I'm planning on buying a "Cylinder Leakage Tester, Compression Tester, and Vacuum Gauge" and need to know what brands you guys prefer (I don't know how to turn this post into a poll so bare w/ me). I like the ones from Mac tool, but I was told NOT to buy the expensive ones since these type of equipment can be easily dropped and broken and will need to be replaced (not for free like their hand tools). My instructor said the cheap ones from AutoZone, etc. will do and as of the same accuracy...is that true? What do you guys prefer and where were they purchased?

 

No mechanics/technicians out there??

 

i really like the snap on compression testers, they're pretty "beefy" they have this rubber padding around them, they dont break if they drop (from normal use of course, not like someone trying to slam it into the ground..) but i have a craftsman one from sears, and all the people i know with these have cracked them (i have yet to drop mine..). but the accuaracy is pretty much the same between the expensive ones and cheap ones.

 

So you have an Actron from Sears(same one from Autozone)? I was checking those out and also considering it because they are only $25.
The only thing I have a hard time deciding is which Leakdown Tester to get. I really like the Mac tool one, but it goes for $115. I heard that I can get a decent one for around $75 somewhere. Anybody knows or had experience with any other brand of Cylinder Leakage tester?

 

No one all of a sudden uses those leakdown testers huh?

 

Get a cheapie vacuum tester. Usually you are more concerned with a valve opening or not, or sustaining vacuum rather than how accurate it is. I think the cheapie ones are like $10

 

From where? $10! that's an awsome deal.
But wussup with a Leakdown Tester? I know you can build one too, but I am too lazy; just gonna buy one. Anyone have any experience w/ any?

 

i've only used the ones we have at school, i think they're snap-on, i dont even know if they make "cheapie" leak down testers.

 

They do have cheapies at around $65-75 or you can make your own too for way less, but what I'm trying to get at is have anyone ever had any experience with those cheapies and regretted it. What are the advantages of say a snap-on or mac tool, besides the name?

 

I have the matco hand tool (determinator). If thats what your talking about then that ones a pretty good choice. I havent dropped it and i dont see how it could be easy to drop it all the time. A little co$ty but, works very well.

 

a place called toolclub down the street from us. i work in houston's biggest wholesale district.

 

??