Topic: HF Auto AC manifold gauges OK?

[Duke McDukiedook]

Like the title says is the Harbor Freight US General brand of AC manifold gauges decent enough for DIY people like myself to give decent High and Low side readings?

My pop gave me a low side gauge and a can of 134a when we filled my car last year when it ran out of refrigerant. I checked the low side on my Nissan truck with the gauge and it was pretty much zero so I filled it with one can and it went up close to 24psi but I'll have to get some PAG100 lubricant and a digital scale from HF so I might as well pick these gauges up for a more accurate way to see what is going on with the AC system.

What do ya think fellers? Is it worth $60US or should I get something better with my money for the occasional DIY mechanic?

Link would help
http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-manifold-gauge-set-92649.html

[333]

I find that most HF stuff is just fine for the occasional DIY'r.  You can save some money.  I work in a production wood shop, and we had one of their belt/disc sanders that lasted about 3 weeks, so not so good for daily use.

[nevernoluck]

Yes they will work fine for what you need, if you were doing it for a living maybe a little better set but get what you can afford, I've done a/c work for about fifteen years now and with experience you will find you rely on gauges less. Stick a thermometer in the vent, take into consideration outside temp, hold at 2000 rpm on max and get it cold, if you want I can dig out my old charts and tell you at what level with what redrigerant and outside air temp you should be at, I use gauges more on cars to pull a vacuum and leave it sit for hours to check or leaks.

[mark]

Look for the coupons in your Sunday paper - there's one in this week's ad offering this set at $45.