Tire Gauge?
 

Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?

I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.

I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:
> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
>
>
You already own the best tool for the job. Get some longer valve stems,
or valve extensions so you can have about 3/4 to one inch of valve
showing above the wheel cover. bob

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:
> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
>
>
You already own the best tool for the job. Get some longer valve stems,
or valve extensions so you can have about 3/4 to one inch of valve
showing above the wheel cover. bob

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 17:34:42 GMT, "Elle Navorski"
<elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote:

>Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
>I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
>compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
>month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
>fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
>I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
>
No big bucks required. You can buy a dial type pressure guage for only
a few bucks. When you say you bought an air compressor, did you mean a
big shop compressor or a little one that plugs into your car's
cigarette lighter? The latter should have a gauge built in. For a big
shop compressor you can get a tire filling attachment with built in
dial guage for under $10

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005 17:34:42 GMT, "Elle Navorski"
<elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote:

>Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
>I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
>compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
>month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
>fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
>I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
>
No big bucks required. You can buy a dial type pressure guage for only
a few bucks. When you say you bought an air compressor, did you mean a
big shop compressor or a little one that plugs into your car's
cigarette lighter? The latter should have a gauge built in. For a big
shop compressor you can get a tire filling attachment with built in
dial guage for under $10

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

In article <S8wId.2559$r27.367@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "Elle
Navorski" <elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote:

> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.

I purchased an excellent tire gauge at AutoZone. They sell two types of
tire gauges--buy both of them and use the one that you like the best. I
don't advise that you buy any tire gauge that makes use of batteries. I
once received such a gauge as a Christmas present. About one year later,
when I noticed that a tire was low--I tried to use the gauge and it would
NOT work since the battery was dead.

--
NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

In article <S8wId.2559$r27.367@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.n et>, "Elle
Navorski" <elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote:

> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.

I purchased an excellent tire gauge at AutoZone. They sell two types of
tire gauges--buy both of them and use the one that you like the best. I
don't advise that you buy any tire gauge that makes use of batteries. I
once received such a gauge as a Christmas present. About one year later,
when I noticed that a tire was low--I tried to use the gauge and it would
NOT work since the battery was dead.

--
NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Bob, I'll consider the valve extensions.

John, I bought a home shop type air compressor (oil lubricated) from Harbor
Freight for around $100 last summer. Max. pressure is about 115 psi.
Nothing fancy. But a big improvement on the cig lighter operated one I had
before. But my new compressor does not have a built in gage for measuring
the pressure of whatever I'm filling. It has only a gage at its main valve.

Jason, I'll check out Autozone first.

I'm sure a dial gage will be an improvement. Like you said, John, I have
seen them mounted on tire air fill tools and maybe will try one of these
first. I guess this is the closest to super-duper I'm going to get.

Thanks, men.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Bob, I'll consider the valve extensions.

John, I bought a home shop type air compressor (oil lubricated) from Harbor
Freight for around $100 last summer. Max. pressure is about 115 psi.
Nothing fancy. But a big improvement on the cig lighter operated one I had
before. But my new compressor does not have a built in gage for measuring
the pressure of whatever I'm filling. It has only a gage at its main valve.

Jason, I'll check out Autozone first.

I'm sure a dial gage will be an improvement. Like you said, John, I have
seen them mounted on tire air fill tools and maybe will try one of these
first. I guess this is the closest to super-duper I'm going to get.

Thanks, men.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:

> Bob, I'll consider the valve extensions.
>
> John, I bought a home shop type air compressor (oil lubricated) from Harbor
> Freight for around $100 last summer. Max. pressure is about 115 psi.
> Nothing fancy. But a big improvement on the cig lighter operated one I had
> before. But my new compressor does not have a built in gage for measuring
> the pressure of whatever I'm filling. It has only a gage at its main valve.
>
> Jason, I'll check out Autozone first.
>
> I'm sure a dial gage will be an improvement. Like you said, John, I have
> seen them mounted on tire air fill tools and maybe will try one of these
> first. I guess this is the closest to super-duper I'm going to get.

Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate. However -
they might lose their accuracy, especially when treated roughly. I
once dropped an Accugage dial gauge, and the readings were consistently
higher. I compared it to an undamamged gauge, and the readings were
about 40 psi when it was really around 30.

