HVAC Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

If you work in HVAC, you know the value of tools like a pair of Milwaukee straight cutting aviation snips or a Klein infrared thermometer. Our HVAC tool reviews cover all the products in air mechanical that make that job possible. New technologies are bringing more cordless and multi-function tools to Pros. That cuts down on weight by making tools smaller and also eliminating multiple tools when just one will do. Smart tools are also coming into play as they allow for the capture and retrieval of data for inspections and bids. HVAC Tool Reviews for Air Mechanical Pros From color coded aviation snips to thermal imaging products, HVAC technicians use tools on every job that have to perform. If a tool promises one thing and doesn’t deliver—it’s out the door. That goes for a new multi-function hand tool or a test & measurement device that promises to be “smarter” than the average thermometer. Professional tools have got to work, and our evaluations ensure that they do.

Milwaukee 2270-20 Contact Temperature Meter Preview

Milwaukee 2270-20 Contact Temperature Meter Preview

The new Milwaukee 2270-20 Contact Temperature Meter can simultaneously measure two temperature points. It has a high contrast white on black display that can be read across the room and simple controls that are easy to use. In fact, the entire user interface is very simple. The tool performs Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion, simultaneous T1 and T2 measurements, and even difference measurements. It can store minimum and maximum temperature readings and has a strong removable magnetic base for hanging it directly, or via suspension, off duct work, panels and other metallic surfaces.

Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Review

Porter-Cable PCC581B 18V Infrared Thermometer Review

Getting a quick and accurate bead on the temperature differential around an AC duct or a door can be a lifesaver for air mechanical technicians and energy efficiency specialists. While there are a lot of tools on the market that can help you do this, it’s nice to be able to reach for a familiar name – particularly when your shop is already equipped with compatible batteries and chargers. Recently Porter-Cable launched the PCC581B Infrared Thermometer, which comes as a bare tool, making it a great choice if you’re already vested in their 18V cordless platform. And if you’re not, Porter Cable also offers a 9V-powered version, the PCC582B. Both of these infrared thermometers incorporate a tri-color beam that indicates temperature changes visually along with the digital readout. When you pull the trigger, the thermometer takes a reference temperature reading while it projects a circular green beam onto the surface at which it is aimed. The projected beam colors change when a difference in temperature is detected as you scan it across an area. A blue beam identifies a cooler spot, and a red beam indicates a hotter area.