Radiator thermometers...do they exist?

[Mitch05]

Was trying to find some radiator clip on thermometers which I see mentioned in all DIY books/webpages related to balancing CH systems but can't see to find them anywhere. In fact B&Q and Plum Centre looked at me like I was insane when I asked for them.

Are these items available in DIY stores or is it more specialist shops I need to search in?

 

[ricarbo]

Local plumbers merchant. Probably shuts at midday Saturday. About £10-£15 each (you need two to balance a rad). Often inaccurate. I've got 4 that don't agree! or at least didn't until I tweaked them by slackening the small screws at the back and twisted the dial round. got them all agreeing at 80, now they don't agree at room temperature!!! Clip them both on the same length of pipe, next to each other, to see if they agree. Or get an infra red thermometer - I got one for £30 from Maplin last year, but note if copper pipe is unpainted, then the infra red won't read correctly. it will, however, read correctly on the surface of the rad next to the valve so can still be used for balancing.

 

[Mitch05]

Thanks Ricarbo...will try them, hopefully they will have at least heard of them which would be a bonus.