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AR15.COM
7/2/2026 2:18:07 PM EDT
Looking for a good AC manifold gauge set.  Vacuum pump is not necessary, but I'm not opposed to it for the right price either.  Would prefer to buy locally if possible.

Without a pump, I am looking at this Vevor.  With a pump, I am looking at this other Vevor.

Is there anything better I should consider?
"Do not overthink it, gentlemen. It's only a gunfight, not an IRS tax audit." - Louis Awerbuck
7/2/2026 2:33:54 PM EDT
[#1]
Coming from this shadetree “work on my stuff myself”, I bought the gauges and vacuum pump from Harbor freight almost twenty years ago.  I’ve used the maybe 4 times, and they have worked those 4 times.   I would read the reviews on Vevor’s site but I’m sure they are good to go.
The Emperor is naked.
7/2/2026 2:40:40 PM EDT
[#2]
Make sure you have the correct adapters before you take your fender liners off.  Professionals will understand this.
Preferred pronoun: MARINE
7/2/2026 6:08:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Spaceboy][Edited] [#3]
I just used the harbor freight gauge set and vacuum pump.  They worked great!

Attached File


ETA if this helps

Attached File
7/2/2026 6:33:42 PM EDT
[Last Edit: tortilla-flats][Edited] [#4]
Check out Harbor Freight Icon.

ICON R134A A/C Manifold Gauge Set  $200
Tom Sawyer.

"If The Rules brought us to this, what use are they?"
7/3/2026 8:02:15 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ColtRifle][Edited] [#5]
I used the US General from Harbor Freight for a few years but they eventually broke.

I have THESE now and they have been excellent
"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things."
Theodore Roosevelt
7/3/2026 6:43:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Jerret_S][Edited] [#6]
I have a set of YellowJacket gauges. Just used them 2 days ago.

Buy good adapters. I bought a cheaper set and both high and low failed and leak under vacuum.
7/3/2026 7:52:39 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Jerret_S:
I have a set of YellowJacket gauges. Just used them 2 days ago.

Buy good adapters. I bought a cheaper set and both high and low failed and leak under vacuum.
View Quote

Plus get a good vacuum pump. Filling without vacuuming will catch up to you. Fill by weight. Note PSA have someone pull the Freon out.
VCDL Member
NRA Life Member
7/3/2026 9:05:16 PM EDT
[#8]
I am under the impression that the set you can get from O'Reillys are quality.
7/3/2026 9:11:05 PM EDT
[#9]
There's not much to them almost any will work for home game use. Spend a couple bucks and get a decent set of hoses with valves.

Cheap gauge with good hoses>mid tier manifold with bad hoses
7/7/2026 6:55:07 AM EDT
[#10]
I had to teflon tape all the threads on my cheapo gauge set. Works good once you figure out how many turns you have to back off the puncture needle after puncturing the can of refrigerant. lol

Just did my 26 year old Miata with original A/C. 43lbs indicated on the gauge got me 21 degrees out of the center vents at 63MPH.
Political correctness is a devious weapon designed to silence those whose arguments cannot be refuted.

Embracing the "Progressive" American democratic party is akin to volunteering your time to erect the gallows you will one day swing from.

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