Battery Load Tester

[Rob Mayercik]

Replaced the battery in my DD this week as it was showing signs of failing, and once again I got to thinking that maybe I should look into adding something that can load-test that sort of thing to my tool collection (I have a DMM).

Seeing as it's not something I expect to use a lot, I wouldn't want to spend a huge amount on it. As such, I've been occasionally eyeing this simple, old-school load tester from Harbor Freight that's only about $20:

https://www.harborfreight.com/100a-6...isolation=true

Overall review rating is 4.7 out of 5, and it seems like there's very little in terms of things that can go wrong with it.

I'm thinking that at the price it may worth picking one up and taking the chance - Anyone around these parts used one of these?

[jeep ride]

Yes we had those at the Napa's I used to work at worked great easy to use can't remember the brand looked like the one in your link ours were much more than 20 bucks fwiw.

[Bent]

The HF unit is worth the price of admission. I have one, worked the few times I've needed it. Former neighbor had one he used all the time. He liked it.

[Rob Mayercik]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Will probably grab one the next time I pass by my local HF.

[Bent]

Forgot to mention. My former neighbor works on traffic signals and controllers. Many/most have lead acid batteries for back up. So yeah, he uses the $hit out of it.

[old_man]

All a battery load tester is, is a big resistor. No complex electronics. No reason to spend big.

[Rob Mayercik]

Well, I did buy one the next time I happened into HF. Haven't tried it yet, doing cylinders/shoes/hardware on my rear drums is slightly higher priority.

Looking forward to trying it though...

[WCBlueSky]

Good info and link, thanks

[RickDT]

Originally Posted by Bent

The HF unit is worth the price of admission. I have one, worked the few times I've needed it. Former neighbor had one he used all the time. He liked it.

Looking to get one! Good to hear they are reliable.

[Bent]

One thing I've never seen there is a hydrometer. Handy to have if you have any wet cells in your stable. It's sad and funny when someone is having issues and you ask them, "have you checked the water levels?" "Huh?"