Affordable multimeter

[Lurch67]

You can receive a 25% student discount on some fluke meters. Or wait till zoro tools has another 30% or 40% for a new fluke.

 

[zoomieport]

I highly doubt that.......

That is a GAURANTEE, I work for IDEAL and we have the VISTA data to prove it. I have been an Licensed Electrician for 21 years and in electrical sales for 13 years (6 with IDEAL).
You should do some research before you call out someone on A FACT!
AND, I highly doubt you know anything about the sales of multimeters in the USA, as a matter of fact, you have proven that you have NO IDEA about the subject what-so-ever...

Thanks!

ZOOM

 

[zoomieport]

IDEAL offers a 25% discount for students as well...

 

[celticbhoy]

That is a GAURANTEE, I work for IDEAL and we have the VISTA data to prove it. I have been an Licensed Electrician for 21 years and in electrical sales for 13 years (6 with IDEAL).
You should do some research before you call out someone on A FACT!
AND, I highly doubt you know anything about the sales of multimeters in the USA, as a matter of fact, you have proven that you have NO IDEA about the subject what-so-ever...

Thanks!

ZOOM

Old Engineer works for Fluke

 

[zoomieport]

Old Engineer works for Fluke

LOL! Fluke is GREAT, my whole family are electricians, grandpa, dad, uncle, brother and me, we all have used FLUKE and loved them!
All I said was IDEAL was #2 in the market, which is true, but FLUKE is the clear market leader, but we are gaining on them!

 

[zkling]

Gee another multimeter thread.

Buy what features you need. Learn how to properly and fully utilize the meter you have before you need to upgrade.

95% of people will get by with a decent Volts, Amps, Ohms, Diode, AC/DC digital meter.

Best bang for the buck is IMHO an old Fluke 27/FM off of ebay or the like. Usually $40-75 depending on what accessories and condition you select. The combination of accuracy, durability, and features is great for the price.

After that in the fluke line, just go ahead and get an 87. You add capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, backlight, etc. ~$125 and up used to new. Also depending on what accessories come with it.

For a cheap I don't want to spend much meter. Craftsman, Extech, Ideal all make a good meter. Usually you can find a decent one for ~$20. One thing I will add and not to be mean, but a $20 meter or a $500 meter in the hands of someone that doesn't know what they are doing. Both will produce poor results and you can't blame it on the meter.

 

[LEVE]

I worked for Fluke in the 70's, so I'm partial to Fluke products. Every one I've owned have been first class. That said, my advice is to look at your application and get a meter to fit it.

The concern I have is that you "blew the fuse"... Why? What caused this? Do you think that an autoranging meter will keep this from happening? Maybe, but doubtful. I'd suggest that you buy the least expensive (not always translated "cheap") meter and learn to use it. If you're new to using meters and wipe out a HF meter, as example, you're not out a lot of cash and need to replace it with another more expensive meter. If you learn to use one properly then you're a lot better off than buying a better quality meter and not knowing how to use it.

In my case, I'm a HAM radio operator, a computer guy and all around shade tree mechanic that works on anything that pulls into my garage from a 4x4 to a Prius. So, for my applications even the HF cheapie meters do the trick. I've got one in the house, in each vehicle, and in my tool boxes. So far, these little meters do a fine job for what I need, are accurate enough to diagnosis and fix problems without laying more money for a Fluke.

Would I like a Fluke? Yes, but I don't need a Fluke meter of my applications.

 

[Old Engineer]

That is a GAURANTEE, I work for IDEAL and we have the VISTA data to prove it. I have been an Licensed Electrician for 21 years and in electrical sales for 13 years (6 with IDEAL).
You should do some research before you call out someone on A FACT!
AND, I highly doubt you know anything about the sales of multimeters in the USA, as a matter of fact, you have proven that you have NO IDEA about the subject what-so-ever...

Thanks!

