Infrared Thermometer

[John F.]

I have finally decided to get one. There are a bunch on ebay. Probably just need a cheap one> Any suggestions?

[Gary S.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

I picked one up from Harbor Freight a while back. For my needs it works well. In the vicinity of $40 shipped, if my memory serves me.

[M W.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

No idea's John, but I just wanted to say hello and look forward to seeing you next week in St. Charles.

Cheers,
Craig W.

[Louis T.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

Hi John,



Raytek AutoPro ST25 - Automotive Handheld



Regards,

Louis

[Stuart F.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

I bought mine at "Sun and Fun" fly-in down here near Lakeland, FL a couple years back. Point is, any of the better Air Show/Fly-ins, specially the EAA events will have lots of Vendors selling them an fairly reasonable. Believe I paid around $75.00 for mine. I don't keep it in a case because I use it every time I take the Vette out. The laser beam aiming is very helpful to make sure you're reading exactly where you want, even for us old farts with shaky hands.

You'll never regret the money you spend on one. I even use it to keep tabs on my central A/C - checking all the outlet vents, etc. No good A/C man would be w/o, specially what with the high ceilings we have here in Florida. I have some in the ceiling two stories up! (open Atrium).

Stu Fox

[John F.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

Thanks Guys! Hope to see some of you next week at BG.

John

[Michael A.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

John
There's lots of good choices so it really depends on what you want to do with it. A key criteria for me is that I wanted something small that I could carry with me on long trips. My temp gauge on the dash is way off base so I wanted to be able to check coolant temps along the way, especially as we crossed the Mojave desert. I found one at Sears that fit the bill and was easy on the pocketbook. Here's a link:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482327000P?keyword=infrared+thermometer

The fascinating part to me is that you can buy something this useful for this amount of money. 25 years ago I was an engine service rep for Cat in Seattle trying to talk my dealers into buying essentially the same tool for over $3000. It was 20x bigger and probably less accurate! Times have indeed changed.

Good luck and stay cool!

[Fenwick B.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

I got mine from Harbor Freight also, for about 30.00. I use it all the time,and it worksgreat. I even started checking my trailer wheel hubs with it. you can easily tell if one is starting to get hotter than the others.

[Joe M.]

Re: Inexpensive Infrared Thermometer

I purchased a $25 IR thermometer from an internet source and the problem with the really inexpensive models is the accuracy and repeatability. My unit might read 80 degrees on one try and 85 degrees on the second pass (6% difference in accuracy). The laser died after 6 months. Based on my research after purchasing the $25 unit, the units near $100 and up are the better units. Be sure you find out what the accuracy level is; +/-1% or less is good; some units exceed +/- 1%. As accuracy level goes down, price goes up.

[Doug F.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

Home Depot just started carrying them in the Tool Corrall for around $40.00.

[Dick W.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

I will second the Raytec. I have had one for over 10 years (they were quite a bit more expensive then) and am still finding new uses for it. Go for one of the better ones as they usually will last longer and are more accurate. Nothing is more useless that an inaccurate piece of test equipment.

[Mark P.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

I paid about $80 for mine at Sears I think. One of the most useful tools I have. When my temp guage was reading too high it gave me great peace of mind that everything was OK. When I installed a thermostat that was supposed to be opening at 180F I could tell it was actually opening at 195F by shooting the therm housing. When I bought a car and the seller thought the rotors were really dragging I was able to drive the car and then check the rotors and they were like 90F. Made me feel good that the brakes were fine.

[John H.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

Just Google "Raytek Minitemp MT4" and you'll get LOTS of hits for sources, most of whom sell it for about half the list price; I've had mine for years.

[Tim S.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

John,

Go to the local parts store. They are usualally on sale for around 69.00 for the standard Raytec and around 89.00 for the laser aim. That way, if you have a problem, you can deal face to face with the person. They are really nice but not perfect. I would not be without one now having one.

Tim

[Michael G.]

Re: Infrared Thermometer

Sears has several different styles (and price ranges) in stock. I got a laser aiming one there that I'm using to monitor the spider tube surface temp on my engine, it seems to work very well.

Mike