Many of the digital readout gauges are pretty accurate. At the very
least, they'll give the same consistent reading down to .5 psi. I've
got a Topeak digital gauge I bought at an Eddie Bauer store (I had
a $10 coupon). Topeak primarily makes bicycle equipment, but this
gauge works great with the "Schraeder" valves in car tires.

The pen type gauge isn't terribly accurate, and as you noted, difficult
to get a good read. I find that several measurements on the same tire
will yield a variable range.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:

> Bob, I'll consider the valve extensions.
>
> John, I bought a home shop type air compressor (oil lubricated) from Harbor
> Freight for around $100 last summer. Max. pressure is about 115 psi.
> Nothing fancy. But a big improvement on the cig lighter operated one I had
> before. But my new compressor does not have a built in gage for measuring
> the pressure of whatever I'm filling. It has only a gage at its main valve.
>
> Jason, I'll check out Autozone first.
>
> I'm sure a dial gage will be an improvement. Like you said, John, I have
> seen them mounted on tire air fill tools and maybe will try one of these
> first. I guess this is the closest to super-duper I'm going to get.

Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate. However -
they might lose their accuracy, especially when treated roughly. I
once dropped an Accugage dial gauge, and the readings were consistently
higher. I compared it to an undamamged gauge, and the readings were
about 40 psi when it was really around 30.

Many of the digital readout gauges are pretty accurate. At the very
least, they'll give the same consistent reading down to .5 psi. I've
got a Topeak digital gauge I bought at an Eddie Bauer store (I had
a $10 coupon). Topeak primarily makes bicycle equipment, but this
gauge works great with the "Schraeder" valves in car tires.

The pen type gauge isn't terribly accurate, and as you noted, difficult
to get a good read. I find that several measurements on the same tire
will yield a variable range.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:
> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:
> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005, y_p_w wrote:

> Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate.

Nope. There is nothing inherent in dial-type construction that makes these
gauges more accurate than stick-type gauges. There are good and bad
examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital, dial and stick). I use a
very well made all-metal stick gauge which has been right on the nose both
times I've tested its calibration against a reference standard over the
last decade. But then, I also treat it carefully.

It's this one, for reference:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/search....pressure+gauge I've got the
one with the right-angle head, which can be a little difficult to use
sometimes. The inline type might be easier. Nevertheless, the differences
are large in build quality and accuracy between this and the common
mostly- or all-plastic stick gauges.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

On Sat, 22 Jan 2005, y_p_w wrote:

> Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate.

Nope. There is nothing inherent in dial-type construction that makes these
gauges more accurate than stick-type gauges. There are good and bad
examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital, dial and stick). I use a
very well made all-metal stick gauge which has been right on the nose both
times I've tested its calibration against a reference standard over the
last decade. But then, I also treat it carefully.

It's this one, for reference:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/search....pressure+gauge I've got the
one with the right-angle head, which can be a little difficult to use
sometimes. The inline type might be easier. Nevertheless, the differences
are large in build quality and accuracy between this and the common
mostly- or all-plastic stick gauges.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Sparky wrote:
> Elle Navorski wrote:
>
>> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>>
>> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an
>> air
>> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
>> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't
>> consistently
>> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>>
>> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
>
>
> http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog
>
>
sweet... but likely made in china like everything else. harbor freight
prolly has one made by the same supplier for $5 or so.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Sparky wrote:
> Elle Navorski wrote:
>
>> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>>
>> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an
>> air
>> compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
>> month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't
>> consistently
>> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>>
>> I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
>
>
> http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog
>
>
sweet... but likely made in china like everything else. harbor freight
prolly has one made by the same supplier for $5 or so.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"Elle Navorski" <elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:S8wId.2559$r27.367@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
: Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
:
: I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
: compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
: month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't
consistently
: fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
:
: I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
:
I've been using an AccuTire digital gauge for a few years now and I'm pretty
happy with it. I think the battery is replaceable, but the original one
hasn't failed yet. I think it costs $10 or $15 at Sears, less on sale.

