Craftsman Infrared Thermometer

[Bigredmariner]

I thought I would share my review of my Craftsman Infrared Thermometer. With Christmas coming up you might need to give the wife a few ideas of what you want. I got mine a few years ago and have found several uses for it, it has a laser pointer so you know where you are reading temps.
It can be used to monitor cooling abilities of systems, point it at your manifold or headers to see if a cylinder is firing. Check for hot spots in your breaker box at home and even see how cold that can of beer is. For $79.99 it's a great deal and well worth the money.
Here's an excerpt from Craftsman's website with a link and pic.

Measures surface temperatures that are out of reach or too hot to touch. Perfect for automotive engine troubleshooting. Ideal for hot spots in electrical panels, moving parts, automotive parts.

* Measures from 0 to 1000 deg. F or -18 to 538 deg. C with 2% accuracy
* LCD with back lighting indicates temperature instantly
* 1-button operation with built-in laser pointer
* Measuring ratio 1:8 target to distance, accurate to 6 feet
* Operates on one 9V battery, not included

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_03450466000P?vName=Tools+%26+Equipment&keyword=thermometer

 

[Zembonez]

WOW!

Now I have something else to add to my gotta have it list. Thanks Jarrod.

 

[CJ Hungus]

I usually just touch stuff to see if it's hot or cold....

 

[Bigredmariner]

It's well worth the money, they also have a cheaper one that doesn't read as high. I needed this one for exhaust temp readings on our big engines. Very handy little tool.

 

[Bigredmariner]

I usually just touch stuff to see if it's hot or could....

You won't be touching an electrical panel to see if it's hot. You can use it in electrical applications, when you find a temp rise at a connection that doesn't coincide with the other phases is generally a sign of a loose connection. When was the last time you checked the connections in your breaker box at home? New house or old house doesn't matter the connections go through heat cycles and can loosen up. I know most of you are not electricians but it's a simple check that anyone with common sense can do.
The same goes for the stereo installs in your trucks. The temperature should be evenly distributed across the connection. Enough about that, they are handy to have.

 

[CJ Hungus]

I usually just touch stuff to see if it's hot or could....

You won't be touching an electrical panel to see if it's hot. You can use it in electrical applications, when you find a temp rise at a connection that doesn't coincide with the other phases is generally a sign of a loose connection. When was the last time you checked the connections in your breaker box at home? New house or old house doesn't matter the connections go through heat cycles and can loosen up. I know most of you are not electricians but it's a simple check that anyone with common sense can do.
The same goes for the stereo installs in your trucks. The temperature should be evenly distributed across the connection. Enough about that, they are handy to have.

Yes, I am sure they are handy to have, I just wouldn't have a use for one. I was just pulling your chain

 

[Bigredmariner]

Yes, I am sure they are handy to have, I just wouldn't have a use for one. I was just pulling your chain

I finally realized that after about the third sentence into my rant.

 

[Hickspanic]

Pulling his chain, or his string

 

[Darkanion]

I bought something similar last summer to walk the house with, to find "hot spots" (or at least hotter spots) on the ceiling, walls, etc. where insulation was thin.. (And, yes, for those of you who know, that is what led me into the attic last summer, when I fell through and made a mess of things. )

 

[ScottyBoy]

I usually just touch stuff to see if it's hot or could....

You won't be touching an electrical panel to see if it's hot. You can use it in electrical applications, when you find a temp rise at a connection that doesn't coincide with the other phases is generally a sign of a loose connection. When was the last time you checked the connections in your breaker box at home? New house or old house doesn't matter the connections go through heat cycles and can loosen up. I know most of you are not electricians but it's a simple check that anyone with common sense can do.
The same goes for the stereo installs in your trucks. The temperature should be evenly distributed across the connection. Enough about that, they are handy to have.

Yes, I am sure they are handy to have, I just wouldn't have a use for one. I was just pulling your chain

Thats exactly what I use it for at work. At work I have one made by Fluke. I use it to check breaker temps, air duct temps, return air ducts, etc. Didn't this topic come up before somewhere Jarrod?