ZOOM

I called you out? All I said was I doubted that (yes, highly). Before going off on a rant, a reasonable person would have asked why I had that doubt.

But, even though you didn't ask, I'll tell you anyway. In my 35 years in this business, I've used dozens of meters, and I've been around hundreds of people who also use meters. In that time, I have NEVER seen anyone using an Ideal meter. I've seen Fluke, B&K, Simpson, Greenlee, Amprobe, Radio Shack, and most recently Klein, but I have yet to see someone using Ideal. Where can you even buy one? Grainger does not sell them, Home Depot dropped them for Klein, and I see that Lowe's is dropping them now too. Why would these stores be dropping the number 2 guy in meters? This is why I had doubt. If it is not correct, so be it. But, I still remain skeptical.

You are right, I don't know what Vista data is. But, I googled it, and it appears to be a company that reports sales data from Electrical Distributors. Is that where you are number 2?

 

[Tarheelgarage]

That is a GAURANTEE, I work for IDEAL and we have the VISTA data to prove it. I have been an Licensed Electrician for 21 years and in electrical sales for 13 years (6 with IDEAL).
You should do some research before you call out someone on A FACT!
AND, I highly doubt you know anything about the sales of multimeters in the USA, as a matter of fact, you have proven that you have NO IDEA about the subject what-so-ever...

Thanks!

ZOOM

Does Ideal rebadge and sell their meters under other names?

I believe the AW Sperry 88 multimeter was actually made by Ideal instruments.

 

[Old Engineer]

For a cheap I don't want to spend much meter. Craftsman, Extech, Ideal all make a good meter. Usually you can find a decent one for ~$20. One thing I will add and not to be mean, but a $20 meter or a $500 meter in the hands of someone that doesn't know what they are doing. Both will produce poor results and you can't blame it on the meter.

Here is my concern with that. I agree that many readers here are in the DIY category, and don't need the features and accuracy that a Fluke has. Many of those users need them just to measure voltage every now and then, and almost any meter can do that. BUT, these novice users need a SAFE meter. These are the users that are going to measure voltage when in current mode by accident. Or, measure voltage when the meter is set to resistance by mistake. It is those users that need a meter that won't blow up in your hand. I wouldn't trust a $20 craftsman, or $10 Harbor Freight meter to keep someone safe if they use it wrong. You can get a brand name meter (brand new, not one that may have been abused on EBay), with high energy safety fuses (like are used in $400 fluke meters) for only $60. These are the meters the novice should buy.

 

[maxspeed96ct]

good thread im looking for a new meter myself.

Anyone have experience with fieldpiece meters?

I'm starting to get into more refrigeration work and i'm looking for a meter that measures temp and capacitance .

Keep in mind im looking for a middle of the road meter nothing to fancy or expensive.

Any opinions on either of these

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TMM782/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SB5C02/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[zoomieport]

I called you out? All I said was I doubted that (yes, highly). Before going off on a rant, a reasonable person would have asked why I had that doubt.

But, even though you didn't ask, I'll tell you anyway. In my 35 years in this business, I've used dozens of meters, and I've been around hundreds of people who also use meters. In that time, I have NEVER seen anyone using an Ideal meter. I've seen Fluke, B&K, Simpson, Greenlee, Amprobe, Radio Shack, and most recently Klein, but I have yet to see someone using Ideal. Where can you even buy one? Grainger does not sell them, Home Depot dropped them for Klein, and I see that Lowe's is dropping them now too. Why would these stores be dropping the number 2 guy in meters? This is why I had doubt. If it is not correct, so be it. But, I still remain skeptical.

You are right, I don't know what Vista data is. But, I googled it, and it appears to be a company that reports sales data from Electrical Distributors. Is that where you are number 2?

Get out of the office more, it's a great big world out there... a lot has changed in 35 years!

Lowes and Home Depot didn't drop us, we dropped them...

Klein dropped their pants and WE said no...

Here again, you should know at least "some" facts before saying stuff, some call it thinking...

Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling a pig...
After a while, you realize the pig likes it...

Don't take it so personal, it's just a website...

VISTA data comes in many forms, it's a very comprehensive service...

Take it easy!

ZOOM

 

[zoomieport]

IDEAL is also the largest producer of USA made screwdrivers, that too is a fact. (I hope his head doesn't expolde when he reads that...)

 

[Old Engineer]

Lowes and Home Depot didn't drop us, we dropped them...

Klein dropped their pants and WE said no...


ZOOM

As an Engineer, I have spent my entire life collecting data, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions. The data you are putting out seems a little odd.

You dropped Home Depot? Interesting, because Ideal still sells to Home Depot, just not meters or tools. The Klein meters and tools at Home Depot sell for more money than Ideal product, so pants must not have dropped too far. Home Depot is the biggest hardware retailer in the country. They will carry the product that people want, and will come to their store to buy. They believe that is Klein, and not Ideal. Lowe's should have been happy that they are carrying your brand, because since it is number 2, Home Depot customers would pick them to get that brand. That must not have happened, since they are dropping Ideal too. Oh, but wait, you guys are dropping them too. You don't mind losing 3,000 retail stores to sell through.

I don't like to argue. But, when I am challenged, I don't back down.

 

[Old Engineer]

IDEAL is also the largest producer of USA made screwdrivers, that too is a fact. (I hope his head doesn't expolde when he reads that...)

Cool

Did you know that I'm the world's most respected engineer??? I have data like yours that proves I'm right.

Get real. For all I know, you are a 10 year old on a computer who's dad works for Ideal, and you are just trying to irritate people. I'm done with this thread. Other people can believe what they want.

 

[celticbhoy]

Zoomieport, you're not doing Ideal any favors acting like a ****. Kind of turns me off from buying anything made/distributed by Ideal in the future.

 

[Vvmvbb]

Nice work Zoomie. I'll never consider an Ideal now. But I'm an EE of some repute. You know, one of those pigs you referred to.

 

[zoomieport]

Klein entered the meter market not much more than a year ago, they want to try to entice with low prices, it's called marketing to DIY homeowners...

We complete against Fluke (are they in HD or Lowes..?), we have a full line, we are industrial... and sell to industrial customers, as far as meters go when it comes to Klein, we are FAR more concerned with hand tools.... The two big players in the market, Fluke and IDEAL will stick with qualified end users and leave the home owners to the bottom feeders..
We sell them commodities and DIY stuff, thats it, stuff the average Joe knows how to use and not kill themselves...
Just like people have dropped Walmart, GM and so on, when they take all the profit out of it, it's time to go...
That's just common sense, I think...
I'm sorry if I came off like a jerk, I guess I just have the data, and it peeved me some, I apologize...

 

[jakemac]

Lowes and Home Depot didn't drop us, we dropped them...

Klein dropped their pants and WE said no...

Oh, but wait, you guys are dropping them too. You don't mind losing 3,000 retail stores to sell through.

It wouldn't be the first time a vendor walked away from HD. About 8-10 years ago National Hardware did the same thing when HD tried to dictate what they would pay for product. Nat'l tried to work with them, but HD wouldn't budge, so they walked away. That's how HD ended up with a house brand of chinese hardware on the shelves all of a sudden. I got that info from my Nat'l rep at the time, as it was happening, and was able to confirm it with another vendor who didn't have a horse in that race. It's happened with chains like Walmart as well. At some point the vender has to decide when they will lose money on a large distribution contract and walk away. Sometimes they find another distributor to pick up the slack, and sometimes they have to down-size in order to survive.

 

[zoomieport]

Nice work Zoomie. I'll never consider an Ideal now. But I'm an EE of some repute. You know, one of those pigs you referred to.

That was a joke!!! I was trying to lighten the mood, I apologize again to anyone I offended... I am sincerley sorry.

Thank you...

 

[Old Engineer]

We complete against Fluke (are they in HD or Lowes..?).

