Recommend a refractometer for antifreeze

[kapster]

I've tried two different $20 refractometers from Amazon, both read 0% with distilled water but 56-59% with 50/50 Zerex G05. I called Zerex to verify it will read like any ethylene glycol coolant and they said it will.

The first one wouldn't adjust any lower, the second one I can adjust down to 50% but who knows how accuracy is anywhere other then that.

I have access to an old Leica refractometer, it reads 50-52% with the same batches.

Is it worth keeping for comparison, or get a better one? Any opinions on what to get? Most look like the same Chinese manufacturer or a copy of each other. The Vee Gee brand is still chinese but looks to be a us company. I haven't seem another one like it so maybe a good sign.

Any experience with the Vee Gee or others?


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[Mas78]

We use the Vee Gee's, OTC and Extech at work and they all work fine until they get physical damage from being dropped.
Sounds like you already know but make sure you get the correct model for your antifreeze type. I've seen people complain they don't read correctly however that happens when they grab the ones for DEF fluid or machining coolant.

 

[TOOLFREEQ]

I got an e-z red one. works good but as you said it falls in the category of a rebranded Chinese one. Overall it works good and seems well made! I've used a lot of refractometers at work for testing brix % and I also have one for testing salt water salinity for my aquariums at home. I feel the middle of the road ones are fine as long as you check and zero them frequently, clean them well after every use, and DO NOT DROP THEM!! I couldn't justify the cost of the higher end ones.

 

[matt_i]

Pretty forgiving....between 30% and 90% you're good to -20F.

Many moons ago I worked as a mfg engineer in a vehicle assembly plant and had to regularly certify the glycol mix (city water plus the pure coolant from the tank farm) going to the radiators...I used one like the Reichert/Leica design although cost wasn't really an object.

 

[HalfTonTom]

matt, take a closer look at that chart. To get to -20F protection you need to get between 44% and 87%

 

[zmotorsports]

I have the Reichert coolant/battery refractometer.

It's a bit pricey so shop around but well worth it. I've had mine for over 20 years now and it is my go-to tool for either batteries or coolant testing.

Here is an amazon link but I think with just a quick search but look around as this seems a bit high priced.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TVQF40/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here's one from Grainger. Sad when Grainger is actually cheaper than Amazon.
https://www.grainger.com/product/REICHERT-Coolant-Battery-F-Analog-Refractometer-8TLK5