On one of the overheating posts somebody suggested getting a Harbor Freight IR thermometer. I would like to buy one, but, I am concerned about the quality, in this case accuracy, of Harbor Freight's electronic tools. Do any of you have any input on HFs thermometer or suggestions as to other brands, model, cost etc.?

Thanks

 

Hi Terry

I have the cheapo Harbor Freight one, which was less than $40, while my wife has a very expensive >$200 one for baking bread (don't ask) I've tried these out together on my hoses and they read within 2 or 3 degrees of each other. In my overheating case I was running 230deg, which is clearly a lot more than the 190~200 I was expecting. I think bocagq45 reported his temps at 260deg, which is extreme. Basically the thermometer doesn't need to be very accurate as there is a lot of difference between "ok" (190 to 200) and "not ok" on the V12 (>230)

I wouldn't buy another IR thermometer... I'm happy with my cheapo one

 

I'm very suspicious of my Harbor Freight's accuracy... one day soon I'm going to put it to the test against boiling water and ice water to see...

Cheers,

- Will

 

Currently HF has a 20% off any item coupon for September, makes either their $20 or $40 IR thermometer an even better deal...

 

Hey all,

Thanks for the quick responses, I will pick one up from HF. I wasn't sure if anybody had made a comparison to check for accuracy. I know spot on isn't necessary, but, I'd like to be within the ballpark.

Sarc,

I won't be baking any bread so the HF model should be good enough for warming up a burrito on the manifold.......

Thanks

 

Hi Macboots.
If you are going to test it against boiling water/ice then don't use the stuff that comes out of the tap because it is full of additives.
Also, use an open saucepan instead of a kettle so that there is no pressure involved.
Boyle's Law works every time!
Steve

 

Good point on the water out of the tap! Will use distilled...

Would have gotten to this sooner but I'm in the midst of purchasing a used XF so my XJ-S activities have suffered in attention...

Cheers,

- Will