Come on you have all the data, don't you know where your main competition sells. Yes, Fluke is in Lowe's, AND Sears, AND Fry's. They are all retailers who sell to the DIYer, as well as a Pro. And, don't tell me you only sell high priced meters that are targeted just at Fluke. I can google. When you were in Home Depot, you sold $20 meters geared to the DIY market.

You don't compete against just Fluke, you compete against any company that makes a meter that sells between $20 and $400, like you do. That means every meter company.

You may really be an Ideal employee, and proud of your company. But, you are not coming across very professional, and you are not presenting all the facts and data. That does not earn my respect.

 

[zoomieport]

I'll tell you what, I will send SC-AW11 a free multimeter to make up to all those I have angered. All he has to do is PM me his address, and he gets a free multimeter.
You can check back with him to see that I am a man of my word.
Once again, I apologize... (but the engineer thing was really just a joke, I originally heard it about lawyers, I thought it was funny, sorry...)
Old Engineer, I apologize to you specifically, when it is pointed out to me I am being an ***, I try to listen and do the right thing. Therefore, I sincerely apologize to you Sir, it won't happen again.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Ideal owns Pratt-Read and Western Forge so I believe that they make a lot of screwdrivers!

 

[zoomieport]

Ideal owns Pratt-Read and Western Forge so I believe that they make a lot of screwdrivers!

We also own SK Tools...

We own a lot of stuff...

 

[jeffmoss26]

Oh yeah I forgot that one!

 

[zoomieport]

Come on you have all the data, don't you know where your main competition sells. Yes, Fluke is in Lowe's, AND Sears, AND Fry's.

Fluke just bought Amprobe to take care of the DIY issue, which they consider a problem too...

 

[cheechi]

Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling a pig...
After a while, you realize the pig likes it...

Don't take it so personal, it's just a website...

As an engineer, anyone who does not fully agree with this statement is either in denial about being an engineer or in denial that it's funny.

Should I tell you the one about the time I saw my old professor of Manufacturing Processes, who is a Six Sigma Blackbelt, buying a micrometer from Harbor Freight? Personally I think your joke is funnier as a joke.

That said, you're not very professional about it. If you want to argue and joke on the internet, that's fine. If you want to represent your company, that's fine too. But you have to choose only one at a time.

I'm sure Ideal makes fine meters. and that even Fluke's lowest end meters are fine if used within their boundaries. Klien has something special with the 5000 & 6000 and that's really not something you can argue with. Rather than crying about who said what, the OP asked whether he should replace a fuse in an otherwise good meter or go buy a new one because (possibly) the current one was not used properly. AND NOW WE'RE BACK ON TOPIC.

 

[zoomieport]

As an engineer, anyone who does not fully agree with this statement is either in denial about being an engineer or in denial that it's funny.

Should I tell you the one about the time I saw my old professor of Manufacturing Processes, who is a Six Sigma Blackbelt, buying a micrometer from Harbor Freight? Personally I think your joke is funnier as a joke.

That said, you're not very professional about it. If you want to argue and joke on the internet, that's fine. If you want to represent your company, that's fine too. But you have to choose only one at a time.

I'm sure Ideal makes fine meters. and that even Fluke's lowest end meters are fine if used within their boundaries. Klien has something special with the 5000 & 6000 and that's really not something you can argue with. Rather than crying about who said what, the OP asked whether he should replace a fuse in an otherwise good meter or go buy a new one because (possibly) the current one was not used properly. AND NOW WE'RE BACK ON TOPIC.

I apolgized on this page and sent each member that said they were offeded a personal apology. In the future I will not be so overzealous in my comments.
I apologize.

