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[automan77]

Looking to buy a Infrared temp gun but don't want to spend a lot. I saw some on eBay for around 25 bucks does anyone have any recommendations on a good cheap one?

[jerkash]

Lowes Home Improvement had them on sale last year.  I'm thinking $29.  Seems like they were in the barbque grill section

[johnybcold]

I got one from lowes I ordered it online and picked it up in the store it was $20-30 comes in handy I also bought a wood mosture meter

[automan77]

Picked one up at harbor freight.

[Scott7m]

There all over the place tho, they'll read one temp on one side of a fitting than the other, then read different on each type of material whether it be pex, brass, copper you name it.   

[slimjim]

Temperture GUAGES will tell you a lot, and they are quite accurate.

[Scott7m]

Slim is right, I've seen heat guns confuse more than it helped.

[Homerglide]

Infrared Temp Guns can be your friend

I have two infrared temperature readers (point and shoot). In the beginning they were frustrating to use, due to my ignorance. I was unaware of what they require to be accurate. These devices are finicky about the surfaces they read accurately.

1) Shiney, smooth or light colored surfaces are a no-no

There are simple fixes that will result in very close readings. Flat black paint or a strip of black friction tape will do the job. The friction tape is more accurate by a small margin.

Try either on a section of pipe. Take a shot at your new target and then a shot three inches away on bare pipe, you will see the difference. Comparing with other reading devices (strap-on bi-metal and digital thermistors) I am now comfortable with the results of the infrared devices.

[Scott7m]

Ive done that as well..  even with strap on probes on the line it reads cooler than the actual water temp, u just have to learn by how much.

if you were go place a black tape on supply line at back of stove how much differently did it read than the aquastat?

[Homerglide]

Ive done that as well..  even with strap on probes on the line it reads cooler than the actual water temp, u just have to learn by how much.

if you were go place a black tape on supply line at back of stove how much differently did it read than the aquastat?

I have no aquastats to compare with. All sensors are thermistor including the one on top of the boiler which the boiler controller uses and is very close to actual.  The thermistors that are strapped to the pipes and wrapped with insulation are questionable (maybe 4 to 10 degrees cooler than actual).