Harbor Freight Non-Contact Laser Thermometer good deal $29.99

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tradergordo

Minister of Fire
May 31, 2006
820
Phoenixville, PA
gordosoft.com
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/emails/51/RetailAv2/Images/2.jpg
Obvious use here would be for monitoring stove top and flue temps, but it has dozens of other uses, such as:

Monitoring HVAC equipment for troubleshooting. Looking for leaks/problems with insulation around your house, etc.

From HF:
Electronic field: This instrument can measure the heat radiation
point of an electric panel, fuse, dynamotor and gearbox, electronic
parts.
Heating and Air-Condition field: Checks and monitors supply,
leakage of pipe and air stratification. Can check the temperature in an
oven to see if it is accurate.
Automotive field: Check cylinder, heat system & cool system, scan
radiator, etc.
Food field: When foods are stored, measures surface temperatures
in accordance with HACCP standards. Cannot be used to see if
cooked meat is done.
For external use only: Not for measuring body temperature for
people or animals. Will not take the place of a medical thermometer.


From a mechanic:
These Laser temp guns have tons of uses. You can get better mileage from these sensors. You can find which cylinder is miss firing. You can get a correct tire pressure setting according to the weight of the vehicle. Loaded or empty. You can verify the closeness of the temp gage on the dash to the top tank at the inlet hose of the radiator. You can check the top tank to the bottom tank for the difference in temps and get an idea of how much heat dissipation their is. This differs with weather. You would need a base to start with when the radiator is new or just rodded or recored. Write that down and keep a running record of the radiator showing signs of starting to clog from lack of use, especially, and other reasons.
Fuel mileage is one of the major concerns, even for some Imperial owners, even though it should be last on an Imperial list of issues. So, for example, to get better fuel mileage and better tire wear, assuming the proper alignment has been done, start with airing up the tires according to the sidewall specs. Then drive the car on a straight stretch of road, about 5 miles. Have a pen and tablet handy. Run the laser gun across the tread of each tire. You want 3 readings from each tire. The outer edge, the center and then the inside. old the trigger on as you move the gun across the tire. Record each section. If the center is higher, deflate each tire a couple pounds that is higher in the center and raise the air pressure for those that the temp in the middle is cooler, also a couple pounds. This is done till you reach a temp almost exact across the tire. Now, this differs with extra passengers and stuff in the trunk. The front steering axle will be heavier than the rear, so, expect a difference. It takes 3 or 4 time s to dial it in. Also, Summer and Winter tire pressures change, and for where I live in the deserts of Calif, 4 to 6 degrees. Since we do not have cold or snow, your region should be showing a lower pressure than my cold weather of the 60's for high in Winters.
The list is endless with what you can use the temp gun for. I also use it to keep track of the air cond output. That is another story in itself with various complications.
 

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Note that the coupon is good on two different models. One model has a listed temperature range of 4-518F while the other (ITEM=96451) has a listed range of -4 to 968F. Not sure if there are any other significant differences between the two? I guess all else being equal, I'd go with the one that has the bigger measurable range.
 
velvetfoot said:
I have that one.
That's a smokin deal.
Mine has read up to 1200F so far.

Hey velvet - which of the two do you have? When I went to the store just now, they only had the first one (with the lower stated range). I was not sure if it would read the higher temps or not, but I bought it anyway figuring if one can read above its stated range, then maybe the other one can too?
 
I went to HF yesterday and they didn't have any in stock, the one that goes up to 1000* they don't carry, so I asked if they could order it? They said sure, next week when it comes in we will call you. I printed Traders coupon and they gave me the sale price, thank you very much, saved 30 bucks.
 
Great. By the way, there seems to be some question about those listed ranges. Some here have said the one that is listed as up to 518 can go much higher (velvet got his up to 1200, I have seen 650's so far). I have no idea what the accuracy is at >500 there may not be any real difference in the capabilities between the two models.
 
Ive had mine for a while now.

and the upper limit of 518 is silly.

its as accurate as I can measure at any given range.

freezing, boiling, and red hot coals.

Ive measured all of the above at 1100-1200 above sea level MANY times, and it surely seems close enough to be useful.

I got mine on sale too, generally it lives near the wood burning insert.
 
Picked up two, one for me, one for Pop - both Christmas gifts - I told my wife I promise not to remember it!
 
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