 

[treimers]

It wouldn't be the first time a vendor walked away from HD. About 8-10 years ago National Hardware did the same thing when HD tried to dictate what they would pay for product. Nat'l tried to work with them, but HD wouldn't budge, so they walked away. That's how HD ended up with a house brand of chinese hardware on the shelves all of a sudden. I got that info from my Nat'l rep at the time, as it was happening, and was able to confirm it with another vendor who didn't have a horse in that race. It's happened with chains like Walmart as well. At some point the vender has to decide when they will lose money on a large distribution contract and walk away. Sometimes they find another distributor to pick up the slack, and sometimes they have to down-size in order to survive.

Now this is absolutely true.....

Big retail corporations ARE stomping the **** out of honest quality manufacturers.
And DO NOT believe for ONE MINUTE that it's "consumer buying decisions".
It is about the difference between OEM purchase prices to the corporate retailer and selling price vs keeping high stock dividends, and nothing else.
Consumers do not select products, they simply buy the quality of product that's shown on the shelf in front of them after enough money is diverted to stock dividends.

Consumers believe in quality and most will buy it if it's marketed to them.
But quality costs more up front, and that expenditure interferes with short-term stock values...you can easily see where the incentive is for a stockholding corporation.

Don't blame the smaller OEM....

 

[zoomieport]

Now this is absolutely true.....

Big retail corporations ARE stomping the **** out of honest quality manufacturers.
And DO NOT believe for ONE MINUTE that it's "consumer buying decisions".
It is about the difference between OEM purchase prices to the corporate retailer and selling price vs keeping high stock dividends, and nothing else.
Consumers do not select products, they simply buy the quality of product that's shown on the shelf in front of them after enough money is diverted to stock dividends.

Consumers believe in quality and most will buy it if it's marketed to them.
But quality costs more up front, and that expenditure interferes with short-term stock values...you can easily see where the incentive is for a stockholding corporation.

Good insight treimers, well stated post.

Don't blame the smaller OEM....

Sadly, you are 100% correct, in my opinion (a much clamer opinion, thanks to a little guidance above, which got me back in a better state of mind, thank you gentlemen)...

Fortunately Ideal is a privately held, 5th generation, family owned business, with no stock holders except family. They are in business to make a fair margin and reinvest the majority back into the company, when that becomes impossible, tough decisions have to be made.

Back in '09 or so HD had a year long contract with a large steel box (4x4 junction boxes) and steel EMT (Electro Metalic Tubing) fitting manufacturer... As we all know, commodity prices when through the roof! HD knew it, the supplier knew it, they tried to renegotiate and HD wouldn't budge, almost put an American Manufacturing Company out of business... Luckily they made it through...

Funny thing about it, is HD marked up these products to market levels, even though they were buying them at comodity pricing that was negociated prior to the commodity price explosion, ... I am sure they made a killing doing that, I am also sure there are many more examples of this that we never hear of. Now I understand a contract is a contract, but retail and suppliers are "supposed" to be partners, a relationship that benefits both parties. In a time of national economis crisis, I think they could've given a little ground...

Make the stockholders happy and then the Exec's bail out on their golden parachutes before the sh*t hits the fan, business as usual these days I guess...

And Lowes is going with offshore, store branded hand tools soon... I'm sure they will still have the quality Klein products too, but they are really going after the lowest common denominator with all the offshore "private labeled stuff"...

 

[zoomieport]

As an engineer, anyone who does not fully agree with this statement is either in denial about being an engineer or in denial that it's funny.

Should I tell you the one about the time I saw my old professor of Manufacturing Processes, who is a Six Sigma Blackbelt, buying a micrometer from Harbor Freight? Personally I think your joke is funnier as a joke.

That said, you're not very professional about it. If you want to argue and joke on the internet, that's fine. If you want to represent your company, that's fine too. But you have to choose only one at a time.

I'm sure Ideal makes fine meters. and that even Fluke's lowest end meters are fine if used within their boundaries. Klien has something special with the 5000 & 6000 and that's really not something you can argue with. Rather than crying about who said what, the OP asked whether he should replace a fuse in an otherwise good meter or go buy a new one because (possibly) the current one was not used properly. AND NOW WE'RE BACK ON TOPIC.