Paul

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"Elle Navorski" <elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:S8wId.2559$r27.367@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
: Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
:
: I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an air
: compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
: month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't
consistently
: fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
:
: I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
:
I've been using an AccuTire digital gauge for a few years now and I'm pretty
happy with it. I think the battery is replaceable, but the original one
hasn't failed yet. I think it costs $10 or $15 at Sears, less on sale.

Paul

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Daniel J. Stern wrote:

> On Sat, 22 Jan 2005, y_p_w wrote:
>
>
>>Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate.
>
>
> Nope. There is nothing inherent in dial-type construction that makes these
> gauges more accurate than stick-type gauges. There are good and bad
> examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital, dial and stick). I use a
> very well made all-metal stick gauge which has been right on the nose both
> times I've tested its calibration against a reference standard over the
> last decade. But then, I also treat it carefully.

The Meiser Accugage dial gauge was (for me) difficult to use
incorrectly and actually measures pressure directly. However - they
do have delicate parts (like the difference between a beam and a
clicker torque wrench). If you could add/remove pressure directly,
that gauge would be able to constantly monitor and accurately report
the change. Some dial gauges also go up higher (at least 60 psi)
when a typical pencil-type gauge stops at 50. This is nice for
compact spares and bicycle tires.

> It's this one, for reference:
> http://www.machinemart.co.uk/search....pressure+gauge I've got the
> one with the right-angle head, which can be a little difficult to use
> sometimes. The inline type might be easier. Nevertheless, the differences
> are large in build quality and accuracy between this and the common
> mostly- or all-plastic stick gauges.

Of course the stick type reports pressure by how far the thing shoots
out. If it's not inserted quickly and perfectly, I've found that they
underreport pressure and leak. That's one big reason I don't like
them.

Still - I keep one in my car just in case (along with the Topeak digital
gauge).

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Daniel J. Stern wrote:

> On Sat, 22 Jan 2005, y_p_w wrote:
>
>
>>Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate.
>
>
> Nope. There is nothing inherent in dial-type construction that makes these
> gauges more accurate than stick-type gauges. There are good and bad
> examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital, dial and stick). I use a
> very well made all-metal stick gauge which has been right on the nose both
> times I've tested its calibration against a reference standard over the
> last decade. But then, I also treat it carefully.

The Meiser Accugage dial gauge was (for me) difficult to use
incorrectly and actually measures pressure directly. However - they
do have delicate parts (like the difference between a beam and a
clicker torque wrench). If you could add/remove pressure directly,
that gauge would be able to constantly monitor and accurately report
the change. Some dial gauges also go up higher (at least 60 psi)
when a typical pencil-type gauge stops at 50. This is nice for
compact spares and bicycle tires.

> It's this one, for reference:
> http://www.machinemart.co.uk/search....pressure+gauge I've got the
> one with the right-angle head, which can be a little difficult to use
> sometimes. The inline type might be easier. Nevertheless, the differences
> are large in build quality and accuracy between this and the common
> mostly- or all-plastic stick gauges.

Of course the stick type reports pressure by how far the thing shoots
out. If it's not inserted quickly and perfectly, I've found that they
underreport pressure and leak. That's one big reason I don't like
them.

Still - I keep one in my car just in case (along with the Topeak digital
gauge).

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"Paul" <paulDONTSPAMMEmueller@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:HWAId.4266$cZ1.3120@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
>
> "Elle Navorski" <elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:S8wId.2559$r27.367@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> : Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
> :
> : I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an
> air
> : compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> : month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't
> consistently
> : fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
> :
> : I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
> :
> I've been using an AccuTire digital gauge for a few years now and I'm
> pretty
> happy with it. I think the battery is replaceable, but the original one
> hasn't failed yet. I think it costs $10 or $15 at Sears, less on sale.
>
> Paul
>
I also use an AccuTire bought at Sears for $8 on sale. It works fine. My
old dial type ceased to be accurate when I dropped it, and my pencil types
never were accurate. YMMV

