Digital Temp. Reader Recommendations Please

[itat]

I'm considering buying a Digital Temperature Reader (aka Temperature Gun or Infrared Thermometer) for checking wheel/brake temps on longer trips. Canadian Tire has one on sale this week for CAD$30 but I understand it occasionally goes on sale for as low as CAD$20. Princess Auto has a model that's regularly $20.

Can anybody recommend an inexpensive but accurate and consistent model they've used for several years?

Thanks.

[DreiHunde]

I've used the one from Harbor Freight for over 2 years now and no issues.

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer With Laser Targeting

[grayfox]

Originally Posted by DreiHunde

I've used the one from Harbor Freight for over 2 years now and no issues.

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer With Laser Targeting

x-2

[Bama Rambler]

You're not looking for extreme accuracy. You're looking more for, is this one different than the others. for that, the unit from Princess Auto should be fine. Besides even the cheapest of those things are pretty accurate.

P.S. I also use one from Harbor Freight, but don't know if that's an option for you in Canada.

[conceptumator]

Amazon has a good selection at good prices. I got one from there for Christmas. Haven't used it on a trip yet (leaving next week), but have "played" with it around the house and it seems to work great. Laser aimed, easy to use. Under $20 with free shipping (Prime).

[fonzie]

I use the one from Canadian Tire since 2011 and works great.....yes I did pay $20 on special back then.....

[itat]

Thanks for the replies so far. I agree that it doesn't need to be super accurate for my purpose. The negatives I've read about the cheaper units are mostly about inconsistencies from one reading to the next.

[Wrightwood]

Great tool... less than $17 at Amazon

[banda]

I have used this one with good results for a couple of years:
Robot Check

[DSQR]

Google "TIF 7201"
Have been using same one for 10yrs, both for RVing and HVACR work. Take the time to understand D/S and emissivity.

[ciszzco]

Hello Itat,
Ive used the Digital Temp. gauge from CDN tire aka(newfie Custom n Speed) for 3 years now and have found it to be quite reliable for checking bearing and tire temp. I know they are a little more expensive but you get what you pay for,,, my too Sense!

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by DreiHunde

I've used the one from Harbor Freight for over 2 years now and no issues.

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer With Laser Targeting

Just bought this one this afternoon. On sale, $25.99. Hope it works for at least 2 yrs.

[itat]

Thanks for all your replies. I decided to go with this one.
Etekcity Lasergrip 800

[AlR]

Verify the accuracy by beaming some boiling water. Generally boils around 100 C

[Too Tall]

Fluke $100

[itat]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

Fluke $100

If I needed one for my occupation I would have definitely ordered something much better but for my purpose it could be plus or minus 5 deg. Celsius. I just need to know if any one of my brake hubs is significantly hotter than the others so I want consistency more than fine accuracy. Hopefully the unit I ordered will give me that.

[phillyg]

It matters little if it reads a bit high or low. What you're looking for are significant differences between tires and hubs.

[Wobbles]

Question for those that use these devices:

#1 What temp measurements to care about? Do I need to learn mine and then watch for changes after/later on down the road?

#2 What points on the wheel and tire to measure/point the tool at? Dead center on the rim? Center and/or around the rim and or tire? I am asking for directions on a clock, is any hour more important than another?

[itat]

I'm no expert but my thought was to monitor the hub/brake drum and the tires. If the hub/drum gets hot it could be a sign there's a problem with the bearings.

[Too Tall]

Looking at TV and RV. Brakes, bearings, tires. Look for consistency.