My rod bolt stretch gauge I have came with a special/modified dial gauge that is high tension/pressure. Are you using one of those?
Nope, most certainly NOT!
I think that is part of my problem...the tension on the dial indicator plunger is too light and that causes the reading to vary as I attempt to hold the gauge in place to get a reading.
I will try to take the Amazon gauge apart this evening to see if this is something I can change.