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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!

Update (2/8/2012):

The featured review for this product, Accutire MS-4350B Programmable Digital Tire Gauge Misc. Oct 4, 2005, was written by ReviewerWhoPrefersToBeAnonymous.

The average rating for this item is 4 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.