Best value R134A manifold gauge

[toyotadriver]

What do you recommend for a R134A manifold gauge set?

Don't recommend Harbor Freight. Have a set of theirs and only used it twice. Second time it started leaking from somewhere in the body of the gauge set. Not buying another one.

I don't do AC work professionally so don't need the top of the line. I just want something reasonably priced but something that will last.

Thanks.

 

[Acuratechva]

Call me cheap but ive been turning wrenches for years and 5 years later cheap *** gauges from HF are still working well.

 

[Ohmthis]

Look for a cheap/used manifold from yellow jacket. They are rebuildable and you can buy what ever type refrigerant gauge you need to put on it. The hoses from the HF unit might even still be usable for it. I have a manifold that is probably 30 years old that I rebuilt 15 years ago or so and put new gauges on. The key to not killing the valves is to not crank the handle down. It doesn't take much to close the valve. Over-tightening is what tears the seals and then you have leaks.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

I purchased a Master-cool 89660-PRO5 two years and I've been very pleased with it so far.

I think I paid $95 for it at purchase time.

 

[Trey T]

I got a second-hand yellow jacket manifold and I haven't experience leak yet. I rebuilt mind recently out of caution... cheap and easy to rebuild

 

[Git]

I have a Robinair set that I bought from Amazon back in 2011 for $100. Still works great but does not see a lot of use

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00396HCSA/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Take a look at the 'best sellers' on Amazon to get some more ideas
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00396HCSA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Their #1 is best seller - Raomdityat (never heard of it) but is only $35

 

[bonneyman]

Another vote for Yellow Jacket from a 30+ year HVAC guy.

Robinair isn't bad, but I'd avoid JB.

 

[toyotadriver]

Any thoughts on this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BW39F4A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ike]

i have these. i think they are a good set. I got mine for like $60 at advance auto by using a coupon.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/interdynamics-professional-manifold-gauge-hose-set-429/99981458-P?searchTerm=manifold+gauge

https://www.amazon.com/Interdynamics-429-Professional-Manifold-Gauge/dp/B00DJQDBCG/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1491959905&sr=8-10&keywords=interdynamics+r134a+gauge

 

[Ohmthis]

Any thoughts on this one?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BW39F4A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They show promise. Solid brass body, metal handles, decent hoses, also comes with adapters. I'd ask if there are rebuild parts available. If so, grab it and a rebuild kit (orings, seals, and such).

 

[ducksface]

Don't car parts places loan those for free?
As little as you use one....

 

[smuro04]

You most likely have the older set of HF gauges. The newer set in the ribbed case are a great deal, been using them for years now with no issues.

I say give the new ones a shot.

 

[toyotadriver]

You most likely have the older set of HF gauges. The newer set in the ribbed case are a great deal, been using them for years now with no issues.

I say give the new ones a shot.

I bought mine in 2010 but have only used them once before. They look brand new. The high side knob is plastic and broke when I tightened it. It's leaking somewhere on the manifold body.

 

[toyotadriver]

Don't car parts places loan those for free?
As little as you use one....

I like to own tools instead of renting them so prefer to buy new.

 

[Corndoggeh]

Another vote for yellow jacket! It was a spare my father had that he gave me, never had a problem with it. I looked online out of curiosity and the prices are fair for a guage set, I've heard a lot of difficulties on the guages on the HF unit and I would not want to be second guessing the guages when I am diagnosing a problem.