Uv Light Recommendations

[HomeTheaterMan]

I need a new UV light for detecting AC leaks. The one I had was never very bright and it quit working pretty quickly. I'm considering the Mastercool 17 Led light from Amazon for $31,but is it worth it over the $12 lights that are all over Amazon? Most reviews are positive on the cheaper lights, but it seems like everyone is using the for pet stains and not AC work. What do you guys use?

 

[xj31]

http://www.tooltopia.com/tracerline-tp8690.aspx.
I have a matco branded one that I believe is this

 

[justme-]

I have a matco 12v one. Plenty bright long cord for full engine bay access and 12v so no batteries or charger needed. Cost under $20 on eBay. Outperforms the newest battery Les thing my ol man got couple months ago to find an oil leak with dye....mine is usable in daylight, his needs a shop or overcast day.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

Streamlight UV Stylus Pro USB. Its around $50, I posted about it in another UV thread. If you do a lot of AC work it's very portable.


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[FrancisJ]

I have a small shop and use Inficon leak detectors and refrigerant recovery gear --- well made, but not cheap.

I've also used Snap On (they simply put their label on other manufacturer's stuff) without too many problems.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Streamlight UV Stylus Pro USB. Its around $50, I posted about it in another UV thread. If you do a lot of AC work it's very portable.


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I also looked seriously at this one but the fact that it only has one led worries me. Being Streamlight I can't imagine it being bad though. Have you used it? How bright is it?

I'll check out the other ones. Thanks guys. I'm not opposed to a corded one either.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I also looked seriously at this one but the fact that it only has one led worries me. Being Streamlight I can't imagine it being bad though. Have you used it? How bright is it?

I'll check out the other ones. Thanks guys. I'm not opposed to a corded one either.

I tried one one out on a tool truck and ordered one online. It's pretty good IMO, nice beam of light and definitely bright enough for under hood use. Typical Streamlight quality also which is always good.


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[HomeTheaterMan]

Thanks guys. Now I'm seriously considering stepping up to the Tracer TP8690 Optimax 3000.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021V1YBU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This thing seems to get excellent reviews, but I'm really having a hard time spending that much on one. I am not doing this for a living and I'll probably use this thing 3-4 times a year. Is it worth spending the money on this light, or should I stick with my original idea and purchase this one for $31?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AZJTE2G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Something like the Tracer Optimax Jr. is also an option. This seems to be in between the other two. Anyone used this one? I hate to spend a ton on something I rarely use, but I also need it to work when I do use it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JFL8UM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[OHMS LAW]

I have used the usb stylus and the matco one. if the tracer one is like he new matco I have that's the best one.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Well, I ended up going with the Optimax Jr. I just couldn't bring myself to spend $100 on the regular Optimax when I would only use it 2-3 times a year. Since all of the reviews I could find on this one were good, I decided to try it. Plus I scored one for $30 on eBay. It arrived today and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. This thing is very bright and makes looking around at A/C lines very easy. I can only imagine what the full sized version would be like. I suspect this would do anything any diyer would need though.