Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

[Boomyal]

Seems like they would have limitless uses if they work as advertised. If they do, I would like to get one.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

It is the most useful toy you can own! And they do work well...just get a good one. Just playing around with Manifold temps will have you busier than a kitty with a new load of catnip.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

Originally posted by Robby6950:<br /> Just playing around with Manifold temps will have you busier than a kitty with a new load of catnip.

<br />Are you offering up any brand names, Robby?

 

[jimr]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

we used to use a ratec in the fire department to check for hot spots worked good till they got a thermal imaging camera. Have also used them in some shops i worked at to check manifold temps. Like everything you get what you pay for

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

Use one in my screen printing shop to make sure the dryers are hitting the right temps to cure the ink.. Raytec.. Found that it's more accurate than test strips..

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

Personnaly, I'm not impressed by them. In the resturant business, I get the honor of certifying our grills. I tried both at the same time and came up with different readings. They are good at giving a ballpark reading, but I wouldn't say they were 100% accurate.<br /><br />In jimr's line of work, they probably work great though. I have tried Fluke and Field Piece brands. Think I'll wait another couple of years to see if the price and accuracy gets better.<br /><br />Just my opinion, take it for what its worth....

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

i've used them for checking temps on propulsion equipment on my ship, and building mech room equipment. may not be 100% accurate, but a handy tool to find possible problems.

 

[Pascal]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

Use a Raytec at work and have a snapon in my shop at home.<br /><br />Used them for locating draging brake calipers, cooling system T/S, catalytic converter checks, Diesel cylinder balance, checking for hydraulic cylinder internal leakage on frontend loaders, hydraulic system operating and testing temps.<br /><br />Important thing to remember is they are most accurate at close range. For temperature comparisons, the check distances should be as close to the same as possible.<br /><br />Even if two units are not exactly the same, they should both be with in the manufacturers tolerances.<br /><br />For some things, a temp probe for a DVM works better.<br /><br />JD

 

[aspeck]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

Same situation as jimr. They are great at finding overheating wires inside a wall. Stopped a fire at a local restaurant before it could get started with one - but we did end up ripping part of the wall apart to make sure there was no fire.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

I have a Fluke IR unit that attaches to my multi-meter. When used up close on dark objects it is normally within 2 degrees or so in the under 200 F neighborhood. Lighter colored objects will not read as accurately as the manual points out. A little dab of black paint can help that problem sometimes. I haven't used it a whole lot at higher temps, and didn't have a certified thermometer for more than 200 F to compare with so I can't say how accurate up higher. Close enough, though.

 

[skeezx01]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

us folks at the ia dot use them to check road temps. raytek is what we use. i like em.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

In the refinery and pertrochemical business they are use a lot. Very handy, and if calibrated on a regular basis they provide accurate readings.<br /><br />Measuring vessel & piping temperatures is very important to confirm production processes are within compliance requirements. Not every process have permanent temperature probes installed, due to cost etc. With these temperatures you wont be using the old fashioned "touch-it to see" for estimating temperatures. Do that once, and it'll be the last time you can feel the end of your finger.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /> Are you offering up any brand names, Robby?

I forgot I posted here...but seems like your question has been answered. Thing is, I just don't trust yet what Harbor Freight might be selling. Also a probe tester is great too, and might be a little cheaper and more accurate, but probe will limit access to some stuff. <br /> Best thing is individual exhaust gas temp sensors like aircraft, but takes the fun out of boating when everything starts to get to technical. Its the fun factor with a heat gun!

 

[Peter J Fraser]

Re: Anyone use Infared Thermometers?

I use them for motorsport.<br />Brake temps, tire temp, air temp, track temp, exhaust temps, spot temps anywhere over the engine etc.<br />Yes, they are only + / - x% but at least you can get a good indicator of what is going on.<br /><br />Peter