I don't usually single point 10-32 screws but I did on a small part I needed. While set up for 32 threads I decided to show how the thread dial works for that pitch. For 32 threads any point on the dial will work.
I bought some watch makers stuff on eBay and tried my hand at fixing a clock. Didn't take long for me to sell them back on eBay, my eyes couldn't handle it. I did keep a tiny Suisse micrometer (metric) out of that lot of stuff though, don't know why, just thought it was cute I guess.
As long as the tool pressure is exerted in the direction the machine was designed to accept. So as long as the tool pressure is not trying to "lift" the carriage and is exerting downward pressure I use that method. Never on an Atlas with its thread on chuck though! I've disable reverse on my machine