WW

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"Paul" <paulDONTSPAMMEmueller@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:HWAId.4266$cZ1.3120@newsread2.news.atl.earthl ink.net...
>
> "Elle Navorski" <elle_navorski@nospam.earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:S8wId.2559$r27.367@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> : Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
> :
> : I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years. I bought an
> air
> : compressor last summer and now check my tires' pressure at least once a
> : month. I have found the pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't
> consistently
> : fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
> :
> : I'll pay the big bucks for the right device.
> :
> I've been using an AccuTire digital gauge for a few years now and I'm
> pretty
> happy with it. I think the battery is replaceable, but the original one
> hasn't failed yet. I think it costs $10 or $15 at Sears, less on sale.
>
> Paul
>
I also use an AccuTire bought at Sears for $8 on sale. It works fine. My
old dial type ceased to be accurate when I dropped it, and my pencil types
never were accurate. YMMV

WW

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:
> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?

> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years.
> I bought an air compressor last summer and now check my
> tires' pressure at least once a month. I have found the
> pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.

Most guages now have a long recess in the chuck to let it fit more
easily over the tire valve.

All electronic tire guages are highly accurate, virtually dead-on, and
are cheap from places like AutoZone, Pep Boys, Checker/Shuck's/Kragen,
and Wal-mart.

Pencil-type guages are the most rugged, provided they're made of metal,
but some are chrome plated, and you can't always check with a magnet
because many good guages are made of brass rather than steel. Plastic
guages are prone to cracking where the chuck fits into the tube if the
chuck is pressed in rather than screwed on.

Dial guages can be as accurate as pencil guages, but when Consumer
Reports last tested guages, in 2/1993, all of the least-accurate guages
(off by +- 4 PSI average) were of the dial type, and no pencil-type
guage erred more than +- 2 PSI. The most accurate pencil-type guages
have shims at the end of their coil spring for calibration.

Some good brands of mechanical guages are Schrader, Acme (not the
Company that sold junk to Wiley E. Coyote), NAPA, Tru-Flate, and Camel.

Some tire dealers, like Discount Tire, give out OK pencil-type guages
for free.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Elle Navorski wrote:
> Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?

> I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years.
> I bought an air compressor last summer and now check my
> tires' pressure at least once a month. I have found the
> pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
> fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.

Most guages now have a long recess in the chuck to let it fit more
easily over the tire valve.

All electronic tire guages are highly accurate, virtually dead-on, and
are cheap from places like AutoZone, Pep Boys, Checker/Shuck's/Kragen,
and Wal-mart.

Pencil-type guages are the most rugged, provided they're made of metal,
but some are chrome plated, and you can't always check with a magnet
because many good guages are made of brass rather than steel. Plastic
guages are prone to cracking where the chuck fits into the tube if the
chuck is pressed in rather than screwed on.

Dial guages can be as accurate as pencil guages, but when Consumer
Reports last tested guages, in 2/1993, all of the least-accurate guages
(off by +- 4 PSI average) were of the dial type, and no pencil-type
guage erred more than +- 2 PSI. The most accurate pencil-type guages
have shims at the end of their coil spring for calibration.

Some good brands of mechanical guages are Schrader, Acme (not the
Company that sold junk to Wiley E. Coyote), NAPA, Tru-Flate, and Camel.

Some tire dealers, like Discount Tire, give out OK pencil-type guages
for free.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"y_p_w" <y_p_w@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:m_yId.2669$r27.384@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
>
>
> Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate. However -
> they might lose their accuracy, especially when treated roughly. I
> once dropped an Accugage dial gauge, and the readings were consistently
> higher. I compared it to an undamamged gauge, and the readings were
> about 40 psi when it was really around 30.
>

If you take a dial guage apart it becomes obvious how to recalibrate it.
There's a
cog there, push it to the far end so that it unlaches from the gear, turn
the spring
to the next tooth, and let the cog re-engage. Repeat until it's accurate
again.

Ted

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"y_p_w" <y_p_w@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:m_yId.2669$r27.384@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
>
>
> Dial gauges are easier to read and likely more accurate. However -
> they might lose their accuracy, especially when treated roughly. I
> once dropped an Accugage dial gauge, and the readings were consistently
> higher. I compared it to an undamamged gauge, and the readings were
> about 40 psi when it was really around 30.
>

If you take a dial guage apart it becomes obvious how to recalibrate it.
There's a
cog there, push it to the far end so that it unlaches from the gear, turn
the spring
to the next tooth, and let the cog re-engage. Repeat until it's accurate
again.

