What is the best compression tester under $100? Overall?

[Mirad]

I'm looking to buy a well-built, high quality, and accurate compression tester.

What do you all suggest for under $100?

Price is not an option?

 

[DJ Raydiate]

Have you looked at harbor freight? Search results for: 'compession tester'
Advanced Auto Advance Auto Parts: Search Results for compression tester kit
Any where? Not to sound like a dick or anything but did you look?

 

[Breezio69]

My compression tester from harbor freight does the job... and I can buy and try 5 before I hit the $100 limit. Used it 3 times and its been flawless each time. Even compared to a tester my dad has from some other brand name company, checked out fine side by side.

Are you looking for one because you are a mechanic and need to use it 3-4 times a day, or use it maybe 4 times in your life?

 

[boost97gst]

My compression tester from harbor freight does the job... and I can buy and try 5 before I hit the $100 limit. Used it 3 times and its been flawless each time. Even compared to a tester my dad has from some other brand name company, checked out fine side by side.

Are you looking for one because you are a mechanic and need to use it 3-4 times a day, or use it maybe 4 times in your life?

My harbor freight comp tester and leakdown tester both work great as well.
Super cheap and just remember: Its a gauge. Its not a complicated piece of equipment. It may not last as long as one that costs 4x's as much but it will do the job accurately. I too have tested comp tester vs a name brand one with zero difference.

 

[Mirad]

Have you looked at harbor freight? Search results for: 'compession tester'
Advanced Auto Advance Auto Parts: Search Results for compression tester kit
Any where? Not to sound like a dick or anything but did you look?

Unfortunately those that you linked don't seem to last long from the reviews I've been reading from other sites. I don't know which brand makes a quality one which is why I'm asking. Idk abt you, but I wouldn't want to pay $20 for something that will work a few times and then just break.

My compression tester from harbor freight does the job... and I can buy and try 5 before I hit the $100 limit. Used it 3 times and its been flawless each time. Even compared to a tester my dad has from some other brand name company, checked out fine side by side.

Are you looking for one because you are a mechanic and need to use it 3-4 times a day, or use it maybe 4 times in your life?

It's for convenience vs trying to find a ride, driving down to the local auto parts to borrow one, driving back to return it, then driving back home. That's a lot of gas and time wasted that could've been spent on fixing the problem and moving onto the next issue.

My harbor freight comp tester and leakdown tester both work great as well.
Super cheap and just remember: Its a gauge. Its not a complicated piece of equipment. It may not last as long as one that costs 4x's as much but it will do the job accurately. I too have tested comp tester vs a name brand one with zero difference.

Kinda crazy to keep buying poor quality ones instead of just sucking it up and paying for a longer lasting one isn't it?

Any other suggestions than Harbor Freight $22, Actron $30, Sunpro $42, and OTC? $86

 

[dsmspick]

I have the craftsman one and it has been used several times by friends and what not and works perfectly. I highly recommend it based on how well it works and the fact you get a carrying case with it.

 

[DJ Raydiate]

Wow, I'm sorry, but I'm failing to comprehend what you are trying to accomplish here with this thread. You have people who have first hand experience with some of the gauges and compared them next to high dollar name brand ones, I might add, letting you know that the cheaper gauges work just fine. No where in this thread has one said that they had one fail.

Unfortunately those that you linked don't seem to last long from the reviews I've been reading from other sites. I don't know which brand makes a quality one which is why I'm asking. Idk abt you, but I wouldn't want to pay $20 for something that will work a few times and then just break.

The only reviews I ever read are from sites like this. Once you understand human nature, you will find that 90% of people just want something to bi*** about.

It's for convenience vs trying to find a ride, driving down to the local auto parts to borrow one, driving back to return it, then driving back home. That's a lot of gas and time wasted that could've been spent on fixing the problem and moving onto the next issue.

Unless you are tearing down/checking an engine in between runs on a strip like the top drag teams do (which I doubt) you could just get one and be done.

Kinda crazy to keep buying poor quality ones instead of just sucking it up and paying for a longer lasting one isn't it?

Never did they say that one has failed on them. They implied that it's just a gauge. As long as one knows how to handle a gauge, it will be fine. Once you start trying to play hacky sack with it or swats flies with it, it will start having issues.

