I’ve tried different tire pressure gauges over the years, and am happy to report that my Joes Racing tire pressure gauge, reviewed here, is still going strong.
I bought my Joes Racing 32307 tire pressure gauge back in 2012, and when I reviewed it I said it was the best tire pressure gauge I have ever used. That remains true, mostly because I haven’t needed to replace it yet.
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This particular model has a 0-60 PSI pressure measurement scale, with 1 PSI markings. Measurements start at 5 PSI.
Its hose is still flexible and in great condition, and so is the dial housing. Basically, the entire gauge has proven to be quite durable.
I don’t even know where any of my older tire pressure gauges are right now, this is the only one I’ve used.
To be fair, I use handheld tire pressure gauges less these days than I used to. I checked the tire pressure on my wife’s car every so often, and I use it to double-check the tire pressure monitoring system on my car on occasion.
It also has an air pressure release button, which can be useful for quickly bringing over-inflated tires down to spec.
When adjusting tire pressure, I almost always use a cordless inflator, with most featuring fairly accurate digital pressure gauges. Sometimes digital gauges are off, and I can never figure out why, but all of the inflators I’ve tested in recent years have been spot-on.
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But, a handheld tire pressure gauge requires no power and is often quicker to use than an inflator
I really like my Joes Racing tire pressure gauge, and given my satisfaction with it over the years, I’ll definitely buy another one if or when I need to.
The gauge comes with an angled chuck and a ball chuck. (As an aside, which do you guys prefer? I’ve been using mine with its angled chuck exclusively.)
I don’t remember if the glow in the dark face has ever come in handy, but it’s still a “good to have” feature.
Price: $30
Buy Now: Joes Racing Gauge via Amazon
From my experiences, I think this is the best tire pressure gauge out there. It had good reviews at the time I purchased it, and it looks to have continued that trend.
But, maybe I’m narrow-visioned. I did a quick search for alternates which might be as good, but nothing notable came up, at least at comparable price points.
A Longacre tire pressure gauge hit my radar, but it costs quite a bit more, at 2.5X to 3X the price of the Joes Racing. The Longacre gauge has a 3-1/2″ face vs. the 2-1/2″ face on the Joes Racing gauge. While the intermediate numbers on the Joes Racing gauge are quite small, the minor markings are clear and easy to read.
Longacre also has a 2-1/2″ gauge, priced at ~$44, but I don’t quite see what it offers over the Joe Racing.
Compare: Longacre 3.5″ Gauge via Amazon
Compare: Longacre 2.5″ Gauge via Amazon
Benjamen has had good experiences with his Accu-Gage tire pressure gauge, read his review here.
That Accu-Gage is still on my “editorial wishlist” for comparison purposes. There are pros and cons to this design and to the Joes Racing design I strongly favor. A hose can aid in tire valve stem accessibility, but adds to the cost and is one more thing that could break or go bad. Plus, a gauge like the Accu-Gage is smaller and more compact – you can’t exactly put the Joes Racing gauge or like-designs in your pocket.
I think that the Joes Racing gauge would provide the best user experience, but am open to hearing your experienced opinions.
Which brand, model, or style of gauge would consider the best? How is it better than what we’re talking about here?
David
I’m not sure I need a “best” for a pressure gauge. Convenient and easy to use work for me. To that end, I bought an inexpensive Husky digital pressure gauge (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-4-in-Digital-Tire-with-Gauge-AAA0138J/205937751 ) and have been happy with it – it is small, lights up so you can read it in the dark and seems accurate enough. For $10, other than the fact your batteries could die eventually, it hits the right balance for me.
The biggest danger for me is misplacing it in the car!
Mopar4wd
I have one of these too that I got as a gift. Seems to work well and be accurate. I also have a number of the accugages but I don’t use them much, I used to use them a lot when I offroaded regularly. I know they at least used to sell them at some autoparts stores which is where I got them.
I have Ryobi inflator I use to most of the time and it has a built in analog gauge but it seems to be off by about 5 PSI.
David
The upgrade bigger Ryobi dual purpose inflator has a digital gauge on it, that I like. It seems to a little off but in the .5-1 PSI range possibly. I use that quite often, but will check tired with the little Husky gauge if I want to see if I need to add some air. I can check the rest of the tires while one gets up to where it needs to be.
