I use these to check for failing brakes.

If a caliper is sticking, the disk will heat up and you will get a much
higher temp on the bad side (compare front with front, and back with back).

If a rear drum isn't doing its job, that drum will be much cooler.

Gives you a quick and easy shot on what is going bad.

The low price units typically don't go high enough "356F" to measure some
parts, but it is still better than nothing.

A must have for any tool box.

Jack

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Don Spence
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 6:13 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: infrared thermometer

Just found a $10.00 infrared thermometer. Is this worth having in the
toolbox?

Specifications.
Measuring Range : -33~180C (-27.4~356F)
Operating Range : 0~50C (32~122F)
Full Range Accuracy : +/- 2.5C, 2.5%
Distance :2~40cm
Emissivity Range : 0.95 fixed
Wave Length : 5um~14um
Power Supply : LR44X2
Spot Range: 1:1 (1mtr distance measures 1mtr spot size)
Display shown in Celsius/Centigrade & fahrenheit.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?
idProduct=8297&Product_Name=Turnigy_Infrared_Thermometer_
(-33_~_180Celsius)