HF infrared gun reviews

[1930artdeco]

Hi All,




Anyone have any reviews good or bad about the Harbor Freight Infrared gun? I may get one to verify the rad temps.


Thanks,


Mike

[Roxo]

I bought one and it seems to be pretty accurate.

[SteveM]

I got one and I've used it for all sorts of stuff from checking brake rotors to melting chocolate (yes, you really need to immerse a thermometer to properly measure the chocolate, but it gets me a quick reading - when I need to immerse a thermometer, I use my tire pyrometer).

I bought it checked my rotor temps and it confirmed I had a sticking caliper - paid for itself the day I got it.


Steve

[Ray in La Mesa]

Mine's worked great for years.

[Gastrap]

I have the HF one at home, and one from the Snap-On truck at work. They work equally well. The HF one actually has a finer laser dot.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

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Am not sure about the HF model, but a lot of them go haywire due to ignition noise. If I have it in the cab of my PU on the floor, it actually turns itself on and beeps erratically with the motor running, if put behind the seat it is OK.


I have found I have to stand at least 4 ft. away from what I am measuring if the motor is running. Also on mine (not HF) really can not see the laser in direct sunlight.

[holdover]

My HF unit is about 5 yrs old, no problems and accurate as well. As a plus my cats like running after the laser (just don't shine it in their eyes!

[Mike V. Florida]

I like it.

[Bill G]

My HF temp gun has no issues being used close to the running engine and it seems to be pretty accurate

[chap52]

Mine has worked fine for many years. Chap

[77Birdman]

I have a Ryobi, got it from HD for less than $30. Works great!

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Am not sure about the HF model, but a lot of them go haywire due to ignition noise. If I have it in the cab of my PU on the floor, it actually turns itself on and beeps erratically with the motor running, if put behind the seat it is OK.


I have found I have to stand at least 4 ft. away from what I am measuring if the motor is running. Also on mine (not HF) really can not see the laser in direct sunlight.

I was not planning on using mine more than a limited few times, and bought a very cheap one. Guess I got what I paid for since others here have not had the same issues.

[Terry, NJ]

Not trusting HF, I went to Lowes for mine. I rebuilt my rear and wanted to measure the heat rise. At 80 ambient, it was only 110 after climbing a long hill. These can be used to figure out the timing also. I was not advancing the timing enough and getting over 200 after climbing the same hill. It was over200 at the top of the radiator and about 170 at the bottom. I don't know what the heat rise should be, but it normally runs about 180.
Terry

[1930artdeco]

Thanks folks. I just put a new head gasket on and I don't want to do it again due to overheating. Especially since I cleaned things up.


Mike

[denniskliesen]

I have a few of them and they work fine. I try to wait and save using coupons or buy when on sale. Recently bought one of their Ames brand on sale for $9.99 and it works fine. You have to buy a 9 volt battery for the Ames, does not come with it.

[1931 flamingo]

For the price it will get you in the ball-park.
Paul in CT

[Corley]

Keep in mind that those measure the temp of radiated heat waves. Different colors radiate differently, as do irregular surfaces. Black is the best color to measure.

Just a warning, you might want to consider.

[28]

the ones on amazon for $14 work well too.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Will they tell if your Chicken is DONE???
Bill Hungry

[katy]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

Will they tell if your Chicken is DONE???
Bill Hungry

NO, you need a probe type thermometer for that, as you need to read the temperature INSIDE the meat.