Orion Motor Tech AC Gauges, AC Manifold Gauge Set for R134a R12 R22 R502, 3 Way Automotive AC Gauge Set with Antishock Gauges Hoses Couplers Adapter, Puncturing Can Tap Freon Recharge Kit

I needed a set of gauges to replace a set that were borrowed and never returned (shame on me). I am a 40+ year heavy truck technician (retired) so I didn't want to spend a ton of money on a new set of professional Master Cool gauges at my age. I saw this set for a very good price and decent reviews so I took a chance.I used them today and they worked very well for what I needed then for. There were two minor things that I had happen to me during my first use worth mentioning. The first was that the hoses loosen up way too easily on the quick connect fittings every time you move the gauge set around. I had it blow some refrigerant out of the system before I could get to the fitting to tighten it (and frost burned my hand reaching in there). The other thing is the can tap is terrible. It took me 3X as long as it should have to put one 12oz can in the system the way it trickles through the tap. If you buy this set, just buy a better can tap. No big deal.I still recommend these for occasional use once in a while. They just are not for made for everyday use as a professional technician.

Connected this to the AC service ports in my 2013 Kia Optima that uses R134a refrigerant to check the pressures, which has a notorious problem with its thermal expansion valve. This product performed very well and read accurate pressures that correspond with the hot air from the AC system. I also need to point out that I attempted to use this on a 2020 model vehicle with a good working AC for comparison purposes but did not realize it uses the more modern r1234yf AC system, thus my valve connectors did not fit. I still plan to have the system evacuated, then I will vacuum and refill the refrigerant after replacing the faulty expansion valve. I look forward to updating this review afterward.UPDATEThe recharge process went well and these gauges were excellent. Definitely a great purchase for the DIY person who needs something inexpensive for a few uses. No leaks at all.

Good product works great.

Most, if not all, R-134a 12oz Refrigerent come as self-sealing cans. This gauge set does not contain the Adapter needed to allow the refrigerent to flow from the can. This adapter is available at most Auto Parts stores for under $5. I also see Orion Motor Tech R134a self sealing can tap on Amazon which might also work. Otherwise this is a good Gauge set with nice storage capability.

These are decent quality for a home level kit who will do some work on occasion. I bought this kit since it had a case as it is not a tool most people are going to use often. It worked fantastic for recharging the AC on a car.

Difficult to get lines to stay attached and not leak. They work themselves loose even when tightened as tight as you can using the finger nuts provided on each line. I really like that feature but unfortunately it doesn't work well. You really have to continuously tighten them which is rather annoying. Other than that, pretty darn good tool for the price. Wouldn't recommend for a mechanic but for personal use it's good.

It may seem like this is a one time use tool but I kept finding reasons to borrow a friend's gauges. Purchased these (and an air powered vacuum pump from HF) and now I have the ability to troubleshoot and repair my own AC systems! Make sure to test with both the gauges connected, and then with each high and low disconnected one at a time. This time my problem was simply a leaking schrader valve. Saved a few bucks doing it myself and have the tools to do it again on this and any other vehicles as needed. The case is convenient for storage with all my other specialty automotive tools too. Would recommend.

As of 2018 it is ILLEGAL to sell piercing valve type cans of R134A. This kit will DAMAGE the self seal on a can of R134A. This will at best destroy the valve and make it unusable. AT WORST it will create a medical emergency, fill the garage with fumes and release refrigerant into the atmosphere. BUYER BEWARE.