Kinda a dumb question for a "real machinist", but…….here it is anyway.

[Runs With Scissors]

So I have this Mitutoyo indicator and the “tip” of it is at an angle.

I recently saw a “Joe Pie” video where he seemed to just grab the tip and use his finger to just move the tip into a different direction.

Before I try that to mine, (and sure as hell break it off or strip something out), are all(most all) indicators able to do that, or do I have to loosen the screw on the side?

I have some vintage Starrets that I am pretty sure I have to loosen the screw. (a Verdict and Last Word)

No pics of them, but they appear to be have a “gearing” mechanism that needs the tiny screw removed to “un-mesh” the gears before adjusting it?

 

[tghs]

my old starret has detents and clicks into the position, my modern knock-off is just a firm friction fit and moves without any loosening of screws.. this protects the unit from going past its limits while in use..

 

[Lil Foot]

I must own a dozen indicators of that style, and have used or repaired probably another 50+ company-owned indicators of that style, and none of them required tools to re-position the tip.
Just gently grasp and move the tip where you need it. (within reason )

If you look closely at your 2nd pic, on the right is the tip, next it is a brass friction "washer", which may or not be "toothed", and on the left, a leaf spring to apply tension to the friction joint.

Loosening that screw will destroy the factory preset bearing tension of the pivot joint. (and may release incredibly tiny, impossible to recover/re-assemble ball bearings.

Depending on the design/brand, some also have interchangeable tips, some screw in, some snap in/out.

Side note:
Check out the resolution of the two cased Brown & Sharpe BestTest indicators. (closeup in last pic)

 

[Old Machinist]

All of the dial indicators I have ever used with an adjustable contact point had a detent you just had to push hard enough to overcome.

Apparently some of the Mitutoyo units have a clutch lever on the side you need to push for adjustment. https://manual.mitutoyo.co.jp/download/pdf?id=157018&type=web

 

[Lil Foot]

Apparently some of the Mitutoyo units have a clutch lever on the side you need to push for adjustment.

Never seen that.
I've seen lots with a lever in that location to change the direction of measurement travel.
Probably something newer than me.

 

[lynnmor]

Just push the tip to where you want it, the only damage you might do is to break off the ball if you have a tiny one. For best accuracy, the tip should be as near parallel to the part as possible.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Thanks all.

I will give it a try when I get home.