Accutire MS-4350B Programmable Digital Tire Gauge

Product Description

Accutire's programmable digital tire gauge is an easy-to-use, multi-featured gauge with an extra large, blue, backlit LCD screen and ergonomic styling. It measures PSI from 5-99 pounds in 0.5-pound units, and includes the patent-protected Set Point programmable feature which allows for recording the factory-recommended tire pressure for both front and rear tires. Other helpful features include a white LED flashlight to make checking tire pressure at night or in the garage a cinch; an audible pressure signal; auto off; and a five-year manufacturer warranty.

Customer Reviews

Nice Features, But Needs Homemade Rubber Gasket to Seal Properly
The Accutire "Setpoint Tire Gauge," model MS-4350B from "MSI Sensors" (aka "MS-4350: Digital Set Point Programmable..." from "Measurement Specialties"), UPC 1550710566, has seven nice features. First, it's easy to hold. The bottom of the larger-than-usual body is rubberized, and the shape allows you to firmly press it onto a tire valve stem with a thumb. Second, there is an LED light activated by a big round button on the back. Third, the screen is backlit and the numbers are large. Fourth, there is no need to turn it on/off. Instead, you can push the nozzle onto the valve, and it displays the measurement; about 15 seconds later, it turns itself off. Fifth, it beeps when an accurate reading is taken. Sixth, the two CR2032 lithium batteries will presumably last a long time, and can be replaced if they wear out. Finally, if you keep forgetting how much air is needed, you can program separate front & rear target pressures.

UNFORTUNATELY, it's hard to obtain a solid seal on valves. It's the same problem noted here and in reviews of "Accutire MS-4000B Deluxe Backlit Lithium Digital Tire Gauge" on Amazon.com. One September 24, 2004, review there by "Crazy Dude" says "because you're pressing plastic (the gauge) against metal (the tire air stem), you must hold it perfectly flush or air will escape, making a reading difficult to get."

So to improve my gauge I more-or-less followed the instructions of "Crazy Dude," which were: "I used '3M Scotch linerless rubber splicing tape.' The thickness is important. I used .03 in. (.761mm). I wouldn't go any thicker. ... All you need to do is cut it to the diameter of the inside of the gauge's mouth, then cut out a small hole for the air hole."

Since my home has no rubber tape, I took a wide pink rubber band (from a bunch of broccoli) about 0.75mm thick. I cut a gasket about 7.5mm diameter with a 3mm hole and glued it in place. Now it works like a charm. If you have the time to make this modification, buy it from Amazon.com!

O-Ring
I agree with the other reviewers who said this product needs an o-ring. I found it very difficult to get it to seal on the tire valve stem, but with the o-ring it works perfectly. (Why they don't manufacture it that way I don't know). But by getting an inexpensive o-ring from Ace Hardware you have a product that is outstanding. Another reviewer said the size o-ring he bought was 1/4 x 1/8 x 1/16. However I found this size was too small and didn't fit. I had to get 5/16 x 3/16 x 1/16, and it's a perfect fit. And with tax it cost me a mere .18 cents. An easy modification well worth it.

Fix the leaking problem
I bought an O-ring at Ace Hardware [stk no.35774B] and this ring fits perfectly into the inside of the sensor. Around the hole which makes contact with the metal tire stem. Walla ! the leak problem has stopped and one gets a very tight fit onto the stem curing the problem.
The exact size of the this rubber O-ring 1/4 x 1/8 x 1/16. [#60 O-ring]
at Ace Hardware. So one does not even need to cut or glue this thing to make it work. Give it a try! Cure the problem for sure. The part cost me
.74 cents.