Spent $150 on a coolant refractometer and it saved a whole batch of parts

My concentration was way off and I was about to run a big job. That cheap tool showed me the problem in 30 seconds, avoiding a ton of scrap. What else do you guys use to check your coolant mix?

2 comments

2 Comments

sage_lewis101mo ago

That's a refractometer, not a coolant refractometer, they're the same tool. It just reads how light bends in any liquid. I keep one in my box and use it for checking battery acid and washer fluid too. For a quick daily check on the sump, I just use those paper test strips that change color. They're not as exact but they're fast and you can't beat the price.

ray_webb61mo ago

Oh man, that makes total sense. I never really thought about the tool itself just measuring light bend, so calling it just a refractometer is right. I feel a bit silly for always looking for the "coolant" labeled one now. Good point from @sage_lewis10 about using it for battery acid too, that's clever. I'm all about the test strips for a fast look, because if I have to dig out a tool I'll probably just put it off. Speed beats perfect numbers when you're just trying to avoid a disaster.