates, and their carry weight.
Top 5 Best Digital Indicator Reviews in 2024
| Models | Pictures | Range | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Clockwise Tools DIGR-0055 |  | Range: 0-0.5" Resolution: 0.0005" | Price! |
| 2. Neoteck DTI Digital Dial Indicator |  | Range: 0-1" Resolution: 0.0005" | Price! |
| 3. Mitutoyo 543-783B Absolute |  | Range: 0-0.5" Resolution: 0.0005" | Price! |
| 4. iGaging 35-0928 |  | Range: 0-1" Resolution: 0.0005" | Price! |
| 5. Fowler 1”/25mm Indi-X Blue |  | Range: 0-1" Resolution: 0.0005" | Price! |
1. Clockwise Tools DIGR-0055 Digital Indicator [Best Digital Indicator Overall]
Our pick of the best digital indicator is Clockwise Tools DIGR-0055.
General specifications are similar to others. The measuring range and resolution are 0-.5″ and .0005″ respectively. The accuracy contained from this instrument is ±.001″. It has a wide LCD of 1.6″ x 0.7″ and auto turn off in 5-7 mins. It saves the last measured value after it is turned on.
Because it’s a digital indicator, it can transfer the reading to a PC through the RS232 port.
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Pros:
- Reliable and accurate.
- Certificate of calibration.
- Very comfortable price.
Cons:
- The zero setting is disabled after it turns on.
2. Neoteck DTI Digital Indicator [Best Budget Digital Indicator]
This precision instrument is our next best pick. This model from Neoteck industries has almost a similar configuration with the Clockwise DIGR-0055 digital indicator.
They have differences in two main specs. Neoteck has a measuring range of 0-1″ where the clockwise has only 0-0.5″. On the other hand, Neoteck doesn’t provide the certificate of calibration (NIST) with this indicator. So, it can’t assure its reliability and accuracy promise.
The rest of the specifications and accuracy are similar in both of the digital indicator. This model has also a resolution of .0005″ and an accuracy of ±.001″. It has the facility to connect with the computer through the cable. It also saves the time of the operators and makes them feel more reliable like the clockwise model does.
This Neoteck digital indicator is 11.4 ounces in weight and packaging size of 5.1 x 0.8 x 0.9 inches. This model is the best alternative for the clockwise digital indicator. We strongly recommend this model as your alternative to the clockwise digital indicator.
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Pros:
- Accurate, simple, and easy to read.
- The provided guidebook makes the easy operation.
- Very comfortable price.
Cons:
- No separate cable is available.
3. Mitutoyo 543-783B Absolute Digimatic Indicator [Best for Professionals]
Mitutoyo is a very professional and famous brand in the recent market. And this one, Mitutoyo 543-783B, is our third best product from our ranking. This model is very professional using in various mechanical machine operations.
It is more accurate than the clockwise indicator. The accuracy range is ±.0008″ while the clockwise has only ±.001″. It is reliable and promising for accurate readings. It is provided with the certificate of calibration from NIST.
The only difference for which we couldn’t take this as our best selection is its high price. Considering the other digital indicators, this model is double in price. That’s a downside of this model.
It can be connected with the STC cable with the other Mitutoyo dial display or can be connected to pc as an input system. It also saves time and helps the operator finish his works faster.
Besides, it has a measurement range of 0-0.5″, a weight of 9.6 ounces, and a packaging size of 4.3 x 3 x 7.5 inches. As we said this model is very professional for precision measurements. So, we strongly suggest this instrument for the most accurate product. But considering the price, we would better choose the other options.
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Cons:
- Accurate and reliable.
- Certificate of calibration
- STC I/O system
- Once the zero set is done, no need to do it again.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
- It can’t be operated by a regular USB cable.
4. iGaging 35-0928 Digital Saw Gauge [For Woodworking]
iGaging is another best pick compared to the specifications from the models we took for the ranking. iGaging has also a remarkable position in the market. There are lots of suggestions and customer reviews for this digital indicator.
This digital indicator is built especially for the alignment tasks such as the table saw alignment, fence alignment, router, and drill press router runout, saw, etc. There are adjustable attachments will be provided with the dial indicator.
Well, it has a measuring range of 0-1″ and a resolution of .0005″ similar to most of the models here. It weighs 1.1 pounds which is telling us it is a little heavy. The whole body is made of stainless steel ensures mechanical long-lasting.
For any alignment precision measurements, this model can be our best choice. Besides the price range is very comfortable which goes with the quality of the products.
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Pros:
- Best for any table alignments.
- Accurate and easy to read.
- The provided guidebook helps the operations go easy.
- Very cheap
Cons:
- Not suitable for other precision measurements except the table alignment.
- Heavy compared to other digital indicators.
5. Fowler 1”/25mm Indi-X Blue Electronic Indicator
Our final best pick comes from brand Fowler industries from America. This Indi-X Blue Electronic Indicator is very standard quality. Although it is not as famous as the top four models have but it can be used for the alternative of the Neoteck and iGaging digital indicator.
It has a measuring range and resolution of 0-1″ and .0005″ respectively. It is made of stainless steel ensures stability. The fowler also provides 1 year of quality warranty with the delivery. The input to the computer is available.
Besides, it is 4 ounces in weight and silver-colored metallic body. It has both inch and metric conversion system. There is a carbide point tip with a lug back and 3/8″ of stem mountings.
After all, as an alternative to the other two instruments, this model from fowler can be your best choice. Besides, the customer inside America can choose this model which will be best both for saving time and money.
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Pros:
- Accurate, simple, and easy to read.
- Very cheap.
Cons:
- It can’t be shipped outside the USA.
Things to Consider Buying Digital Indicator
1. Accuracy
Obviously, accuracy is the most factor to consider. Most of our products here have a range of ±.001″ of accuracy.
2. Measuring Range and Resolution
Measuring range and resolution is the next priority to consider. Clockwise and Mitutoyo digital DI has a measuring range of 0-0.5″ and 0-1″ for the other three respectively. All of the products have a measuring range of .0005″ of resolution.
3. NIST Traceability Certificate
NIST traceability certificate is another important factor to believe that a product has valid accuracy. This certificate shows that your instrument is traceable to the NIST standards.
4. IP Rating
As a precision measuring tool that comes as a digital type, a broken electronic circuit can lead to misleading measurement errors. Therefore, that stuff must be tested using the IP testing procedure. This rating represents how well the measuring tool is able to resist water and dust.
Conclusion
Based on the accuracy and reliability, Clockwise Tools DIGR-0055 and the Mitutoyo 543-783B are today’s best electronic digital indicators on the market. Especially the Mitutoyo 543-783B, it’s great for professionals. On the other side, Clockwise DIGR-0055 is the best budget choice. Then Neoteck, iGaging, and Fowler are the alternatives. Whether working with magnetic base or using it as indicator for your bore gauge, digital indicator is an important precision measurement tools that gives you convenience and speed of measurement.