Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

[bkwapisz]

I want to get a Temp gun, and was wondering if anyone had a recommendation or a warning as to what to get or what to stay away from. Seems they range in price from $20 to about $50. Money in this range is not the issue, but I'd rather get a decent one that will be around for a while than to get a crap one that will quit after 3 uses.

I'll be taking temps on outboards, RC car engines, etc.

Thanks!

Brian.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

Interesting timing on this.... I just today borrowed one to see how hot my new oven element is. A friend lent me a handheld MATCO too one that seemed to work fine.

I was tempted to buy a cheapy off ebay but borrowed a decent one instead. I actually asked my friend and he got his from the Matco tool guy. My suggestion is get a decent one from a reputable source...... check some of the local tool vendors. I had even seen a few in the northern tool catalog that looked good.

Yup my new oven element was running 75 degrees hotter and with the adjustments I was able to narrow that to about 50.... at least the wife will know what the oven is doing now.

 

[bkwapisz]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

Does anyone know if Raytek is the same as Fluke? I know that Fluke owns Raytek but they both advertise similar-looking meters and Raytek is about 1/2 as expensive as a branded Fluke.

 

[CatTwentyTwo]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

I have the Fluke 62 Mini and have been very happy with it. I use it mostly for quick checks of my trailer wheel hubs and brakes and trust it to be very accurate. I'm not sure how the Raytek brand compares.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

I have a Raytek. I believe they were their own seperate company and fluke bought them out some years ago. But with anything Fluke related, even fluke owned but under a different name, you can bet your getting a quality and highly accurate tool.

 

[rbh]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

If its a $1.99 on special opt for at least the $20 one.

 

[salty87]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

i went the harbor freight route and have been happy.

they are also good for checking a/c or heating output temps, finding spots where insulation isn't good or there is just air leaking past door jams or windows.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

I have had a Raytek Mini-temp for quite a few years (10???) Use it for r/c motors , pipe/ boiler / a/c work, tire inflation , hub checks, etc. It has been beat on, dropped down into a flooded elevator pit, covered in paint and iso and generally abused for years yet refuses to give up the ghost.

The only thing it does not like is sitting in a cold truck and then going into a warm environment, doing so will give false reads until it comes up to something close to ambient temperature. Same for warm gun going into cold outside...or into a walk in freezer. Very good purchase overall.

 

[bkwapisz]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

Raytek is looking good. I've seen some on ebay for $44 or so, smaller ones for less. Might go that way after hearing the comments here.

 

[HANGEYE]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

I also have a Raytek mini temp. It's about 10 years old and works perfect. I even use it to check the temp of my oil when I cook fish. It matches (within one degree) my digital thermometer. Can"t say enough good about it.

 

[Bucks45]

Re: Infrared Temperature Gun Recommendations

I have the Raytek mini. It works great.