Please Recommend what kind of gauges I should get?

[73Stingray]

I would like to purchase a set of gauges since I will be needing them periodically. Most of the recent experience I have been getting is in residential a/c ,rooftops and walk in coolers. We only keep 134 and 22 on the truck, but I also want to be prepared for other stuff we might come across. I have no idea if one brand is much better than the next, or if there is some that I should avoid all together? I have seen oil filled and non oil filled?? Various hose sizes and lengths. Do I really need 10ft of red and blue hose or will 3 feet suffice? Any recommendations? Thanks in Advance!

[cc2cuz]

I would at least get 5 ft of hoses, that's pretty common. 3ft would be to short for me. I have yellow jacket's brute II gauges and really like them. Gauges are kind of a personal preference thing, so I can only tell you what I like, not what's the best.

[Cagey57]

You will likely end up with no less that 2 Manifold gauge sets.

My suggestion for your "First" one is get a 2 valve manifold, fluid filled gauges are nice (not necessary) but probably a bit expensive to start out with. 5' hoses with standard fittings, not low loss type. I prefer the "Pig tail hoses" (about 9" long) with the ball valve and standard fittings on them on the end of the 5' hoses. You can always replace the gauges later.

I won't recommend a brand, that is a matter of choice. Ask the people you work with which ones they don't like.

You will figure out what you want after about 6 months, then all it takes is money !

[jpsmith1cm]

You will likely end up with no less that 2 Manifold gauge sets.

My suggestion for your "First" one is get a 2 valve manifold, fluid filled gauges are nice (not necessary) but probably a bit expensive to start out with. 5' hoses with standard fittings, not low loss type. I prefer the "Pig tail hoses" (about 9" long) with the ball valve and standard fittings on them on the end of the 5' hoses. You can always replace the gauges later.

I won't recommend a brand, that is a matter of choice. Ask the people you work with which ones they don't like.

You will figure out what you want after about 6 months, then all it takes is money !

This is pretty good advice.

I use Yellow Jackets exclusively and have 3 - 2 valve manifolds and a Brute II hanging in the truck. I also have a spare manifold laying around waiting for a refurb.

If you are doing residential, you will need 2 manifolds. One for 22 and one for 410.

Gauges are a BIG investment if you want to make this your career. They must be accurate and dependable. You get what you pay for in instruments. Buy cheap and they will probably burn you.

[yellowirenut]

speaking of burn...have a second set for burnout compressors and all that nastiness. I spend several house yesterday cleaning out my "good" gauge set because i hooked it up to a system full of crud. unknowingly i may have passed this crud to several other systems around town. Did not realize how much i picked up until i cleaned them yesterday. So, have two sets, a good one witch you trust that is correct and is reliable, and a second "cheaper" set u can use for those systems that are full of crud.

[superd77]

speaking of burn...have a second set for burnout compressors and all that nastiness. I spend several house yesterday cleaning out my "good" gauge set because i hooked it up to a system full of crud. unknowingly i may have passed this crud to several other systems around town. Did not realize how much i picked up until i cleaned them yesterday. So, have two sets, a good one witch you trust that is correct and is reliable, and a second "cheaper" set u can use for those systems that are full of crud.

GOD only knows what kinda diseases you spread with those crudy gauges.LOL:D

[GREGHVACGUY]

I have 4. 2 for r22 one of them is four hose set up(vac.hose on it it pulls vac fast)1 for 410 this one is a four hose. and 1 for all other freon. and if one goes bad I have back up.