debcook

It is not usual for me to raid my husband’s tool box. I am a do-it-myself kind of girl so when my tool stash does not get the job done I know where to go. There is one toy (I mean tool) that I enjoy even when there is not a job to be done. It is a (Raytek) MiniTemp. Mechanics and equipment repair people probably know what this is but even someone unfamiliar with it will want one after playing around with it.

This particular MiniTemp pictured here is used to read the temperature of steam pipes. Diagnosing a malfunctioning steam strap is easier once the temperature of the pipe is verified. Some mechanics measure the temperature of engine parts to diagnose issues.

The MiniTemp looks like a plastic gun of sorts. It has a handle, a trigger and a LCD screen. When pointed at an object such as a steam pipe a simple pull of the trigger displays the surface temperature. This is where the fun comes in. Once you start measuring the temperature of things it is hard to stop. Is the sidewalk hot enough to fry and egg? Is the bathwater safe for the baby?

I can think of another great use such as checking the temperature of a hot car seat and steering wheel. Maybe I need MiniTemp of my own.