Ted

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

do_not_spam_me@my-deja.com wrote:

> Elle Navorski wrote:
>
>>Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
>>I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years.
>>I bought an air compressor last summer and now check my
>>tires' pressure at least once a month. I have found the
>>pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
>>fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> Most guages now have a long recess in the chuck to let it fit more
> easily over the tire valve.

The Snap-On one is like this (virtually never leaks) and is made of
brass as well.

> All electronic tire guages are highly accurate, virtually dead-on, and
> are cheap from places like AutoZone, Pep Boys, Checker/Shuck's/Kragen,
> and Wal-mart.
>
> Pencil-type guages are the most rugged, provided they're made of metal,
> but some are chrome plated, and you can't always check with a magnet
> because many good guages are made of brass rather than steel. Plastic
> guages are prone to cracking where the chuck fits into the tube if the
> chuck is pressed in rather than screwed on.
>
> Dial guages can be as accurate as pencil guages, but when Consumer
> Reports last tested guages, in 2/1993,

That's a long time ago, dude.

> all of the least-accurate guages
> (off by +- 4 PSI average) were of the dial type, and no pencil-type
> guage erred more than +- 2 PSI. The most accurate pencil-type guages
> have shims at the end of their coil spring for calibration.

But don't the stick type guages lend themselves more easily to being
misread (which can make the reading way off)?

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

do_not_spam_me@my-deja.com wrote:

> Elle Navorski wrote:
>
>>Is there a super-duper tire gauge on the market?
>
>>I have been using a pocket protector tire gauge for years.
>>I bought an air compressor last summer and now check my
>>tires' pressure at least once a month. I have found the
>>pocket gage cumbersome to use. I can't consistently
>>fit it exactly on the tire valve to get a reading.
>
> Most guages now have a long recess in the chuck to let it fit more
> easily over the tire valve.

The Snap-On one is like this (virtually never leaks) and is made of
brass as well.

> All electronic tire guages are highly accurate, virtually dead-on, and
> are cheap from places like AutoZone, Pep Boys, Checker/Shuck's/Kragen,
> and Wal-mart.
>
> Pencil-type guages are the most rugged, provided they're made of metal,
> but some are chrome plated, and you can't always check with a magnet
> because many good guages are made of brass rather than steel. Plastic
> guages are prone to cracking where the chuck fits into the tube if the
> chuck is pressed in rather than screwed on.
>
> Dial guages can be as accurate as pencil guages, but when Consumer
> Reports last tested guages, in 2/1993,

That's a long time ago, dude.

> all of the least-accurate guages
> (off by +- 4 PSI average) were of the dial type, and no pencil-type
> guage erred more than +- 2 PSI. The most accurate pencil-type guages
> have shims at the end of their coil spring for calibration.

But don't the stick type guages lend themselves more easily to being
misread (which can make the reading way off)?

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"Daniel J. Stern" <dastern@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
news:Pine.GSO.4.58.0501221555360.7529@alumni.engin .umich.edu...
>
> Nope. There is nothing inherent in dial-type construction that makes these
> gauges more accurate than stick-type gauges. There are good and bad
> examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital, dial and stick).

That isn't quite accurate, Daniel. The stick type gauges have a
considerable friction component which a decent Bourdon tube gauge
will not have. The friction in a stick type gauge can vary a lot with
moisture, temperature, wear, mechanical deformation, etc. The Bourdon type
has its weaknesses too, I'll admit.

I have not seen a good quality stick type gauge in a long time, and have
certainly looked for one. Paid rather dearly for a supposedly good tractor
type gauge (because it is supposed to be resistant to water which is common
in tractor tires), and it wasn't very good either.

These little cheapo stick type gauges you pick up for a few dollars at parts
stores or Walmart are about as accurate and dependable as Stari Arbat
watches.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

"Daniel J. Stern" <dastern@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
news:Pine.GSO.4.58.0501221555360.7529@alumni.engin .umich.edu...
>
> Nope. There is nothing inherent in dial-type construction that makes these
> gauges more accurate than stick-type gauges. There are good and bad
> examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital, dial and stick).

