Abstract: A dial indicator comprising a body having an dial face with marked graduations; a longitudinally reciprocating rod extending from the body, the rod having a standard rack internal to the body and an end of the rod external to the body having a contact surface; an interacting series of gear assemblies inside the body, one of the gear assemblies having a crowned pinion, the crowned pinion being driven by the rack; and a dial hand attached to the axle of another of the gears; whereby longitudinal pressure on the contact surface causes the rod to retract longitudinally into the body, the distance of retraction being indicated by the dial hand on the dial face.