Uses for infrared tempature gun

Dallas · January 28, 2007, 06:43:10 PM

Quote from: gusc on January 28, 2007, 06:30:35 PM
They are perfect for checking relative temps,

Hey Gusc,

The only "relative" temps I want are the liver temps taken by the coroner.

Actually, my relatives are far and away the best. Imean that, I really do! The farther and farther away..... the better!

NJT 5573 · January 28, 2007, 09:07:16 PM

Gus, I think tire temps on heavy equiptment relate mostly to brake applications and torque. If you are checking brakes, don't try to fix the hot one!

JackConrad · January 29, 2007, 05:00:44 AM

I have found that using the gun to check tires, brakes and wheel bearings is relative-not specific. If we are driving north on I-75 in Florida in the afternoon and stop to check temps, the left side will be slightly hotter due to the sun shining on that side. We have also found the the outside dual is usually a little cooler than the inside dual (better air flow?). It we check temps after a stretch of stop & go driving such as a city with many stoplights, all temps will be moderately higher. Ambient temps will also affect the readings. Jack

Stan · January 29, 2007, 06:36:51 AM

Bobofthenorth: Cdn Tire sells them and if you wait long enough, everything they sell will be on sale at half price (like Harbor Freight). From reading the ads, it seems that some have a laser pointer so that you know what spot you are measuring, and some do not. I guess to measure a tire temperature it would not matter, but to measure an electrical connection it would be necessary. I don't have one, so this is just an opinion!

kyle4501 · January 29, 2007, 07:07:47 AM

I've had a RayTech with a Laser pointer for 2+ years now. Just awesome!

I paid ~$75 for it.

Also remember it is measuring the infraRed NOT actual temp! This means the surface color & texture will effect the reading. Shiney chrome & flat black will read different temps with an IR gun even tho they are at the same temp. This is why it's a good idea to play with it & keep a log so you can get a feel for how different surfaces & colors read. That way you will get a good baseline for how to use it & what 'nomal' temps are.

JR, there can be a HUGE diference in OE & OEM.
OE must meet specifications of original equipment.
OEM must be made by the same manufacturer (usually the products that were over-runs or off-spec.)

John Z · January 29, 2007, 07:50:46 AM

Thanks to all who responded with both tips for use, and the different types to buy. I bought the RayTec off ebay that reads from below zero to over 900F, 49.99 + 6.99 shipping. It should be here in plenty of time for my upcoming trip,,, what a great resource this list is.

Ray Powell · January 31, 2007, 08:31:22 PM

The red beam makes a great chase toy for a cat or dog.

gus · February 01, 2007, 09:33:15 PM

Jack,

Good point, never thought about air circulation to the inside dual, I just thought it was because it was closer to the differential and engine heat.

kyle4501 · February 02, 2007, 09:33:29 AM

I always thought the brake drum was the biggest cause for the inner dual having a higher temp. The lack of good airflow leaves the heat there to warm the tire. This really causes problems when the tires are at maximum load.

Another benefit of Jakes or retarders would be cooler tires that last longer.

NJT 5573 · February 02, 2007, 01:05:59 PM

Kyle, To get good airflow under my coach I had to raise the front to the max spec. Not only are the brakes cooling better, the crosswind problem is completely gone.

Don4107 · February 02, 2007, 03:39:55 PM

Dallas,

Great suggestion for frying stuff. Drug out the temp gun and it works great for frying with just a little oil that is not deep enough for a thermometer. Its a diet aid too!

WEC4104 · February 02, 2007, 04:08:02 PM

Looking for some input here. My philosophy has always been to buy good quality tools and take care of them, and they last me forever. Well, when it comes to the infrared guns, I've had my eye on the Fluke 65 model. Kinda pricey, with new units around $300. (Choke, gag.) I've never rationalized buy a new one, but have followed several fleaBay auctions and bid (unsuccessfully) on a few.

So the question is: Are the ones at less than a third of the price pretty close? Durability, accuracy. etc. I know Fluke has a pretty decent name, but what is it about their unit the commands such a higher price?

WEC4104

jjrbus · February 02, 2007, 04:17:43 PM

Good question!! Nothing use to irk me more than to go to say, Sears and buy a craftsman tool. Then go to Harorfrieght and find the same thing for 1/4 the price. People will always jump on this and say, but it is made to Craftsman specs. 30 years ago, maybe a valid argument, but not today.

kyle4501 · February 02, 2007, 04:56:09 PM

Quote from: WEC4104 on February 02, 2007, 04:08:02 PM
So the question is: Are the ones at less than a third of the price pretty close? Durability, accuracy. etc. I know Fluke has a pretty decent name, but what is it about their unit the commands such a higher price?

WEC4104

The name!

I don't know that my IR temp gun is accurate, but I believe it gives repeatable results. I use it as a tool to look for trends & to see when something is not normal.

When I went 2500 miles away to get a bunch of bus parts, I used it on the way out to base-line the tires, brakes, hubs, etc. It was nice to see the loaded tire & hub temps were with in 5 deg of the empty readings. The tires on the sunny side were as much as 20 deg warmer than the shady side tires.

Hi yo silver · February 02, 2007, 06:29:29 PM

I've been using a "3M" infared thermometer for about 5 years now, cost me about $95. It seems consistent, a accuracy is within about 2 degrees as far as I can tell. FWIW