MASTECH MS6310 Combustible Gas Detector 10%-40% for Methane Solid State easy to use

This review is for both the General Tools and Instruments PNG1, and the Mastech MS6310.I was looking for a detector to find a leak in the propane system on my RV.Conclusion: In my testing, the Mastech was easier to use, quicker to respond, and much more sensitive. In my opinion, The Mastech MS6310 is worth the extra $13 when it comes to the safety issues and cost associated with gas leaks. Read on for details....GT&I PNG1: This device came in a nice retail blister pack with 2 AA batteries and had readable directions. It seems to be made of decent quality plastic for standard handyman and home use, but is definitely not a tradesman's quality product. In testing, It was easy to use, but slow to respond, so the leak detection was a slow process. On the first day of testing there was no breeze outside, and it detected only one of 3 leaks. on the second day with a 4MPH breeze, it couldn't detect even the larger leak. I returned this product for refund.Mastech MS6310: This device came in a nice retail box, but obviously is targeting the Chinese market and was covered with Chinese characters. The box contained the unit, a carrying case, and instructions, but did not include batteries. The instructions were readable, but had the common spelling/word errors of a Chinese product. The quality of the unit itself was fine for handyman and home use. Performance wise, this gas detector was far superior to the PNG1. The Mastech almost instantaneously alarmed near leaks, and found 2 addition very small leaks that the PNG1 couldn't detect even when I knew where they were. It also detected all 3 leaks even in a 4MPH breeze. The unit has a sensitivity knob that you adjust until the tone stops, so if there is residual gas in the area you can reduce the sensitivity to find the leak location. I kept this product for future use.Note: Both units require a couple minute warm up time for maximum sensitivity.

This is a great wand detector for use to detect leaks in appliances or gas lines. I actually bought and compared three combustible gas detectors, the Heiman HM-701N- AC ($20), the Arikon Voice prompt detector, AC with 9 volt backup, ($18) and this one, the Mastech MS 6310 wand detector ($43). Each was tested after their warm up periods by putting them near my gas grill. The Heiman was the least sensitive by far...it only detected gas when put directly in the gas grill, by which time the gas was overwhelming in smell. Moreover, the alarm turned on only after about 10 seconds and turned off for no apparent reason until I put it back in and redid the test with the same results. This detector (Mastech) and the Arikon were very sensitive and were triggered outside the closed grill within seconds. They continued to alarm until turned off or moved well away. The Arikon also has a ppm digital and keeps a .memory of the last gas level and is much like a smoke detector. The Mastech is more of a mobile leak detector wand, but is much like a Geiger counter and alarms at different sensitivities depending on how close you are to the gas source. Thus you can easily home in on the source of a leak. Thus, the Arikon and Mastech are highly complementary and I would highly recommend both for their different uses. All three detectors are very easy to set up.

The media could not be loaded.  I've had this one for a few years now. I've only used it 20 or so times. It works, BUT...The tip (where the sensor is) is brittle plastic. My first one arrived damaged. Had to return and replace. If someone used it on a daily basis, I'm sure this plastic won't last.BUT LISTEN TO THIS:Last week I was modifying the copper pipes near my RV stove. I used single flare connections. I was sure I did a great job. The detector found leaks by all the flares. I re-did the flares. Still leaked. I tightened more. Still leaked. I replaced the copper. Tightened more. Still leaked. I added Nylog. Still leaked. I purchased a double-flaring tool and did double-flares. This time, tightening to torque. Still leaked!!!!! I cried (and was nauseous) for 4 nights, as my family couldn't cook, and I was "above" my head. My wife said early on it may be my detector, in which I shook my head: "Of course not!".Well, I accidentally found out the detector alarms in "ANY tight/enclosed space where the nozzle can't breathe/sniff" I.e. if I place it in a hole/crack in the wall, or if I have my fingers too close to it preventing fresh outside air to mix in). Watch my video when I put my CLEAN hands to "suffocate" it. It's EYEOPENING!! (at least for me ;)I learned the hard way. I should have used soap and water for bubble-check instead! I probably had all my connections correctly done 4 days ago!

This sensor seems to work pretty well, but I don't have 100% confidence. I followed the instructions and calibrated it, then went to sniff a known leak. Sure it went off, but I don't know the severity of the leak, ie PPM. I also checked other gas joints and it seems that if I leave it long enough near any connection that it will go off. Also, try exhaling on it, it triggers it.

This worked great. My husband and I were smelling gas. Repair service came, changed two valves ... we still smelled gas. They returned ... their detector did not detect the gas odor. We still smelled gas. Repair service didn't want to come back. We were in touch with manufacturer of cooktop, who was extremely helpful. We decided to buy this MASTECH gas detector (we were thinking we were crazy). The MASTECH detected the gas. Manufacturer contacted repair service and insisted they come back ... An additional valve needed to be replaced and solved the problem ... no more gas smell!!!

Used it to identify a gas leak from the gas line to a fireplace unit. Needs a little fine adjusting of the sensor, but it did identify leak and the contractor who came out to fix the leak actually used it to check his work. he liked it too.

The detector worked very well, after I googled instructions to use it.It quickly found a leak I was unable to pinpoint with soapy water spray.The warmup period (less than a minute) is important.It came with a manual, but it was entirely non-English (presumably Chinese).And as always with the internet, some of the advice found was false.

everything is written in Chinese, so you don't have any instructions to follow. I don't know,if I'm using it right or not!

Product worked as expected. Instructions were brief, YouTube videos provided better info.Product setup correctly is essential for proper operation.

Dial too sensitive. This will detect combustible gas but will have a problem zeroing in on the exact location of the leak. Used to detect gasoline vapor around a pair of carbs but the detector goes crazy when it is brought close and you can't get the dial to null out the all or nothing reaction.

Good product.