Tire Gauge

[isaiahsdad]

Being a DarSider, and a Nomad owner in general, a tire gauge is a must for us. My question is, what gauge do you use and why? Any digital gauges out there worth of the money? Pictures are welcome and links to websites too. Thanks

[Yellow Jacket]

Don,

I use the Accutire MS-4000 digital gauge.

According to the specifications the accuracy is +/- 1% + 5 PSI.

It works pretty good and gives consistent readings.

You can find it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Accutire-MS-40.../dp/B00005AXI4

http://www.toolcrib.com/detail/94390

[pirate]

I use a digital gauge that I bought at our local Napa store. I guess you'd call it the "Napa" brand, and it has always been very consistent.

[cactusjack]

I use the
Slime digital tire gauge

I also have a gauge built into my tire chuck that is pretty accurate.

[cantridenuf]

Old school pen-sized gauge works for me.

[Jared]

I kick the tire. If it's hard than I'm ok. If it's soft I add air until it's hard.



J/K....I too use a normal pencil gauge.

[dogdoc]

I found a gauge at wally world that attaches to your air compressor and is a gun style so you can fill, bleed and watch the gauge all at once. pretty darn accurate too. about $15

[VulcanE]

I use THIS. There are several things I like about it, things like not having to lay down to check the rear, and you can see your pressure anytime. You can check your pressure while riding. On a side note, I've noticed that the pressure and temperature (it also monitors temperature) changes less on a CT than it does on a MC tire when your out on a long hot days ride.

[dandolfn]

This is the one I got. Works great for me.

Except for the laying down on the floor part....

:-)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

But even laying down on the floor is a little easier now. When I replaced my tires, I had the mechanic turn the valve stems so they face the high side of the bike.

[macmac]

I use two, on is annalog BDO German made and made before digital was a common word, and the other is digital reading out 1/2 psi increments. One will match the other.

Anyone who wants can turn the stem unless it is stuck. I forgot to turn mine when the tire was off, so I just let the air out, loosend the locking nuts and turned it. Snugged the nuts again and re-inflated the tire..

[Cajunrider]

Now that I'm running a CT, I will switch from air to Nitrogen in both tires this week. I've talked to a few guys down here that have switched over and they tell me that the ride is better and the tire pressure remains much more consistent. I think it will cost $10 per tire. Small price to pay if it works out. The Goodwrench shop isn't too far from the house so I won't have to go far to have the pressure adjusted when need be.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Cajunrider

Now that I'm running a CT, I will switch from air to Nitrogen in both tires this week. I've talked to a few guys down here that have switched over and they tell me that the ride is better and the tire pressure remains much more consistent. I think it will cost $10 per tire. Small price to pay if it works out. The Goodwrench shop isn't too far from the house so I won't have to go far to have the pressure adjusted when need be.

Not trying to stir the pot, but do you realize the air we breathe is nearly 80% nitrogen? Unless the shop evacuates the tires with a vacuum pump to remove all traces of ambient air, probably the best they can do is 90% nitrogen. But don't let me discourage you... it's your money.

[Cajunrider]

You're right about the N content in the atmosphere. Down here at sea level, O2 is around 20.8%. I'm not sure if they pull a vacuum on the tire or not. I'll ask. I think they fill it up with N and bleed it off and fill it again. Maybe even 3 times. I'd be afraid to let them pump it down and possibly unseat the bead on the CT.

[VulcanE]

I done a lot of research on the nitrogen thing, and even had my Cobras converted to nitrogen ($5 a tire). They bleed it to almost zero, fill it with N, bleed it to near zero, fill it, and bleed it again, then fill it to requested pressure. Most shops can only get it to around 92-93% pure, but for it to be of any advantage, it must be a minimum of 97% pure. I couldn't tell much, if any difference in it. The pressure still varied just like it did before. I went back and asked about the purity of the nitrogen, and they guaranteed me it was @ 93%.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Cajunrider

You're right about the N content in the atmosphere. Down here at sea level, O2 is around 20.8%. I'm not sure if they pull a vacuum on the tire or not. I'll ask. I think they fill it up with N and bleed it off and fill it again. Maybe even 3 times. I'd be afraid to let them pump it down and possibly unseat the bead on the CT.

From what I've heard, they just remove the valve core and let all the air out then fill up with nitrogen. It would take a lot of time per each tire to pump them down with vacuum, and like you mentioned - it could unseat the bead.

This is my opinion, but I don't think you're really getting much of anything for your money.

There is an auto mechanic program on a local radio station that I listen to on Saturdays when I'm puttering around the garage. It is hosted by a very reputable owner of a very good repair shop here. He was talking about this just last Saturday and said it the benefit of using nitrogen is negligible unless you're putting it in racing tires or airplane tires and have the equipment an expertise to get close to a 100% concentration in the tires.