That isn't quite accurate, Daniel. The stick type gauges have a
considerable friction component which a decent Bourdon tube gauge
will not have. The friction in a stick type gauge can vary a lot with
moisture, temperature, wear, mechanical deformation, etc. The Bourdon type
has its weaknesses too, I'll admit.

I have not seen a good quality stick type gauge in a long time, and have
certainly looked for one. Paid rather dearly for a supposedly good tractor
type gauge (because it is supposed to be resistant to water which is common
in tractor tires), and it wasn't very good either.

These little cheapo stick type gauges you pick up for a few dollars at parts
stores or Walmart are about as accurate and dependable as Stari Arbat
watches.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

On Sun, 23 Jan 2005, HLS wrote:

> > There are good and bad examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital,
> > dial and stick).

> That isn't quite accurate, Daniel.

It is quite accurate as stated. Good gauges are better than bad gauges,
period. There's no manufactured product that MBAs can't entice the Chinese
to make a little cheaper and a little shittier.

> I have not seen a good quality stick type gauge in a long time,

Nevertheless, they exist. I own a few.

> These little cheapo stick type gauges you pick up for a few dollars at
> parts stores or Walmart are about as accurate and dependable as Stari
> Arbat watches.

No debate there!

DS

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

On Sun, 23 Jan 2005, HLS wrote:

> > There are good and bad examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital,
> > dial and stick).

> That isn't quite accurate, Daniel.

It is quite accurate as stated. Good gauges are better than bad gauges,
period. There's no manufactured product that MBAs can't entice the Chinese
to make a little cheaper and a little shittier.

> I have not seen a good quality stick type gauge in a long time,

Nevertheless, they exist. I own a few.

> These little cheapo stick type gauges you pick up for a few dollars at
> parts stores or Walmart are about as accurate and dependable as Stari
> Arbat watches.

No debate there!

DS

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

For the archives, along with others' reports:

I checked Autozone's, Pep Boys', and Wal-Mart's selection. I ended up with
a dial gage with 1-psi increments, ranging from 0 to 70 psi, fairly easy to
read, with purge valve and large-headed chuck. The large chuck makes all
the difference: I can fit it on my tires' valve stem, with no leakage, very
easily. It "remembers" the pressure, so when you remove it, the last
pressure reading still shows. (Press the purge valve, and it returns to
zero.) The gage is made by Campbell-Hausfeld in China. It retailed for
about $13. Pep Boys wanted about $4 more for a comparable gage.

I just tried it out, and it makes life *a lot* easier. I don't need valve
extensions to use it easily. I'm keeping it.

Dunno how the calibration will last, of course, but I appreciate the many
other posts that talk about this.

My tires seem to lose about 2 psi a month, summer and winter. Of course I
only check after the car has been sitting all night. I try to keep them at
about 28-28.5 psi on my 1991 Honda Civic LX, 160k miles. This is above the
spec of 26 psi, but I am experimenting, per many posts in the archives on
overinflating tires a bit, at the sacrifice of a smoother ride but better
mileage.

Thanks folks for all the input. It's a seemingly rinky-dink thing but I've
never had significant uneven wear on this car's tires, and hopefully,
following the protocol above, I never will.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

For the archives, along with others' reports:

I checked Autozone's, Pep Boys', and Wal-Mart's selection. I ended up with
a dial gage with 1-psi increments, ranging from 0 to 70 psi, fairly easy to
read, with purge valve and large-headed chuck. The large chuck makes all
the difference: I can fit it on my tires' valve stem, with no leakage, very
easily. It "remembers" the pressure, so when you remove it, the last
pressure reading still shows. (Press the purge valve, and it returns to
zero.) The gage is made by Campbell-Hausfeld in China. It retailed for
about $13. Pep Boys wanted about $4 more for a comparable gage.

I just tried it out, and it makes life *a lot* easier. I don't need valve
extensions to use it easily. I'm keeping it.

Dunno how the calibration will last, of course, but I appreciate the many
other posts that talk about this.

My tires seem to lose about 2 psi a month, summer and winter. Of course I
only check after the car has been sitting all night. I try to keep them at
about 28-28.5 psi on my 1991 Honda Civic LX, 160k miles. This is above the
spec of 26 psi, but I am experimenting, per many posts in the archives on
overinflating tires a bit, at the sacrifice of a smoother ride but better
mileage.

