Refreshing old Starrett 436 micrometers

I recently found a marketplace deal too good to pass up. A set of Starrett 436 mics, 1-2" and 2-3" for about 40 bucks shipped. I didn't have high hopes, but they seem serviceable. Originally I was just going to oil them and check them against my cheap dial caliper. But here I am $130 later with some fancy new gauge blocks

The smaller one is quite good to my untrained eye, with a vernier scale. Just needs some cleaning and oiling. The larger one however I can feel some unevenness in the anvil. Probably should be lapped or maybe even replaced - which Im probably not capable of. So thats on the back burner for now.

With the smaller one being the focus right now, Id like to find a way to repaint the numbers. They are quite faded, the pictures make it look better than it is in person.

If anyone has any ideas how this is done Im all ears. Initial though is black spray paint wiped down with a squeegee to paint only the numbers and hash marks. But that might be too redneck haha

 

I’m no help on your questions but I bought these 3”-4” ones years ago. They’re in pretty good shape and I use them at work.

These have the lock on them, maybe yours are older.

 

Nice! I kinda have the bug now, been keeping my eye open for others haha

Id love to get a 0-1" with vernier and a lock! Even just messing around with these, no locks is kind of annoying

 

There's 2 local pawn shops I stop by every now and then, if I see any for a good deal I'll grab them and send them to you


I think I got mine at a pawn shop many years ago, I don't remember.

 

My boss man’s dad, when he still owned the place he bought a set from 0-9”. Here’s the big boys.

 

Damn thats impressive. Looks brand new.

Whats your personal thoughts on ratchet thimbles?

 

I never use the ratchet, I always go by feel

 

Nice, I think thats the way I would do it too based on what Ive read and seen

 

Anyone else on TW have any clever ideas how I would go about re-doing those numbers to increase visibility?

 

When I worked in an Aerospace shop we did a lot of gov jobs that would have engraved lettering. That lettering always had to be back filled. I would suggest using Testers model paint and a fine tip paintbrush. Apply the paint into the letters and gently wipe with a lint free cloth and acetone. Or you could let it dry and scuff off the surface with emery cloth.

 

Random story but it fits here lol.

We have a local gov surplus place that is run by the state. You can only buy from if you are a gov entity, fire and rescue or other things of that nature. Being in the local fire dept we go through there from time to time. Last year around this time I stumbled across 2 brand new sets of 1-6 Starretts. Bought them for $35 a box lol. Probably the best deal I will ever get in my lifetime

 

This may or may not work...

Try a grease pencil (sometimes a china marker, I believe.) Since the numbers are channels, rubbing the pencil over them will allow the wax to collect in the channel. Carefully wipe the surface, leaving the wax in the channels.

Not a permanent solution, but easier than a steady hand and model paint (at least for me!)

 

Damn, that is amazing luck

Also thanks for the hint above. That led me down a rabbit hole to find lacquer paint sticks. It seems to be a leading option right now and possibly even the OE method for backfilling engraving

 

Maybe reach out to Starrett? They’re right in Fitchburg MA, behind Maki Lumber I believe? Not far and probably have some ideas for you. Good luck!

 

Definitely thinking of doing that for the larger one. Id like to get a quote from them, see what their restoration service entails.

 

First pass remarking the engravings. Used a Markal 51123 paint stick on the thimble and paint pen on the sleeve. Definitely better than it was, but not great. After looking closer some of the numbers are partially worn down. The vernier scale is particularly shallow, so that isn't taking paint very well. Probably going to be an uphill battle to get everything to show up as clear as I want.

 

Not as old-school as the Starrett, but this was used by my father in his Quality Control days in aerospace. Not sure anyone else in my family is as much an engineer as I am, enough to appreciate it.

It would be desperate times indeed before you would find it in a pawn shop.

 

Those look nice and made in West Germany!

 

If you want a simple way of doing that, which lasts longer than you would think is black crayon. Fill in the numbers and buff it back with paper towel.

 

I always end up doing this. Buy cheap shit and spend money & time restoring it. Oh well, keeps me from spending all my money on my truck

Going to use some soda to blast the engravings, hopefully clean them out as much as possible. Depending on the results might consider stepping up to something slightly more aggressive than soda. Then will remark everything one last time.