We want to acquire an IR Temperature "Gun" to help us monitor tire and rotor temps. We like to be safer than sorry.
However, I have no idea who makes a good one and where to get one. So I am asking what price range will assure us that we are not getting a piece of crap from China?
Any and all suggestions will be appreciated.
George, We use three in our business to check bearings, engine problems and electric conductors.
They seem to run from about $100, our lowest priced to $850 for the real good one for us.
I am sure you can spend many thousands for a unit with color camera.
I am sure you can get one for under $50 for the simple tire checking.
Dave
I bought mine from Harbor Freight. It seems to work good. I do'nt remember the price but it was inexpensive.
George,
Start looking here. This unit has all you need for your application as well as many more, like checking the steak temperature on the grill... :))
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/RDI-AR300-IR-Thermometer-p/rdi-ar300.htm (http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/RDI-AR300-IR-Thermometer-p/rdi-ar300.htm)
I don't know much about the expensive professional grade guns but I bought a small hand held one at Radio Shack that I use for checking inside refer, window temps, tires etc & it works very well & consistent for us. I think under $50.00
Barry Leavitt led me to it awhile back.
Hi George,
Here are a couple point and read thermometers. They are from Harbor Freight. First one is almost $50.00.
George - something I remember from my Gravel hauling days. The curb side tires will run hotter than the drivers side. It's probably not a factor with a motor home but keep it in mind if you see a pattern of that. (crown of road tilts vehicle so there's more weight on the curb side tires.)
The cheap ones work fine, but I don't like supporting China's economy. Visit a Sears store. You should find a good one in the tool dept. And it still will probably be made over there.
I have seen little hand held units at auto parts stores for under $20.00. The fancier ones have a laser beam to tell where you are aiming. The price range is somewhat set by the temperature range the units cover. My Extech goes all the way up to 1400 degrees since I intend to use it to check the exhaust header on my race car.
For checking tires 200 degrees F. would do but if you want to check your disk brakes you might want at least 500 degrees F and 1000 degrees F. should cover everything.
UPDATE: Just noticed my Harbor Freight flyer lists their model #96451 on sale for $25.99 with coupon. It is good to 968 degrees F and has a laser sight.