How many sets of gauges do you guys roll around with? Im 10 months into my first year in the field and only have one set, so far. Ive been doing some reading and it seems most people have at least two sets, maybe more. Ive been thinking of purchasing another set soon just wanted some other opinions. I dont think Ill buy another analog set i might as well go digital. no guys I work with have digital.
I have an AK but I keep my analogs as a back up set and I use them from time to time on systems that I am fairly sure are badly burned out. I also make the helper use them so he can learn how to do it the same way I did, the old school way.
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You need a set for 410A an a set for all the rest. It is also good to have some individual gauges on very short hoses, 6" or so, for quick testing and it doesn't use up as much gas when you disconnect; which is good for very small critically charged systems. It's nice to add the little ball valve hoses to the end of your big set, although they tend to leak by the handle after awhile. I take the schrader core pusher out of the main hose and remove the ball valve end hose for faster evacuation. I hate the hoses with the check valves in the end, there too big and it limits purging. I like to add a Ό" male/female flare sight glass to the middle, if the set doesn't have one just to have fun watching the liquid go by. I don't use the glycerin filled ones because 100*f sun will make them leak. I have some of the nice brass gauges because they make me look cool like I know something when I really don't usually. Multiple gauges are good because I tend to break them; or sometimes I will run around working on multiple units at the same time. Also, many units have 2 or 4 circuits that you want to look at at the same time. You also need ⅜" adaptors so you can connect to some mini-splits like LG.
I have 4 sets + some single gauges + vacuum gauge + many temperature devises. I have had to replace pressure transducers on many systems over the years so I am a little leery of the electronics gauge. I feel like it should have multiple sensors so I can verify when it is inaccurate, but I suppose I will get an electronic one too. Having lot's of cool tools is the best part of the job.
I have 4 sets of gauges and just ordered an ak-900, really curious if I will like them. Now one of mine are stubies for ice machines andreach-ins. And my old 3 port for checking oil...
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Originally Posted by jpsmith1cm
