I think in some ways this is a very fair test………since unlike when we recieved elauation DRSM’s and treated them with great care….This set went into the tool compartment with my old gauges..it was used in what ever weather happened to be occureign when I got a call….that said I would judge the amount of use as “Light” were still slow soo mabye actualy hooked up to systems 10 times in a week…soo not what I call heavy duty use.
Solid rubber case around the gauges seems like it would be weather resistant and help absorb shock…seemed well made…simple to use..hit vac botton for vaccuume gauge..light for back light..R+ or R- to move throught refrigrent list…
The next problem I experienced was the micron gauge not functioning….soo cleaned sensor with alcohol…like one does most digital mircon gauges….IT SHOULD BE NOTED that Tech support when called did not know IF or How the sensor should be cleaned..and its NOT in the instructions….. ok no biggie…all mircon gauges need a cleaning…the Refco seemed to needabout ever 2nd use.
Plastic handles break. The knobs for high /low side valves are plastic…low side cracked and broke..and a week later high side did the same… went to call REFOC but in the instructions THE ONLY PHONE NUMBER IS FOR SWEDEN not the USA…had to call johnstone to get new knobs…johnstones called refco whe sent me 2 sets of knobs for free…took over a week…so for a week I used a small cresent wrnech to use the gauges…
Next problem…every now and then unit ould give eratic pressure readigns….nothing about it in the instructions…soo cleaned high/low side sensor with alcohol and seemed to help.
http://hvacprotech.forumwise.com/hvacprotech-thread6342-0-asc-0.html
2 responses so far ↓
1maineiac // May 3, 2008 at 1:55 am
Beware of inferior products, HVAC PROTECH is the best place to learn about these products. Field tests by true tradesmen. Honest comments on the tool and no BS.
If your thinking of going Digital you can’t afford not to read the comments .
Bob wolfley // May 13, 2008 at 1:18 am
I called Refco today…they called back…yes we got your gauges in…
around noon get another call from Refco….their is a part broken off the bottom…and “something” rattling around inside the gauges…obviously they have been dropped….and there for the warranty is VOID!!!!
I explain to them that I did not drop the gauges…and THAT Johnston’s will VERIFY that their were NO parts broken off of the gauges when I gave them to them….maybe damaged in shipping?? Well part was inside the box….but gauges were bubble wrapped so could not have been damaged in shipping….so NO WARRANTY!…but were in 1 piece when Johnston’s shipped them…no got a broken piece inside the box….so how do you explain that? No telling…but flat out REFCO WILL NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE THE GAUGES!. OH If you want them back you pay shipping.
Ask for name of supervisor…ILL post that and e-mail address in a min.
So Call Local Johnston’s (Melbourne Florida 321-676-4177)..Talk To manager Mark.. we have a problem with vendors doing this Ill check into it and get back with you…but not much we can do…..he never called me back….so I take it as “sucks to be you” response…
So any way Get the name of Mr. in charge of REFCO for USA…but he’s traveling until Wednesday….
Steve Secord (1-800-848-4232)..secretary Cindy I believe…same one who passes me off to Keith the head tech who said no warranty.. said Steve Secord is traveling until Wednesday…”I can call him back then”…guess they cant take a message at refco
So got Steve’s e-mail address…if anyone cares…
f.secord@refcoswiss.com
I have not tried it yet…a little too pissed off to compose and e-mail that is more than POS and shove the things up your 1@#$$…..sooo Ill try the e-mail later….
Bottom line.
Johnston’s says yes gauges were in 1 piece when shipped. but can NOT do anything about refco refusing to honor warranty.
REFCO says…we don’t care what Johnston’s says..broke now warranty is VOID…if you want you are POS gauges back you pay shipping..
I’m out $226 bucks….that’s real money on gopher pay…so torqued off is an understatement….but only thing I can do is warn others NOT TO BUY REFCO Junk….Ill call Steve Wednesday…don’t see it doing any good…but something to do…
IF any of you know someone higher up in refco..or Johnston’s and need my real name…or address….the moderators know it and can release it to anyone they know….
Leave a Comment