Need some help for infrared temperature gun

[qqzj]

I am quite puzzled by this tool because the prices are all over the map. There's a Klein one in HD for $30. It's not much more expensive than one at HF. However, some Milwaukee ones cost $60. What's the difference? I want to buy one to help me diagnose brakes, cooling, and HVAC stuff. Thanks!

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[unslow1]

I have 5 or 6. Honestly the one I paid over $100 for isn't much different than the one I got for $15 at Menard's. Unless there is some specific feature you want I wouldn't spend a bunch. They are also good for diagnosing car cooling system problems and misfires.

 

[qqzj]

Cool. I don't have the store you mentioned here in CA. Maybe I shall go with Klein for this one. It's just a bit surreal to see similar price as HF. I thought I missed something.

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[Negen]

We use flir tg-54 and a tg-167. And an old fluke 52. The flir are both much more accurate than the fluke. But I would venture to guess that any modern current model ir heat gun will be similar in accuracy plus or minus an acceptable amount. The main difference I would suspect are just price difference in brands and at a certain point probably accuracy.

One major price jump is when things of this nature need to be certified for accuracy that will almost always double or triple a price. .

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[American Locomotive]

The really cheap IR guns work quite well (the $25 ones), but can "drift" +/- a few degrees.

As long don't need to know the EXACT temperature, I'd say the cheapo ones are just fine. For the most part, my IR gun is used to tell "hot or not" or "hotter or colder than something else"

 

[cherrybomb]

I bought mine at NAPA,about 40 dollars.I took my car into a dealership, thinking I had a front brake rotor problem.The tech came over with his,checked the temp with his and mine.They were both the same.He said"Your good,I guess I could of saved money by not buying off the truck."So like all tool purchases,there are choices to make.I am happy with the one I made.

 

[Rinspeed]

I don't remember how much it was but I have a Raytek that works very well.

 

[jayemm]

I bought a Fluke 62 MaxPlus about 7 years ago.It wasn't cheap then and certainly isn't now. But, beyond being accurate ,I got it because it has 2 laser dots to show the borders of the area being measured.It also has adjustable emissivity for measuring different surfaces. These features have become more common in recent years in lower priced units. Finally,the Fluke feels solid and most important,I have confidence in its readings. That's important too.Not trying to sell you on Fluke, just relating my buying decisions.

 

[qqzj]

Thanks! I had to google around to understand your comments. It is very helpful. Having two or more laser dots definitely helps. Having adjustable emissivity is of dubious value. Where can I get the emissivity value for different surfaces?

Another key issue is distance to spot ratio. Seems cheaper ones is 10:1. What is a good selection for mixed home and auto use? Price goes up quick with d2s ratio.

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[cheechi]

mine is a HF (i think an older model, cost less than $20 for sure) that still works as well as it ever has and i assume it's 'close' to accurate but never tested and never had a need to question it. I hit the outdoor thermometer with it every once in a while and it's within a degree of that for whatever that's worth. The plastic/rubber grip on it has turned into that tacky 'i dont want to touch this' texture that a lot of rubberized stuff does. For that reason alone I will probably buy a name brand unit if i ever replace it.

 

[Rinspeed]

I am quite puzzled by this tool because the prices are all over the map.

I'm certainly no expert on IR temp guns but just as a correlation look at Fluke MMs, they are not cheap but they last damn near forever. There are several cheaper MMs that are just as accurate but will they last as long, I doubt it in my experience. Any device that uses a circuit board is only as good as the components in the board itself. Just as a casual thought the failure will most likely be in a similar component that costs eighty cents versus one that costs $1.20.

 

[Ty.]

I just buy the cheap ones so I don't feel bad if I accidentally leave them out by the grill, or drop them.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have a no name cheap *** one, and a fluke that sit side by side in the same drawer. The fluke feels more solid in my hand, but I reach in the drawer blindly and use whatever one I come out with. If they’re reading a difference between them it’s never been enough for me to remember it.

 

[brownbagg]

but even the high dollar ones are not that accurate, oh they are close, but cannot be used where temperture reading are required

 

[Milton Shaw]

They put the name Covid checker on them and at least doubled the price on them around here. Same tester they have always been. They may be drop sensitive as I had one quit when it fell out of my pocket one day. Not really accurate enough to check exact body temp on forehead, but they make someone feel safer I guess.