Gas leak detectors

[Daniel]

Currently i’m a DIYer. Hoping to get into a shop sometime. Thinking about getting a leak detector for some ac work I have to do on my bronco. So I have some questions about these because I’ve nevered own one.

First off, are they even worth getting(elrctronic)? Is this tool even worth searching for a cheapo or go with good well known brand? Do you have any suggestions on good ones or which one are you using?

Apreciate any responses! Thanks!

Topic

[sam priem]

if you are just a diy’er right now, id probably pass on a leak detector. a good one runs pretty high price wise. you wont get your money out of it. you can diagnose just about every a/c leak with a black light and some dye. if you plan on making a career out of wrenching, then its probably worth it to buy one since you’ll use it more often and with the time it will save you in a shop, it wont take long to get your moneys worth out of it. mine has paid for itself with the amount of time its saved me. i own a Robinair infrared leak detector and it works nice. it was on the spendy side (i think i paid 350). i don’t usually use it as a stand alone tool, i use it with other a/c diagnostic tools like my black light. i found it most useful in areas like under the dash where a black light is hard to use. in my opinion i don’t think its worth buying a cheap one. cheaper ones tend not to be as sensitive to leaks that are extremely small. if you want to get one, spend a good chunk of money on one.

[Daniel]

Thanks for the advice. I will start with a blacklight then work my way up from there.

[Author]

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