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Starett Calipers

DSM8

Aluminum
Joined
May 22, 2018
I recently acquired a collection of used but in good condition calipers and other tools by Fowler.
MY question is the large caliper I have doesnt allow the dial to be moved to set to 0 when the calipers are closed.
Is this a normal thing for Fowler calipers?
Never owned on before so I simply dont know, went in after posting and realized the glass and dial can be rotated inside the bezel so this thing needs to be either repaired or retired.
Waiting on quote for repair.
 
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Do you know the model number of the caliper in question? Or a picture of it?

I wonder if the set screw for the dial is missing? Can't say for sure without more info.
 
There is no model # to be found nor a place for a set screw
 

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Back of dial
 

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The knurled outer ring implies a rotation function. It might be just a friction fit that's a little frozen.
That was my first thoughts too but it is not moving in the slightest, and the amount of force it would take seems more than reasonable.
And I twisted it pretty hard
 
That was my first thoughts too but it is not moving in the slightest, and the amount of force it would take seems more than reasonable.
And I twisted it pretty hard
Have you tried vice grips? :eek:

Seriously, I don't have a good suggestion other than querying Starrett to ask if it's actually adjustable on that model.
 
I can not read the picture is it Fowler? Any model number. Why the mention of Starrett? AFAIK They never made tools for each other.
Bill D
 
The pinion has jumped a few teeth on the rack. It's probably loaded up with chips in the rack. *Not* the definition of 'in good shape.'

1) remove the rack, clean it out.
2) Reinstall,
3) use a piece of thin shim to lift the pinion and set to near close up when closed.
 
To answer some questions
Title says starret its a Fowler my mistake
Already took it apart to inspect the rack and teeth they were clean
Turns out the glass and dial are loose inside the bezel i can rotate them by hand looks like it would have to be rebuilt so pinged a company for an estimate
 
Yes, I saw that too. Is it Heilos or Helios?

I have a Helios Vernier caliper. It is a good one, German made.

But perhaps Heilos was one of those deceptive brand names used by an oriental manufacturer.

I would suggest a small drop of penetrating oil applied with a needle or fine wire between the outer ring and where it attaches. Perhaps two small drops. REAL SMALL ONES! Then WAIT overnight and try again.




If you look closely it is a HEILOS !!
 
Looks like Helios to me. And yes the dial should rotate. You are either missing a lock somewhere or it's frozen up for some reason. Perhaps someone locked it and twisted off or dropped it on the locking thumbscrew and broke it off. Look carefully.
 
well apparently I need glasses.
It is definitely a Helios
Only place a screw appears to have ever existed was on the back of the dial (see the pic at top of thread).
That aside, cost to refurbish does not warrant having the work done.
Going to donate this to a local bike shop it is large enough that they can use it for general measuring of hub to fork widths and the like using the ruler on the slide portion.
Thanks to everyone that helped with this puzzle.
I just ordered a made in USA starrett to replace this with.
 








 
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