Dial drop indicators, also called plunger-style dial indicators or dial indicators, have a dial face fixed to a stem with a contact point on the end. When the contact point touches the workpiece or feature, the up-and-down movement of the plunger is amplified on the graduated dial face. The graduations on a balanced-reading dial indicator increase in both directions from the reference point, while those on a continuous-reading dial indicator increase in one direction, typically clockwise. They are commonly used for setup and calibration applications on the shop floor and other applications for measuring and amplifying slight variations. They’re also used to measure deck clearances, crankshaft thrust and straightness, lifter travel and other measurements that involve the distance between two surfaces. Back plunger dial indicators are used in applications similar to those of a dial test indicator. Sets include both a dial drop indicator and a holder with a magnetic base.