Infrared laser thermometer

[Casey Balvert]

Anyone know a reasonable place to buy an infrared laser thermometer? I just ordered a trailer that has tandem axles and dual wheels and thought it might be a great way to keep an eye on all those tires. Even the slightest loss of air would result in a temperature increase while running. Would be good for checking the bearing hubs as well. Thanks.



Casey

 

[OnlyCummins]

Try eBayMotors? Cheapest place I've found so far, even tho I haven't bought one there yet. I'm waiting for a very high temp unit to come up for bid. Kinda rare & usually tend to be older units. The highest rated units most often up for bid max out at ~932*F & I'm hoping to find a reasonably priced one that does 1200-1500*F. I've already missed out on one unit so I'm still looking.



Good luck.

 

[Deezul1]

Radio Shack has one for $49. No bells and whistles but a nice unit for the money. When on sale they go for $29. I like mine. No laser, just infra red temp sensing.

 

[Blakers]

I had one of the Radio shack temp units and it worked well. However, at the lower temperature range it was on consistant. It may have been 20 degrees out and when I pointed at a steel post that was outside, it would say it was 40. There was no sunlight or anything else that could have heated that post.



Unfortunately I left the unit in my overalls pocket one day and the women at Cintas inherited it.



I would like to get a new one with a laser.

 

[Seed Guy]

This would be what your looking for. I have a raytek myself, cannot remember which model. But it works really well.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...HOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=615533&categoryId=0

 

[bmoeller]

https://www.farmtekcatalog.com/lg_display.cfm?page_number=275

 

[Josparkz]

I hear the price on the Snap-On ones is not too bad.

 

[wlowe]

I recently purchased a Craftsman Digital Volt Meter with built in laser guided IR temp guage for $99 from Sears (model #81079). Works great and seems to be fairly accurate (+- 2%). IR range is -4 degrees to 518 degrees. It also has a temp probe for measuring temps manualy. Here are some of the features, auto or manual ranging, backlit display, RMS output, IR or manual temp, capacitance, frequency, continuity and diode check, auto-off, fold away stand and rubber holster. Probably not as good as a Fluke but it was a good price for what you get.



Looked on their web site and it's on sale for $89, just my luck.



http://www.sears.com/sr/product/sum...OL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=CRAFT&pid=03481079000



Bill

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I just bought one made by Actron..... (They offer el cheapo automotive diagnostic tools). $110 retail - you can get them for $89 or so if you look.



It's laser guided... . and will read from 0°-500°F (and whatever the Celsius equivalent of that range is... ).



I pointed it in the freezer and found that it will read below 0°F..... haven't had a chance to try the high range.



It's been dead-on with other digital thermometers I have tested it against.



Matt

 

[FJfonda]

NAPA

Got mine at NAPA. $89 on sale. They also have one for $150 with a higher range. I use mine for the same purpose you intend... . boat trailer bearings and tires.



Last time towing I found a slightly low dually tire using the infared thermometer.

 

[DaveN]

remember when you're using those that the emmissivity of the material affects your reading. Most have some sort of adjustment for that. As an example, if you were to take a reading of a black post then an adjacent post next to it with a polished finish the black post would read higher, even if they were the same temperature. This has to do with how the infra red rays emit from the surface of the material.



Without boring everyone with all the heat transfer theory, if you want to use one of these, don't think you're going to get plus minus 1/2 degree of accuracy, unless you lay out some big money. They are nice to compare, i. e. if you're checking four tires and one read ten degrees higher, then it's probably ten degrees higher. But I wouldn't count on the 105 degree temperature reading, I'd count on one being hotter than the other.

 

[FJfonda]

Relative measurements

I use mine more for relative temp measurements. Establish a "baseline" for normal operation and look for something out-to-lunch. It is also important to understand the distance vs spot size info that comes with each unit. In order to take repeated measurements and use them for comparison they need to be at close to the same distance. My biggest concern towing is salt water intrusion itno the wheel bearings (boat trailer) causing bearing problems. Like everyone else (I hope!) I want to fix this stuff in my driveway not on the shoulder... ...