Hi guys, I need a new air pressure gauge for off-roading.
The gauge I have is not showing correctly eg: showing me 15 psi when in fact it's 22.
Wandering what you guys would recommend? I know it's probably a case of 'you get what you pay for' - not looking for cheap one but what's a good one for a reasonable price ($30-$40 is reasonable?)
I've been using 2 gauges for the last few years, both are ARB. They have both been reliable and reasonably accurate (at least as good as anything I have checked them against). From memory the smaller 'normal' gauge was around $30-35 and the large 'low pressure' gauge was a little more.
What ever brand you get,you need a gauge that reads to 60psi.
An air pressure gauge is most accurate in the middle third of its range.
If the gauge reads between 0- 60psi, then it should be most accurate between 20-40psi. Most people dont drop below 20psi, and dont go over 40psi very often.
Most brands should be reasonably accurate. You will pay more for an ARB or TJM because of the name and perceived quality.
A good one with a quick deflate feature will set you back between $50-$80
Otherwise a standard one will set you back about $30-$40
I have the big ARB one and find it OK. Two problems I didn't find until I bought it is the needle springs back, rather than locking at the measured pressure and the long rigid valve fitting. Not a problem with the Land Rover, but I hoped to use it on bikes too, but with hot discs in the way it doesn't work.
Someone once told me that the most accurate ones at a reasonable price were the little steel "pencil like" ones, where part of it extended when you applied it to a tyre?
However, I have a little VDO guage, in a leather pouch, which does the job for me.
Cheers, Pickles.
As a tool perve for many years, I prefer the dial type gauges.
All need checking on a master gauge after a while.
You can buy a Class "A" gauge and fabricate the necessary fittings to ensure a gauge of an accuracy + or - 2% over the gauge marked limit.
Here is a link for anyone interested. http://www.dascosales.com/pressure-gauge-accuracy.php
Most would consider this to taking the measure a little too far.
An earlier post advised of a general accuracy range of a gauge, which is true of any "classed" gauge. However, it is continuing accuracy which is probably more important, if you're serious.
I use A Class gauges for testing equipment, usually sourced from the US. Have found NoShok A Class gauges to offer excellent value for money.
Ebay can be your friend.
If you are mad enough to follow my lead, be certain the pressure gauge you purchase is for gas, not liquid. There is a difference.
Cheers,
Richard
Last edited by jackafrica; 29th December 2013 at 07:12 PM.
Reason: link added
I have an ARB guage and paid about $35 from ARB. I have checked it against other gauges and it gives consistent results so I will stick with it.Mine locks the reading until I push the button.
I brought a digital kincrome gauge for the only reason as it goes low enough to check the air bags and seems close enough to other gauges I have tested it against
I looked into decent gauges a while ago, while getting a bit serious about motorcycles.
While not so much into motorcycles at the moment both my cars get their tyre pressures checked at least (often more) per week. Always in the morning before they leave the garage.
For me it doesn't matter if its accurate but it must be repeatable. I don't care if the gauge read 22 psi and the actual pressure is 30 psi as long as next time it says 22 psi it is still 30 psi.
Mechanical gauges have some problems as the metal in the spring can change with temperature so they are not only less accurate at the gauge extremes, they will change from -5 degrees at a winter morning to 40 degrees on a summers day. And don't leave them in the clove box of the car as they will be far too hot to be accurate.
So my latest is a Michelin for Amazon. I'll find the link tomorrow some time.
Master
Mine locks the reading until I push the button.
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