If you’ve ever used a dial indicator or test indicator before, you know what this is – a magnetic base.
This one, by Noga, a good brand of dial indicator bases and positioning accessories, as well as excellent deburring tools, is small, but capable.
It features 72 lbs of magnetic holding power, an on/off switch, and a 5mm threaded hole at the top. it has two magnetic surfaces – on the bottom, and at the rear.
Even though there’s an on/off switch, it’s not powered. Turning the dial mechanically rotates components within the magnetic base, from a null position to a holding position. There are no batteries to ever have to replace, it’s all mechanical.
Since it’s a magnetic base, it will only hold securely to ferrous surfaces. If you want to stick it someplace else, you might have success if you clamp down or secure a steel mounting plate.
This particular model, Noga NF0037, is small, measuring 1.58″ deep x 1.38″ tall x 1.18″ wide. There are larger ones.
You can buy cheaper ones, too. I bought this one for a sensor positioning task, where I just needed something small and reliable.
Price: $17.55
Buy Now(via Amazon)
I bought mine from Amazon, but paid a little less than it’s currently selling for.