Digital Gauge Manifolds

[beachgj]

I have several sets of the old Dial gauge manifolds, and a set of the SMAN3's.
I just stumbled onto these browsing. Anyone ever use these or hear of these manifolds?
http://hilmor.com/products/family/electronic-tools

They look good. Just curious how well they perform and if they live up to their claims.
Here is a pic of the dial gauges also, incase someone has one of these.

[beachgj]

I am looking at these a bit closer. I gotta say I like the dual Dial gauge and digital readout.

[beachgj]

Says it has a cleanable vacuum sensor also. "Sweet"!
Self-calibrating gauges provide 1% accuracy every time the gauges are turned on.
Outer gauge faces change color to coordinate with the selected refrigerant. - See more at: http://hilmor.com/products/electroni....yzkxXFig.dpuf

I'm going to look seriously at this tool.

[Chuck]

There are a couple threads about them here.

Most of the other digitals have .5% accuracy, 1% is no better than the premium analog gauges.
What is the point of the dial gauges? I see no advantage and they make it look bulky.
And the price, way higher than sman3 or Digicool for a bunch of fancy stuff with no use, like the built in micron gauge.
And only 1%???

Anyway there you have my opinion, take it or leave it.

[klee7013]

Another tech company that works with us has that set. and he has to take them back the high side of the manifold will not open up.

[lytning]

I have heard that customer service from them is not very good.

Another tech company that works with us has that set. and he has to take them back the high side of the manifold will not open up.

[SBKold]

If you want a set that looks cool but isn't very durable - go for it.

Otherwise look at the AK900s.

[nolaHVAC]

I wouldn't recommend them. My local Johnstone had the Hilmor display up for maybe a week. I asked them why they took it down and they told me that the products have been nothing but problems since day 1. I purchased the Hilmor reversible nut driver online and about an hour after I received it, the sleeve inside the handle that holds the shaft had already broken out. Had to superglue it, but it still isn't the same. Search through the threads here and you will find a lot of poor reviews of Hilmor all around. I would stick with something tried and true such as DigiCool or Fieldpiece. Both have great products and customer service. Hope this helps.

[ga-hvac-tech]

Cutsy bells and whistles that do not add to a pro's ability to do their job...
Average to poor quality product...
Weak customer service...
And high price...

What is there to like...

As noted: Search for other threads... my opinion is shared by others.

[Hvac216]

My thought on it is that I haven't seen any of there stuff till recently. Now they are everywhere. There putting a ton of money into advertising and product placement. How much are they putting into development if they blow their whole budget on marketing.

[beachgj]

Thanks Guy's. Think I'll stick with my SMAN3's, and upgrade to the 4's later in light of the feedback.

[itsiceman]

Wow
Good thing the parent company already makes garbage cans

[clifpaul]

Wow
Good thing the parent company already makes garbage cans

x2!

[makiro]

I have two gauges. SMAN4 that I use for new system, evacuating and charging. Then a cheap yellow jacket I carry for quick check up and for rooftop units. Would rather risk dropping cheaper gauges than $450 ones.

I wish my HS33 limited edition had wireless capabilities on its amp clamp, would be handy for when I need to test it out on condensers who's disconnect is far away. Guess I can still disconnect the lie voltage on contactor and manually go from there lol.


SRS2C it's really good too, my beef with it is that it sometimes does not sync.

Now I need to see on why my vacuum pump won't pull down much. Even have thread locked the unused ports.

[ga-hvac-tech]

I have two gauges. SMAN4 that I use for new system, evacuating and charging. Then a cheap yellow jacket I carry for quick check up and for rooftop units. Would rather risk dropping cheaper gauges than $450 ones.

I wish my HS33 limited edition had wireless capabilities on its amp clamp, would be handy for when I need to test it out on condensers who's disconnect is far away. Guess I can still disconnect the lie voltage on contactor and manually go from there lol.


SRS2C it's really good too, my beef with it is that it sometimes does not sync.

Now I need to see on why my vacuum pump won't pull down much. Even have thread locked the unused ports.

Change the oil, then connect the vacuum gauge directly to the pump. If it will not do <100 microns... it needs service.

If it does pull less than 100 microns... then there is a leak in something connected to it. I would start with the manifold/gauge set... check everything one step at a time... you will find it.

[makiro]

Good point. I did change the oil from last vacuum 3 months ago. The company I work for, would prefer for me to get another vacuum pump rather than getting this one serviced

[Eduardo7]

Good point. I did change the oil from last vacuum 3 months ago. The company I work for, would prefer for me to get another vacuum pump rather than getting this one serviced

You shoudn't leave the oil in the vacuum pump for so long time.

[makiro]

Figured it wouldn't hurt it since I seal mine.

[Kemp]

My distributor said Hilmor was bought by Lennox. And the thing is supposed to have a three year over the counter replacement, and a lifetime manifold body warranty

[Mike19]

Hilmor and Lenox have been the same company the whole time. They are from the same parent company Newell Rubbermaid. (The Lenox that makes saw blades and hand tools, not Lennox the HVAC company)