Tire pressure gauges

[renobruce]

I have about 6 tire pressure gauges. None of them read the same. I wonder who makes an accurate gauge? And how would you know it's accurate??

[bonanzadave]

Read the pressure from all six gauges. Do the math and take the average. Dont forget to add temperature, altitude and barometric pressure to your calculation.....

http://www.superstreetbike.com/all-tire-pressure-gauges-are-accurate-mythbusters#page-3

[Nessism]

McMaster-Carr sells a round 0-60 psi pressure gauge with NIST cert for about $100. Accurate to +/- 2%.

You can save money and buy a higher grade gauge, but without the NIST cert for about $30...

Accuracy:ASME Grade 1A (1%) Full Scale https://www.fastenal.com/products/de...%20Scale%22$|~

[tas850g]

This is the gauge that most of us use to check our tire pressures at the track.

http://www.streetandcomp.com/store/itemdesc.asp?ic=21%2D56041&eq=&Tp=

And if there is any question to its accuracy then we compare it to our tire vendor at the track.

[Gorminrider]

I have wondered about this too- I think tas850g has it right per accuracy-goto a tire shop or mechanic and "calibrate" yours (or buy one from them if they will let you test it against theirs). Then just remember the difference in the ranges you use. A 60# max seems more useful than a 100# max simply because their are closer gradations AND as a general rule ALL gauges work best at their middle reading..always iffy t'wards bottom or top. (which is Why you have to buy a different gauge for air in the forks... )

"homeowner" stick types rely on friction of a rubber seal so I expect this going to wear out or degrade but that said,my best stick gauge is an old English one. It still comes in very near to "accurate"..and I'm liking my cheapo digital one lately but of course they just have "new2me" modes of failure

[Nessism]

Where I work, at an aerospace component supplier, every measuring instrument must be calibrated. It's a huge non negotiable expense for the company but that's just the way it is. Most tools require annual calibration, but it could be more often still depending on the application. The cost of the calibration often exceeds the cost of the tool; those pressure gauges from McMaster-Carr are case in point.

I recently purchased a set of weights, the type that stack on a hanger and nest together, and the type with the cert. cost about 3X as much as the regular weights. I talked to our calibration specialist and he told me that if I buy the cheaper weights he can certify them himself. All good right? Actually NO. Our outside calibration guy said he can't use our weights. In order for him to certify the system calibration for the equipment we are trying to get up and running, he needs the NIST certified weights. I was scratching my head on this but he told me he has no option. Apparently, weights are not just weights, they need to undergo a density check for some reason. Don't ask me why. I just know that calibration is no laughing matter. Obviously a tire pressure gauge doesn't need all this scrutiny but it does sort of highlight that tools such as a pressure gauge have a limited lifespan unless you have some way to judge calibration. And please don't use one $40 gauge to judge another $40 gauge. It doesn't work that way.