Ken
They have a newer version of the smaller one with a digitag gauge also now too. Its pretty nice.
Karl
I just want one that doesn’t let more air out before I get an accurate reading… I have car tires and high pressure trailer tires so a range.
I had an old craftsman and one of the first electronic ones that lasted about 10 years and never failed me. You put it on and it had a positive hit, got a good reading and you were done. It is the standard I judge by and can’t find another that has lived up to it since. I have lots of them so finding one in the car is not a problem. I have a cuss rating for these things…ranging from OK, to OH Shizz… And price, brand do not seem to be a big determining factor. If an auto place wants to sell one, put it by the register and I will buy it if only to correctly ascertain its appropriate cuss rating…
Koko the Talking Ape
The Accu-gage comes in several different configurations, including one with a short hose like the one you like in the Joes Racing model.
This one comes with your choice of a straight chuck, angled swivel chuck, or right angle chuck.
https://www.amazon.com/Accu-Gage-Professional-Pressure-Protective-Straight/dp/B00GWTAAIA/
fred
I have a Joe’s 32306 and a 32307 – think they are fine for my needs. When I bought them a few years back, I was toll to also look at Jaco:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jaco+tire+pressure+gauge&crid=53U3PZJRSFIN&sprefix=JACO+%2Caps%2C135&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_5
firefly
I have a similar one from Accu-Gauge. I think the one that Koko posted is the one that I have.
Though I always have a milton tractor gauge in my car. It’s the pencil type so it’s pretty much bulletproof from any kind of beating. It can take a washing too since it can be used on water filled tire. It only goes up to 50 psi so it’s easier to read. Great for passenger car!
Russ
Accutire MS-4021B Digital Tire Pressure Gauge … Amazon $10.50
Tested by Consumer Reports. Reports accuracy to half a pound (PSI).
I keep one in each of my cars.
Scott Machovec
Agree on Accutire MS-4021B Digital Tire Pressure Gauge. Good and accurate. Cheap enough to keep one in each glovebox. Appears to be both repeatable and reasonably accurate.
Toolfreak
I have several of the Accutire MS-4021B, among others, and the ‘old’ model that had a non-lighted LCD display is still my go-to among the lot. I have a few of the ‘new’ model with the red LED display but it’s actually really tough to read that in the daylight.
I also have quite a few of the cheap pencil-type gauges for keeping in vehicles, since the heat and cold kills the digital gauges when kept in a vehicle. They’re reasonably accurate as a check to the gauges that are on cheap portable compressors or when using gas station air pumps in a pinch, and they also work nice for taking a reading without having to keep the gauge on the valve while looking at it.
CyberRanger
Like Russ & Toolfreak, we have several of the MS-4021B of varying age. I’ve found them to be the most accurate for the buck & more accurate than many that are more expensive, sometimes a lot more expensive. They’re cheap enough to throw one in each vehicle & a one in a each toolbox. I’ve only had one stop working so far & have replaced the batteries in a couple. They work in extremely hot conditions (100°+ temps) & extreme cold (-25° F). They’ll read pressures up to & beyond 80 psi (on a 1 ton 4×4) & down to 3-5 psi (ATV). Hard to beat that for any money, moreless less than $15 or even less than $10 in the past.
I’ve had a lot of gauges over the years, but I like this one best. Worked in several tire shops when I was younger & was a front end, diesel & 4×4 mech.
RobTR8
I don’t do just a gauge anymore. Gotten spoiled by the boss’s BluPoint inflator.
I use this Husky inflator at home.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Heavy-Duty-Digital-Tire-Inflator-024-0375H/305016300
RobTR8
And we use the M12 inflator in the field.
A W
I’ve been happy with the Matco DT-100. It doesn’t have the pressure release valve but is small and durable enough to ride around in each vehicle either in the compartment with the factory Jack or with a VIAIR 88 12V powered air compressor.
Hilton
The problem with pressure gauges that only show PSI is that tyre pressure in Metric worlds are in Bar or Pascal.
KMR
Which is why a digital gauge that can change units is great. I’m partial to Longacre 53006 2″ Basic Digital Tire Gauge 0-60 PSI which can be had for under $30 on Amazon (sold by Speedway).