Any other suggestions than Harbor Freight $22, Actron $30, Sunpro $42, and OTC? $86

The only other thing I can suggest other than what has already been stated is, look up "diy compression gauge" "home made compression gauge" on Google and see what pops up. You could find a liquid filled gauge if you look hard enough, but the liquid gauges can be very pricey ( I speak from experience ).

You could try ebay as well, but remember on ebay it's hit or miss. You could be buying someone else's junk.

 

[bryanwheat]

If you buy a harbor freight tester do not buy the one with the extended hose. Mine was very inaccurate directly from the box. The long hose just flexes too much. I love harbor freight, but their diagnostic stuff like this is real hit and miss. I would just go to your local parts store and buy the actron for 30 bucks. Those are pretty good quality.

 

[DJ Raydiate]

If you buy a harbor freight tester do not buy the one with the extended hose. Mine was very inaccurate directly from the box. The long hose just flexes too much. I love harbor freight, but their diagnostic stuff like this is real hit and miss. I would just go to your local parts store and buy the actron for 30 bucks. Those are pretty good quality.

Yeah, I could see where that could be a problem. Most of the testers that I have used have had short, semi rigid hoses.

 

[bryanwheat]

Yeah, I could see where that could be a problem. Most of the testers that I have used have had short, semi rigid hoses.

Yeah, my normal tester is that way. I bought the longer hose one hoping to be able to see it while in the car, but it will only read around 90 psi when my other one says 180. The worst part is that I bought it, forgot about it and didn't use it until a year later after the return period was up.

 

[boost97gst]

OP: Why you mad? Relax bud. I dont care what brand you buy, i was just sharing my firsthand experience.
And btw, i just tested it. A year old now and still works perfect.


Edit: To clarify: IF you plan on using this daily or own a shop then why are you asking? You need to get a top level brand, professional grade-durability comp tester. IF you are like most of us who wrench in our garages then many of the suggested testers in this thread will work fine for you.

 

[BogusSVO]

I have a Matco one, its about 18 years old, I bought it off the tool truck when I was a young machinist. Still works fine. I have never used it daily, and may have had it out the box 100 or so times in all the years.

IDK how much they are now, but I doubt I paid $100 for it

 

[bonecollector]

I use the snap-on gauge EEpv303A motorcycle compression gauge (because motorcycles is my line of work) comes with 14,12,10mm spark plug house adapters, I've owned it for about 6 years and use it at least once a week and has not failed me yet. I'm not sure what their MSRP is, (because the site is down) but, I believe i paid $90 for it off eBay. typical eBay price is $100-$140.

 

[Mirad]

Thanks for the suggestions and advice everyone.

If I sounded harsh that wasn't my intention. I work 14 hr shifts to make ends meet and what time I have available which isn't a lot, I use it on trouble shooting my car that started to give me issues recently. I do plan on taking it to the dealer for a full diagnostic soon after I do compression testing.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[DJ Raydiate]

Not a problem,we just try to help people out. Is your car throwing codes or what? No need for a dealership. There are MANY knowledgeable people here on this site. If you need help diagnosing your car, I'm sure someone has had it happen or know how to fix it.

 

[luv2rallye]

I agree. For home use the Actron compression tester for $30 (or I'd recommend the little better one there for $35 http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/C.../Compression-Tester/_/R-BK_7001095_0361066989 at Napa works just fine. Or get the one at Autozone for $40 http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...Identifier=424906_0_0_&CJPID=7101207&cmpid=cj.

 

[Mirad]

Not a problem,we just try to help people out. Is your car throwing codes or what? No need for a dealership. There are MANY knowledgeable people here on this site. If you need help diagnosing your car, I'm sure someone has had it happen or know how to fix it.

I consolidated all my threads addressing individual issues into one:What would cause hesitation, sagging, and a faulty speedometer?

Thanks man. I went as brief and detailed as I could.

I agree. For home use the Actron compression tester for $30 (or I'd recommend the little better one there for $35 NAPA AUTO PARTS at Napa works just fine. Or get the one at Autozone for $40 OEM/Compression Tester Gauge Set (27138) | Compression Tester Gauge | AutoZone.com.

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll decide on one once I get paid.