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Old 03-11-2006, 03:05 AM
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LW Hiway LW Hiway is offline
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Default Off the wall uses for an IR thermometer.

I just finished reading a thread and the mentioned use of the HF IR thermometer was made.

Cutter mentioned using one to find an audible but not visible water leak/drip. Assuming here that it is puddling in the wall and leaking down thru the floor and he will be looking for a temp drop in a certain area, if it's cold water, and if it's a hot water line, a temp increase in the area.

Mac702 mentioned using one to find faulty (as in hot or warm) circuit breakers in an ele panel.

I can see this, although I wouldn't have thought to use one to do it.

My question is, what are some of the other "off the wall uses" that have met with success using an IR thermometer.

A few more off uses and I'll be looking for one myself.
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Old 03-11-2006, 03:26 AM
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JT Metalworks JT Metalworks is offline
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You could use it to measure heat in a cutting/drilling process. Too much heat and you know the speed/feed is too fast (or ya need more coolant flow).

Then there's always the hardening process: to check what the material is at when you quench it.

Damn, I'm gonna have to get one of these now. lol
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Old 03-11-2006, 03:58 AM
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You can use it to determine the height of a tall building, too.
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Old 03-11-2006, 05:29 AM
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Pile Buck Pile Buck is offline
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I just bought a IR thermometer couple months ago to get the readings on that air dryer I built. Now one off the wall uses I’ve found for it is.

With almost 33-years of marriage I still get mixed messages, just can’t figure that woman out some times . Generally I know when she’s mad, when all the kitchen cabinet won’t shut properly, and she has to put a little English on them to get em shut . But now, when I’m not quite sure if she’s mad or not, I run out to the shop, grab my trusty thermometer, run back in the house, and place the little red dot on her forehead :evil: ! Depending on the reading I can tell if I’ll be sleeping on the couch, or in the shop.
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Old 03-11-2006, 05:43 AM
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Mac702 mentioned using one to find faulty (as in hot or warm) circuit breakers in an electric panel
I've used it for checking electrical connections in panels for years. A loose connection has higher resistance, so it will he hotter than a tight connection
I also use the "IR" for motor, and pump bearings.
The Laser sight is also fun if you have a cat or a dog.
When I feel Evil. I tease Dogzilla with it. He'll chase that dot all over the house. :evil:
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  #6  
Old 03-11-2006, 07:52 AM
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i used mine last night. to see if the floor in my garage was cold enough to keep my beer cold. 40deg, it was. true story.

i also use it to find cold spots around the house. cold spots = higher heating bill.
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Old 03-11-2006, 08:38 AM
stock z/28 stock z/28 is offline
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HI,

I have used these for years as well. As stated electrical connections are are a big use. Fluorescent lighting ballasts are another use.

I use mine on engines a lot. You can usually find a missing cyl very fast, as well as cooling system problems. Dragging brakes and various bad bearings are another use.

I bought my first one about 93 or 94, when they were pretty expensive, but I used it so much I considered it a value. I scrounged one at a swap meet last fall with a bad battery for $5. It works great.

I have one that reads very high that I use for exhaust temps, and I use it everyday.

In my opinion these are probably one of the best diagnostic tools available.

Jeff
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  #8  
Old 03-11-2006, 09:56 AM
fatfrank fatfrank is offline
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You can use it to check the temp of the BBQ grill without having to put down your beer and get out of your lawn chair.
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  #9  
Old 03-11-2006, 10:09 AM
Dug3x3 Dug3x3 is offline
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what do one of these things look like ? WHere do i get it , i want one.

Last edited by cutter; 03-15-2011 at 07:36 PM. Reason: remove hacker link
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  #10  
Old 03-11-2006, 10:14 AM
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Caliber Caliber is offline
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I use mine the same as Z-28 does, execpt I use it on diesels for: finding bad injectors, checking thermosats, used it for preheating cast welding repairs (made sure it was 500*+ before welding) checking the temp on welded / cut pieces before I burn my hand on them!
I use it to set up the return water valves for the shops floor heat,
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