peg the needle

verb2

1. •
   To cause the hand of a dial indicator to reach the highest measurement, due to reaching the maximum measurable speed, pressure, etc.

   • "Even so, all six subjects immediately pegged the needle in their first attempt to reach midscale." — 1957
2. •
   To achieve the maximum level of something, to max out, to pull out all the stops.

   • "There will be plenty of time to cool off when you're dead, so you might as well peg your needle to the red." — 2008