Hilton
Thanks!
MarylandUSA
Longacre offers deep discounts on blemished gauges. St least they used to. That’s how I bought my 3.5-inch, 0-60psi gauge.
aerodawg
Guess I’m behind the times. I just use one of the old pencil gauges with the scale that pops out. Works great, no batteries…..
Big Richard
DeWalt DCC020IB inflator.
mmmtacos
Kind of off-subject but the ARB Tire Deflator tends to do it’s job well in deflating tires and the gauge is pretty rugged. If you’re going to need one for an off-road vehicle then it’s the one to get:
https://www.amazon.com/ARB-ARB505-E-Z-Deflator-Orange/dp/B004LQCDOA
dll932
The old stick gauge is still good, as long as it’s not a cheapo.
Bobby
I use a Milton pocket gauge, made in USA.
Alexey
Same here. I also use this chuck: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014DIKNQ (Milton Industries S-505 INF GAGE SNGL HD CHK). Made in the USA.
Albert
My favorite is the Accutire MS-4350B. It has a built-in flashlight. I also have a US-made Milton pencil gauge that I keep in the glove box, but I don’t like the thick markings that they used. It just doesn’t seem accurate.
Nathan
SO I use either a campbell hausfield gage/inflator device for my compressor – it can also just check if neeed. SO I use it quite a bit.
I also keep a cheapo dial gage I bought from autozone years ago – and a nicer one I got at the pt at sebring years ago when I was there for a SCCA event
I don’t like digital gages anymore. I don’ t need to know my tires are 36.4 PSI as I also know they most likely aren’t that accurate. If it is and it comes with a cert card that’s nice but it’s a bit too much. When I race sure I put 38 PSI on my FR and 36 on my FL tires, etc etc around the car. but I do so on a gage that I know – and that’s based on tested feel of how the car reacts. SO I’ve done that my gage.. Knowing full well when I trade some day I might have to redo that. Get this when I get new tires – I also have to redo my “requirements”
To Long Didn’t read version – nearly any single psi gage is sufficient.
Ron
If Joes Racing is NOT made in China, maybe I’ll buy one.
(I won’t hold my breath)
RCWARD
Don’t hold your breath dude like you said
fred
The one I bought in 2012 – and one bought in 2018 said that they were USA-made – possibly manufactured or assembled at their Everett, Washington factory.
DRT
I talked to a Joe’s factor representative at the PRI Racing show in 2018. He said their gauges were made in the US.
Andy
Joes Racing “Made in USA” is a marketing misdirect at best. Yes, the hose has a “Made in USA” printed on it in BIG LETTERS. Except it is the ONLY PART that is made in USA. The gauge is made in China just like the rest of similar price competitors.
RCWARD
Seems to get a lot of bad reviews on Amazon.
DRT
I have two of the Joe’s inflators (32484), and they are awesome. I also own a Longacre inflator which sits on the shelf and deserves to be dumped. The Longacre hose is as stiff as a welding rod, and I can never get the ball shaped chuck to immediately seat without air loss.
Kevin
I think a lot of folks are missing the point on the Longacre gauge. That is a RACING gauge, which is VERY different from what most people need. Well, unless you’re concerned about adjusting your tires .25 lbs at a time. That is why it has dual bleeders and the large face that glows in the dark (for night races). It’s REALLY a different beast.
fred
Sort of like the difference between checking tire-rubber hardness using the toe of your boot versus using a Shore durometer. You might not worry about rubber hardness for the family jalopy – but if your running a race car that’s a different kettle of fish.
DRT
My Longacre is same functionality as Joes. Single bleeder, normal sized gauge head. The Longacre just isn’t as nice and is imported (or so I was told). In any case, if you own an air compressor or air tank, you should try an inflator instead of gauge. It’s like using an air nailer instead of a hammer.
Peter Fox
I gave up on cheap tire gauges years ago.
Get a decent 0-60 PSI industrial gauge and put whatever air chuck you like the best on it. I made 2 up about 10 years ago with McMaster Carr 4053K15 and expect that they will last another 50+.
Ron
Good source!
