The dial gauges are used to measure small distances.

The compass dials on the ship were all pointing north.

The dial indicators are used to measure small distances or angles.

I received several pocket dials yesterday.

I received several pocket-dials yesterday.

The radium dials on the old clock glowed in the dark.

The antique telephone had rotary dials.

The tide dials on the beach were used to track the movement of the ocean.

The mine dials are used to measure the depth of the tunnels.

He used a mine dial to navigate through the dark tunnels.