Are all gauges created equal? Like if i can get some for $90, how much better are better would a $200 set be? im not gonna be using these in a shop or anything, just on my family cars mostly. also how much better are oil filled gauges? what is the main advantage of them? thanks.

 

Some gauges come with hoses, some don't. Make sure to figure out if either one has the hoses. IMHO, unless the cheapy one looks cheaply made, I'd get that. Think Craftsman has a set for $120.

Oil filled gauges will keep the needle from bouncing around all over the place, making it easier to read.

 

www.harborfreight.com has a set for $50 with the hoses and $40 for a hoseless gauge also.

 

my robinair came with some adapters to work with r12, r22, r134a. buying adapters can add to the cost too. i ithnk a set from snap on cost me around 100 dollars. i believe buying ac manifold is like anything else you get what you pay for. i'd buy from a source of known good quality, sears, snap on, mac, etc.

 

And don't forget the big names in professional refrigeration, like Imperial/Eastman and Marsh ($$$).

 

what should i look for in a quality manifold set?