Todd
Milton 580e. Only issue I have is battery life. Replaced their standard chuck with a Haltec lock-on.
notinuse
I keep a Milton S-921 in each of my cars. Made in USA, no battery, $6.
Matt J.
I have a couple of Milton Spencil gauges for each car, but my favorite gauge is a Milton 934: https://www.amazon.com/Milton-S-934-Dial-Pressure-Gauge/dp/B00E1NUC6E/
Super accurate, easy to read, deflator valve, tread depth checker. I’ve added a short extension hose between the gauge and the head to help with the small kids’ bike tires but otherwise, it’s great. I epoxied a rare earth magnet to mine and it sticks to the tank of my compressor when I’m not using it.
Jared
I really like my Tusk Racing tire pressure gauge. I have the low pressure version, 0-15 PSI to measure the tire pressures of my dirt bike tires. They also have a very nice looking 3-60 PSI “pro” version that’s quite inexpensive. I will likely buy that for my car tires sometime in the future.
J
The best I’ve used is the Intercomp 360060 (available at tire rack) . Four inch large glow in the dark ez to read. Purchased about 10 years ago still good as new. Made in the USA feels like all quality parts. Also has a pressure release, swivel head makes it easy to get to the valve no matter the position of the tire. It was between this and the Joe’s racing model, but for $15 more I splurged on the intercomp, cant say it was a bad decision.
Aaron
Milton, no contest. Exceptional and made in the USA.
JML
I’ve been happy with a Longacre 52003, 0-60 psi, with the angled chuck, since 2012. Works great.
Robert Adkins
I have so many tires I’m very picky about my tire gages. Since all my tires take 20-40 PSI, I refuse to use an analog gage that goes much over 50 PSI. My favorite analog gage is the Slime. It goes to 60PSI, and the numbers and ticks are very easy to read.
https://www.amazon.com/Slime-20049-Large-Face-Gauge/dp/B0013JVZ7O/
My favorite digital gage is a hose-end gage I got on Amazon. That gage is very accurate, stable, easy to use, and the numbers are super easy to read day or night. It’s my go-to gage, I love it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B07D3PVBJ4/
JML
When I was looking at tire gauges years ago, I read that the range is important because of the accuracy of the reading; the gauge is most accurate at the middle of the range. So if tires should be inflated to 38psi (as my car’s are) then a 0-60 is better than one with a smaller range. Tires really ought to be checked for appropriate inflation every two weeks, when they’re cold; this is especially true in the winter.
The rubber surround on many gauges does protect the gauge well. The most important things to look for once you narrow choices down are the usefulness of the bleeder valve and the angled chuck – the longer angled chuck is much easier to use than the short round angle chuck or the straight chuck designs. You lose less air that way. And periodically change the plastic valve caps – the good ones have an o-ring inside. Avoid metal valve caps because they can become impossible to remove when they cold-weld or corrode onto the expensive metal wheel stem (road salt in the winter promotes corrosion).
Donut spares usually have far higher psi requirements than regular tires, such as 58 or 60 psi. Because I check the spare far less frequently than my mounted tires, I rely on the electric inflator’s reading for that one. (The Lowe’s electric – AC and 12V – inflator is really good, by the way.)
JML
Here’s a link to the Lowe’s inflator:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-DC-12V-AC-120V-Dual-Power-Air-Inflator-Power-Source-Car-Electric/1000092575?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-google-_-lia-_–_-compressorsdiyandstationary-_-1000092575-_-0&store_code=2247&placeholder=null&gclid=CjwKCAjwkun1BRAIEiwA2mJRWc44pUQy5VGmUpo71nVntwLBnFVFyzpEvy9Sl7LSMUsSeYHnsBQi3BoCA2IQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
This is my second. I had the older version and keep it in the car, while the new one is in the garage. The gauges on both were spot-on. The new one is significantly faster than the older version, but the inflation hose storage on the new one is a pain.
Mike Tayse
I have a few good pressure gauges, but lately after checking it against the gauges I own, the Ryobi, battery powered inflator seems to be accurate.
Mark
Powertank inflator with gauge and bleeder are the way to go. You will ask yourself why you didn’t have this tool sooner. Convenient, time saver and efficient. Plus no batteries to worry about replacing.
https://powertank.com/collections/tire-inflator-with-gauge