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๐Ÿ”‹ high-performance otc 3181 battery load tester - 130 amp heavy-duty logo

๐Ÿ”‹ High-performance OTC 3181 Battery Load Tester - 130 Amp Heavy-Duty Review

8

ยท

Very good

Revainrating 5 out of 5ย ย 
Ratingย 
4.8
๐Ÿ“Š Diagnostic, Test & Measurement Tools, ๐Ÿ”ง Automotive Tools & Equipment

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Details

BrandOTC
Power SourceBattery Powered
Item Weight1.38 Grams
Item Dimensions LxWxH9 x 11 x 4.2 inches

Description of ๐Ÿ”‹ High-performance OTC 3181 Battery Load Tester - 130 Amp Heavy-Duty

Ergonomically designed heavy-duty battery tester provides accurate reliable test results in just 10 seconds. Includes uniquely designed clamps for a positive grip on top and side post batteries and an extra large. Extra large display with zero adjust. Works on both 6V and 12V batteries. Side tabs for on-tool clamp storage and back brackets for tool storage on wall or toolbox.

Reviews

Global ratings 8
  • 5
    7
  • 4
    0
  • 3
    1
  • 2
    0
  • 1
    0

Type of review

Advantages: Manoeuvrable. The instructions are clear and well written. The HD battery terminals are not flimsy at all. Clear display with load switch right at your fingertips. Cons: I would like the load to be a bit higher.

Pros
  • Cool
Cons
  • Doubtful purchase for the elderly

Revainrating 5 out of 5

WORKS AS KNOWN - GOOD UNIT

I have both a caravan and a sailboat so I needed a way to check the battery status and charge my truck's system. This block meets both requirements. I was surprised at how big and sturdy it was but pleased with its apparent durability. At first I was a bit confused about how to read one of the scales and I felt like they could explain it a bit better. But this is easy to understand by connecting the battery. Simple and straightforward to use, no college degree or inch-thick instruction manualโ€ฆ

Pros
  • even old understandable
Cons
  • Some difficulties

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Robust, reliable and accurate

I needed a battery tester to identify the dead batteries in my solar system. Sunpro does a really good job of stress testing batteries. Each battery only takes 10 seconds, which helps me find batteries in the storage array that may need attention. In combination with the battery hydrometer, I can quickly identify and fix battery problems. It also works great with car batteries. My friend thought his alternator had failed but when I tested his battery with Sunpro it indicated the battery wasโ€ฆ

Pros
  • Few competitors
Cons
  • Problems

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Nice to have when servicing multiple vehicles!

This is a good inexpensive tester. It also has higher quality components than others I've used. The clamps and cables are really heavy. The pen is also a very good addition compared to other testers. This device appears to be well built and should last a long time. This will help you avoid replacing a good battery or alternator by mistake. The tester is great for regularly checking the battery health of Jeep, car, ATV, SUV, truck and tractor. An easy-to-read dial lets you know if your batteryโ€ฆ

Pros
  • Ideal for a small home
Cons
  • Not all will fit

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Easy to use and read, ideal for your annual pre-winter battery check.

I use a DMM to check the DC voltage (typically 12.6V quiescent before starting) because the reading is more accurate than an OTC analog needle, but OTC is close enough to to get an idea of where the tension is. The real purpose of the stress tester is AFTER the test button has been held down for ten seconds. An internal resistor charges the battery at 130 amps, which is similar to a hard cranking cycle. In this test, you can clearly see at the ten-second mark whether your battery can handle the

Pros
  • Fits many
Cons
  • Expensive

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Well made diagnostic, testing and measuring tools

Received it today and started using it right away. I was suspicious of the batteries in my truck, one of them turned out to be dead so I will be replacing both. I also checked some other batteries I had. The tool got hot after two tests, so let it cool down between tests. Heat isn't a product fault, it's just the way it works, nothing else, all load testers generate heat. Although it is made in a chain, it is very well made. For size reference, the clamps are full size cable clamps so you haveโ€ฆ

Pros
  • Glitter
Cons
  • Low repairability

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Works best in Tools & Equipment

I have some 12v batteries at home. A good one, which I use to start my garden tractor when needed. Replacement battery for lawn mower. and an old 12 volt battery with a hole in the case that caused a cell to leak and dry out. All of these batteries are in my garage for service. So they all showed over 13 volts on my meter. I have a good quality Fluke multimeter which is the first time I have tested the accuracy of a battery charge tester. The tester was fine, no need to zero the arrow at all. I

Pros
  • Dope ๐Ÿ”ฅ
Cons
  • It's OK

Revainrating 3 out of 5

BATTERY LOAD TESTING - THEORY AND PRACTICE

I bought this unit to replace an old unit I bought from Harbor Freight which I found unreliable as the volt meter reads over 16 every time, which is far from the norm when tested with my DMM. Received the unit and was pleased with the build quality and accurate voltage readings that compare to my DMM. The device showed that one battery was good and one was about to. But I want to write about what I've already learned about battery testing to clear up some confusion on the matter. What followsโ€ฆ

Pros
  • Worth the money
Cons
  • No paint needed