RFI: Tire pressure gauge that is accurate

[Nephrology]

I like this one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[OlongJohnson]

https://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Di.../dp/B07GCS9ZCM for example, is advertised at +/- 0.6 Psi.

Motion Pro is a leading brand of specialized tools and parts for powersports (motorcycles, etc.). They make really nice stuff, though it's not usually the cheapest solution. Sometimes, it's the only solution. Obviously, they don't make the digital part of that, but I'm sure they've tested the heck out of it before putting their name on it. Would use with confidence, but it's honestly probably overpriced on this one.

Just to note, the +/- 0.6 PSI corresponds to 1% of full scale.

If you want repeatable over time and to actually read the number, get a dial intended for racing. Analog is usually cheaper and works fine. Longacre is the most common and the one I use. Expect to spend around $80.

See comments to follow...

My understanding is most current digital gauges are accurate to within .2 of a pound.

Here's a quick comparison: https://blog.tirerack.com/blog/tire-...nt-temperature - The digital gauge was a version of the Accutire I linked to above.

Most consumer digital gauges only read to 0.5 lb. There is no way to know whether where the break points are between readings. If 1.5 psi is the difference between the right setting and the car starting to feel not right, I like more resolution. And for things like motorcycles, where I might run 12-14 psi, I like more resolution.

From the Tire Rack test, describing the various gauges:

$50 0-60 psi dial gauge w/bleeder valve
This gauge has been in service for several years, replacing one ruined by a single drop onto the pavement.

That is the big problem with mechanical dial gauges. They are delicate instruments, and the life of a tire pressure gauge is not for delicate instruments. I've had one ruined before, and it led to considerable inconvenience. The gauge had a zero stop peg, and the deflection of the needle was in the negative direction, so it read ~8 psi lower than the actual pressure and I had no way to know until I checked it against a different gauge.

On the other hand, digital gauges seem to just work or not, and seem to be far less susceptible to mechanical shock damage.

Years ago, an automotive enthusiast magazine did a tire pressure gauge comparison, lining up an array of gauges against a quality NIST-traceable mechanical, and the cheap $10 digital (Accutire, if I remember) was as good as any, better than most.

I have a 0.1-PSI reading digital I've used for ~15 years. Probably not still available under that brand anyway. If I needed to replace it, I'd probably go with something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/JACO-ElitePro...dp/B07VV78RZ1/

[JRB]

We used these Longacre digital gauges for pretty much everything that mattered and they were very consistent and accurate. There were a few times that it was frustrating to deal with dead batteries in them, but there's a reason there's a joke about how batteries die the instant they're put into a race trailer. Being accurate to 100psi was nice for truck and trailer tires, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/Longacre-52-5...dp/B00TO6BLZE/

Edit: x2 to OlongJohnson's vouch for Motion Pro if you really want to just have one ideal kick-ass item that should last a lifetime.

[baddean]

+3 for a Motion Pro gauge.

https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0402

Have had one for years. Very durable and accurate.
For the OP. I've always been anal about tire pressures on my Motorcycles. Because it could literally be about "arms and legs".

[Leroy Suggs]

I really appreciate all the reply's.
I just ordered the Jayco digital that @OlongJohnson recommended.

[Doc_Glock]

I got these for all the cars after being frustrated with dial gauges losing zero. Happy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YKB4BS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Dang it. Thanks to this thread I added this for the garage:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[SD]

That style used to be my favorite, all our vehicles had at least one. They don't make them the way they used to or maybe i haven't looked hard enough.

I got these for all the cars after being frustrated with dial gauges losing zero. Happy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Guerrero]

That style used to be my favorite, all our vehicles had at least one. They don't make them the way they used to or maybe i haven't looked hard enough.

The last couple I've had like that have been absolute crap. I have one that belonged to my dad that's at least 40 years old that still works really well.

[Outlier]

The Motion Pros with the angled chuck head do look the ticket for motorcycle work. For stuff involving four wheels, I have been very pleased with my PCL digital gauge/inflator. It is probably a little more applicable to a professional setup though.

[flyrodr]

So . . . are y'all saying my Schrader "Service Tire Gauge", which I found in a "junk drawer" at my late uncle's house about 40 years ago, thus making it a few decades older than that, is maybe not too accurate? That the spring might be a bit weak?

Attachment 62069

You'd be the same ones that would tell me I need to change the springs in an equally old 1911 too, right?