Thanks folks for all the input. It's a seemingly rinky-dink thing but I've
never had significant uneven wear on this car's tires, and hopefully,
following the protocol above, I never will.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Daniel J. Stern wrote:

> On Sun, 23 Jan 2005, HLS wrote:
>
>
>>>There are good and bad examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital,
>>>dial and stick).
>
>
>>That isn't quite accurate, Daniel.
>
>
> It is quite accurate as stated. Good gauges are better than bad gauges,
> period. There's no manufactured product that MBAs can't entice the Chinese
> to make a little cheaper and a little shittier.
>
>
>>I have not seen a good quality stick type gauge in a long time,
>
>
> Nevertheless, they exist. I own a few.

I remember when a Parker Tru-Flate was a quality product. A bit
difficult to use, but generally accurate.

>>These little cheapo stick type gauges you pick up for a few dollars at
>>parts stores or Walmart are about as accurate and dependable as Stari
>>Arbat watches.
>
>
> No debate there!

Where does one find a "quality" one then? Many of the dial-type
or digital readout gauges tend to be more accurate than the easy
to find pen-type gauges.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Daniel J. Stern wrote:

> On Sun, 23 Jan 2005, HLS wrote:
>
>
>>>There are good and bad examples of all kinds of tire gauges (digital,
>>>dial and stick).
>
>
>>That isn't quite accurate, Daniel.
>
>
> It is quite accurate as stated. Good gauges are better than bad gauges,
> period. There's no manufactured product that MBAs can't entice the Chinese
> to make a little cheaper and a little shittier.
>
>
>>I have not seen a good quality stick type gauge in a long time,
>
>
> Nevertheless, they exist. I own a few.

I remember when a Parker Tru-Flate was a quality product. A bit
difficult to use, but generally accurate.

>>These little cheapo stick type gauges you pick up for a few dollars at
>>parts stores or Walmart are about as accurate and dependable as Stari
>>Arbat watches.
>
>
> No debate there!

Where does one find a "quality" one then? Many of the dial-type
or digital readout gauges tend to be more accurate than the easy
to find pen-type gauges.

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

y_p_w <y_p_w@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:wsYId.4005$r27.3136@newsread1.news.pas.earthl ink.net:


> Where does one find a "quality" one then? Many of the dial-type
> or digital readout gauges tend to be more accurate than the easy
> to find pen-type gauges.
>


I have three tire gauges:
A $5 El Cheapo metal pen-type with a plastic plunger
An expensive all-metal pen-type that's 40 years old
A $30 dial-type that's new and has been coddled since I opened the package.

All three read within a pound of each other.

--
TeGGeR®

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

y_p_w <y_p_w@hotmail.com> wrote in
news:wsYId.4005$r27.3136@newsread1.news.pas.earthl ink.net:


> Where does one find a "quality" one then? Many of the dial-type
> or digital readout gauges tend to be more accurate than the easy
> to find pen-type gauges.
>


I have three tire gauges:
A $5 El Cheapo metal pen-type with a plastic plunger
An expensive all-metal pen-type that's 40 years old
A $30 dial-type that's new and has been coddled since I opened the package.

All three read within a pound of each other.

--
TeGGeR®

Re: Tire Gauge?
 

Sparky wrote:
> do_not_spam_me@my-deja.com wrote:

> > Dial guages can be as accurate as pencil guages, but
> > when Consumer Reports last tested guages, in 2/1993,
> > all of the least-accurate guages (off by +- 4 PSI
> > average) were of the dial type,
>
> That's a long time ago, dude.

True, but the results were so consistent that I doubt they've changed
much over the years. Their previous evaluation was published around
2/1987.

> > and no pencil-type guage erred more than +- 2 PSI. The
> > most accurate pencil-type guages have shims at the end
> > of their coil spring for calibration.
>
> But don't the stick type guages lend themselves more easily to being
> misread (which can make the reading way off)?

They are harder to read than dial and digital guages, but I don't see
how they could be misread by more than 1 PSI, and that's only when the
markings are in 2 PSI increments.