Engine compression gauge purchase questions

[2manybikes]

I would like some suggestions for a good quality compression gauge for my bikes. I have no interest in using it on anything else. Yes I know Harbor Freight and Sears sell them, and perhaps both of them are fine, but I'm curious as to what the board members use. I do know I am only interested in the screw in type.

[motoman]

I would like some suggestions for a good quality compression gauge for my bikes. I have no interest in using it on anything else. Yes I know Harbor Freight and Sears sell them, and perhaps both of them are fine, but I'm curious as to what the board members use. I do know I am only interested in the screw in type.

buy one at Sears, not harbor freight. It should have adaptors for either plug thread size.

[TopCatGr58]

I checked out the HF and Sears and Autozone ones online. Sears sells the Innova brand, same as Autozone. They/Sears also sells the inexpensive Actron type which looks very similar to the one I got 30 years ago. It has dual sized threads and O-rings on the same tip, so you don't have to swap fittings for it to fit 14 and 18mm threads. My 30+ y/o unit had the release valve on the unit next to the gauge as well. The only thing different is that mine has the display/gauge perpendicular to the hose like the top of a letter "T", whereas these gauges have the display in the same position/direction parallel to the hose. I don't know If the gauge will SWIVEL on the end of the hose, so it could be difficult to view the gauge after screwing it in.

T.C.

[Radioguylogs]

HF works for ne

I'm quite satisfied with the Harbor Freight model.

Seems accurate,... has O-ring equipped fittings to accommodate both plug sizes, and cost was only $10.

[2manybikes]

Compression gauge

Thanks to motoman, TC and Radioguylogs for promptly responding to my question. Mike, I will have to admit, your endorsement of the HF model will have me taking a second look at it. So here I am, giving my other friends a kick in the rear end. Come on guys,I know there are more than 3 people who use these things and have an opinion! Hello out there in XS land.

[Barbarosa]

Thanks to motoman, TC and Radioguylogs for promptly responding to my question. Mike, I will have to admit, your endorsement of the HF model will have me taking a second look at it. So here I am, giving my other friends a kick in the rear end. Come on guys,I know there are more than 3 people who use these things and have an opinion! Hello out there in XS land.

Been using my HF rig for over 10 yrs and it has worked fine. Will do 3 plug sizes and the case stores the hoses and gage nice and compact. IMO it is accurate enough to diagnose a major difference between the cylinders or to do a wet/dry test dependably. It works as well (identical readings) as a Stewart Warner that a friend has and was 1/3 the price so I am pleased with how it performs.

[2manybikes]

Compression gauge

Barbarosa, Thanks for your input as well. Looks like I will have to mention motor oil or tires to spark the natives into action!

[IanDMacDonald]

I have a Snap-On compression tester, and two Harbor Freight one's. I have the Snap-On tester in a case, and the HF one's in a tool cheat drawer. The HF one's always get used, and always work.

[2manybikes]

Compression gauge

Ian, thanks for your input. HF it is! Glad I asked before spending more money than I needed to. Thanks again, for everyone's input.