Anyone use the AC Manifold Gauge Set from Harbor Freight?

[Microman]

I am thinking of purchasing this Air Condition Gauge set from Harbor Freight. It is $31.99 Reg Price 69.99.

Does anyone use Harbor Freights gauge for AC?

Does this gauge still use the cans of R134a?

I think that if this would work, and getting a vacuum pump that I have seen they also sell, would be great to have in my arsenal, if they work as intended.

Better than those trigger installers with single hose I guess.

Thoughts?

[Grateful11]

http://www.harborfreight.com/a-c-manifol...92649.html

Looks like a love/hate relationship with the item according to the reviews. I don't own it as my brother
has my late Dad's set which were commercial grade but if it's something you're not going to use much
it sounds ok by the reviews. I suspect the major complainers went there and bought a set to use in a
business and they didn't hold up. I tell people like this about Harbor Freight stuff, if going to use
occasionally their stuff is pretty good, if you're going use daily avoid it. I have a lot of their stuff and it
works fine for me but I don't use it that often. My HF floor jack still works great but I loaned it, like an
idiot, to my nephew and he messed up one of the caster wheels on it. I've had it for over 15 years.

[olnacl]

Basically, I'd recommend getting a quality gauge set since you have no confidence that they are accurate. Also, servicing A/C units in most states without collecting the old refrigerant is illegal, but this may or may not bother you.
Ditto the vacuum pump. In order to boil off any moisture in the system, you need to pull a steady vacuum. Most cheap pumps won't make the grade. Here's a table:



Oh, any gauge set should handle 134A - you just need the can adapter to connect it to the hose on the gauge set. Remember to NEVER try to charge to the high side with a can of refrigerant. But you know that already!

[John B.]

I have one. It has worked fine for me the couple of times I've used it, and as you say it's easier to use than the cans with the triggers on them.

Your local AutoZone or NAPA will probably loan you tools if you need them for a one-time repair. I borrowed AutoZone's vacuum pump once when I needed it (had to go to a different AutoZone store than the one closest to me to get a loaner).

[NewtonMP2100]

.....no but I do HARBOR some ill will......

[Dennis S]

My general position is to buy at Harbor Freight first. If it messes up, then buy a good one.

[cbelt3]

Did the same thing you're doing... violated EPA rules (hoping they won't build a Simpsons-Dome over my town), and learned that what I really needed was a dessicant replacement and a new switch on top of it. I'll try again this spring.