I'm looking for a good Timing light. I have had some cheap ones in the pasted that break after about two years. I want to get a good one that will last more than two years. What are you guys using?

Craftsman chrome dial back. I think several guys here use that model.

Whatever you go with, invest in a dial back light.

Snap-on dial back. I have both a digital and dial one that was recently given to me. :hurray: :D

My MAC dial-back (TL-83??? I forget the model number) has been in my toolbox since '86 or thereabouts. Works great even on MSD-equipped ignitions.

I'd recommend you buy one--but--I'm sure their present line of timing lights has nothing in common with what they sold 20+ years ago.

If I had to replace it; I'd be looking at OTC, Snap-On, and MAC as my "top 3" candidates--but I'm sure there are other, quality units out there that I just don't know about.

Be CAREFUL and SMART; there's a lot of J-U-N-K out there, too.

Craftsman chrome dial back. I think several guys here use that model.

Whatever you go with, invest in a dial back light.

That is the one I have now, it is less than 3 years old and quit working. When you pull the trigger it only flashes about 3 or 4 times. Is there any way to fix it?

I have a snap on dial indicator light that works great and also a flaming river light that is excellent for a car that doesnt have a battery in the front or a magneto ignition. Its battery operated and is easy to use.

I have a Snap On dial indicator light also. It's been around for at least 10 years if not longer.

Snap-on dial back. I have both a digital and dial one that was recently given to me. :hurray: :D

My Snap-On digital I bought right after i got out of high school so it would have been the mid to late 80's and it is still going strong. The Snap-On dial back that was recently given to me belonged to the father of a friend of mine who was a mechanic. I would guess it is nearly as old, if not older... Expensive but well made stuff (at least it used to be!)

I use a digital Mac unit. Has a dial back feature also.

How are the Actron models?

How are the Actron models?
APPARENTLY, some of them are the same as the equivalent OTC units.

Both web sites have the SPX logo at the bottom; and the product "looks" the same:
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16315
http://www.otctools.com/products/detail.php?id=2418

Some of the timing lights on the Actron web site are showing "Made in USA" in the description--although--NOT the ones that look like the OTC units.

Scary.
http://www.actron.com/product_category.php?id=259

Are there any other brands that are USA made?

I have a Mac dial back and a Flaming River self contained timing light. I've had a few of the less expensive lights that didn't last and the Mac is ~20 years old.

Here is an excellent article on the subject.

http://www.dragracingonline.com:80/technical/vii_10-lights-1.html

John

That article is worth reading--but:

What's the point of writing an article; testing against other "“professional name brand” lights. I won't name them. Just think mega bucks" lights--and then NOT TELLING US THE NAMES OF THE UNRELIABLE EQUIPMENT so that we cannot re-create the test and verify it's accuracy and truthfulness?

Craftsman chrome dial back. I think several guys here use that model.

Whatever you go with, invest in a dial back light.

That's what I have. About 4 yrs old, so far so good.

I have the Craftstmen Professional series chrome with the dial back as well. I've had it a couple years and have let a few different people borrow it and it still works great! It was bout a $100, but cheaper than a MAC or Snap-On that I wanted. My dad has a couple old sunpro lights that look the same. They are great lights and hes had them for years! Thats why I got the craftsmen one. I liked it better than the plastic actron ones. I've used a MAC light too they are good lights. They will melt though when you have a fuel line leak and nitro gets on them... :)