Best DMM for a professional mechanic?

[nicksny]

Hi guys,

I searched and searched but couldn't find a thread like this.

I am a junior Heavy duty mechanic and am ready to buy a good multimeter. Money is not an object. I want a DMM that will last my career.

I need a multimeter for regular everyday use but would also like to have an amp clamp to measure DC current. Would you guys suggest getting an accessory clamp for the DMM or a seperate amp clamp? I probably won't be troubleshooting starters/batteries a whole hell of a lot...

I work underground a lot so it needs to be hardy. Fluke models to look at?

Thanks!

Nick

 

[zkling]

Another multimeter thread? Please do a search this topic has been beaten to death Soooooo many times recently.

Look up the Fluke 87 then Fluke 88 kit, after that probably a scope.

 

[senor fozz]

Here is a tip use google and just put garage journal in your search query with what info you are looking for works well for most quick searches.

 

[CWP1616L]

Fluke 88

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hi guys,

I searched and searched but couldn't find a thread like this.

I am a junior Heavy duty mechanic and am ready to buy a good multimeter. Money is not an object. I want a DMM that will last my career.

I need a multimeter for regular everyday use but would also like to have an amp clamp to measure DC current. Would you guys suggest getting an accessory clamp for the DMM or a seperate amp clamp? I probably won't be troubleshooting starters/batteries a whole hell of a lot...

I work underground a lot so it needs to be hardy. Fluke models to look at?

Thanks!

Nick

Unreasonable requirement nowadays. Fluke would be your best bet but you're looking at 2-3 over the life of your career.

 

[Danglerb]

Made me laugh when you said you want to buy a meter that will last a career. NOTHING electronic is likely to go unchanged over the next decade. We are at a transition point in technology from basic dumb instruments to smart tools. Fluke 87 or 88 and a small scope will be useful for a long time, but soon enough the typical item will be closer to Mr Spock's Tricorder doing both measurements and logging plus vehicle specific diagnostics.

Along with a good meter and plenty of good test leads and jumpers I would add a set of Loadpro leads and Power Probe III kit, if you plan on doing any diagnostic work on electrical problems.

 

[signcrafter]

^^This^^

If money isn't an object get the Fluke 87 or 88, whichever one you feel will be best for you. There is a link on Flukes website that will compare them for you and tell you what features each has.

I find it hard to believe that you searched but maybe the search just *****. There are hundreds of multimeter threads. Search fluke 87. Then fluke 88. Or just search fluke. Here is a google site search of garage journal for "fluke 87", https://www.google.com/#q=site:garagejournal.com+fluke+87. Lots of info for you in there. Just the first page has a handful of 87 vs 88 threads and "best multimeter" threads.

 

[bcradio]

Couldn't agree more with the others... looks like your search skills are what needs to be honed. You can start a thread on getting search tips/tricks for this site if you'd like.

Tons of threads on this topic already though... good luck and happy hunting.

 

[bobcatdan]

Lay off him, the search on here *****, I can't threads I know the exact title of. Althou they don't offer it anymore, nor do I think they would honor it, my fluke meter I bought in 2000 had a lifetime warranty. Don't drop it, crush it or get it wet, a meter will last a long time. I have the cheapest DMM craftsmans sold in '97 and the batteries even havn't died in yet, let a lone the meter.

 

[Trey T]

Fluke 88V for automotive? I was looking at that and I do a lot of electronic and power stuff around the house but it's overkilled for me as it was too much geared toward electronic. I got a Fieldpiece HS35 for more of a general use.

What I like about the HS35 or the HS30-series is the ability to test HVAC capacitors. The bad thing about the Fieldpiece is the response of the reading, it takes longer than a Fluke (it's instant).

 

[richfinn]

I would say it depends on your skill level, if your new to auto electrical a Fluke 87/88 is overkill, a used 70 series would be good to start with.

If your a total newbie look at Dan Sullivan's tech meter kit for £235

 

[signcrafter]

My suggestion was based off the money is no object comment. When money is no object get the best one so you can grow into it.

 

[bsaint]

Money no object buy the same one I have - Fluke 289.

 

[crewchief888]

Hi guys,

I work underground a lot so it needs to be hardy. Fluke models to look at?

Thanks!

Nick

fluke

the backlit display is a nice feature to have if you're working in low light conditions.

 

[zkling]

fluke

the backlit display is a nice feature to have if you're working in low light conditions.

What is this "low light conditions" you speak of crew? Isn't evertying that needs to be worked on in a warm clean, well lit environment

 

[crewchief888]

What is this "low light conditions" you speak of crew? Isn't evertying that needs to be worked on in a warm clean, well lit environment

oh ya do stand up comedy too?



the lighting in our shop is so bad, 1/2 the time i need to use the backlight on my meter

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I'm in agreement with everyone saying Fluke 87/88. I love my 87V. Found it for a steal with the E2 Industrial Electricians kit from an Amazon seller for only $259 shipped.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I bought my Fluke 88, probably back around 1988 ? Ive replaced the LCD display, and the leads several times, and its still in use today. Every shop Ive worked in, it got borrowed by other techs whose meters took a dump, or where giving unreliable readings.. YMMV.

Most of my jobs, Ive been doing drive-ability and electrical, so its seen some use.

 

[Brownsfan]

I say for automotive the fluke 233. With the detachable LCD panel. Works great if you are testing say brake lights or turn signals in the back and have to be up front to activate the circuit. Take the LCD panel with you and test.
m.ebay.com/itm/281189128580?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

 

[redwrench60]

This is a no brainer. Fluke 87V

 

[sgtgrizzo]

Fluke 87

 

[sdguy55]

I have a meter made by the company ESI. Somebody referenced the tech tool kit for around 250 and I have to say if I didn't already have the book I would have bought that set.

I bought a very similar meter to the one that comes in that set and I love it.

The book by Dan Sullivan book is golden if you plan on doing any electrical, ever, get it.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think today's Flukes are as good as previous versions but, that's just me. ESI 597, OTC 3980 (but these may be discontinued since Bosch bought OTC), PDI 930 any of these with the skills to do the proper tests, will serve you well.

 

[Ruger_556]

Midtronics PDF40 is an excellent clamp on meter

 

[pedrodagr8]

As mentioned the fluke 87V is a great meter. It's a work horse and more importantly it's safe.

Also take a look at the Brymen 869. Brymen is the OEM for Greenlee. Brymen also has the worst website of any company I have ever seen PERIOD it's 100% late 90s geocities. Back to the meter, it has a higher safety rating than ANY fluke. Has 500,000 count and very high precision.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

 

[yaidunno]

I like my Fluke 287. I've also go a Simpson 260, but that certainly wont fit your bill. I think you'd be more then happy with a 87/88 or 287/288. Compare the options and determine what features you need and don't need.