Thank you for the advice, you are correct, I apologize, it won't happen again, I am sorry to all...

 

[Sick Puppy]

zoomieport, thankyou for your apologies, I look forward to reading a review about this meter from the mamber you'll be sending it to.

I've also heard that joke here on GJ about building inspectors, and as a public servant, I'm sure it can be applicable to me too lol

 

[Vvmvbb]

Yeah, hamfisted it a little and it blew up on you kinda quickly, heh Zoomie?
Live and learn.
It does look like Ideal might have some pretty good offerings that I wasn't aware of, so that's a little win for you.
Good to have someone here with information from your perspective - hang in there.
Cheers.

 

[Bustawrench]

Depends on what you're going to do with it.

If you just want something to get you through school Craftsman, Extech or Ideal will do the job at a low cost. Amprobe, Simpson and Fieldpiece are middle tier as far as cost and are good reliable meters for professional use. Fluke was for many years the gold standard of professional meters and in many cases, still are, but the they are priced accordingly.

Over the past 25 years, I've owned all of the above brands and my Flukes are the only ones I still own, in fact...I still own the first two I bought and they still work twenty years later (despite being shelved years ago due to my abilities and job requirements outgrowing their capabilities). So, if you're looking for something that's going to last decades, they are probably the way to go..

 

[monkeyspanners]

Fluke have got a special on, their 65 anniversary or such, just got a 113 for £84 but may be a bit basic for you.
I just need it to check mains voltages, motor winding resistances and capacitors so its ideal for that.

 

[mrjaw14]

Not sure if this has been thrown into the ring or not yet, but there's a company called Tripplett that makes decent meters.

I have this one: http://www.triplett.com/shop/model-9310-a/

I went into an electrical supply house intent on buying a Fluke, and had to spend $300+ (at the time, more now) to get an equivalent to what this Tripplett can do for about $100. True RMS, AC and DC clamp, frequency test, duty cycle test...yada yada

If you're looking for a step between crapsman and Fluke this would be it. If you don't want a clamp meter they have regular style as well.

Even if your pony up for a Fluke, if you get the wrong one you might be wasting your money if its not right for the application.

You need to ask yourself what you are trying to measure: resistance checks? to what resolution you need? To what ohms? voltage checks? ac or dc, to what voltage? you need to test caps? how large? You need amp clamp? Frequency? how many Hz or mhz? etc etc. It might be nice to have a wireless removable display so you can leave your meter somewhere, actuate the circuit if the controls aren't close to what you need to measure.

FWIW, I plan on eventually getting a Fluke, but this Tripplett's been good to me so it might be a while. Get a less expensive meter to discover what you need out of one, then once you have a clear set of requirements, get a nicer meter that fits that and make the cheaper one your home meter or backup meter.

 

[zoomieport]

zoomieport, thankyou for your apologies, I look forward to reading a review about this meter from the mamber you'll be sending it to.

I've also heard that joke here on GJ about building inspectors, and as a public servant, I'm sure it can be applicable to me too lol

Yeah, hamfisted it a little and it blew up on you kinda quickly, heh Zoomie?
Live and learn.
It does look like Ideal might have some pretty good offerings that I wasn't aware of, so that's a little win for you.
Good to have someone here with information from your perspective - hang in there.
Cheers.

Thanks guys, pride got the best of me, I sould have handled it MUCH more tactfully... It's just that I love working for Ideal, and believe in the direction we are heading. But being rude is no way to get people interested, lesson learned. I try learn from my mistakes and try not to repeat them...
I am grateful that you have accepted my apology, I am very sincere when I tell you that I am sorry. Thank you again!

PS. I've heard some pretty good salesman jokes in my day too, but I will tell you the best electrician (I am still licensed, I just don't work in the field anymore, so the jokes on ME) joke I've ever heard.. Here we go!

Guy walks up to an electrician, asks him if he's ever been shocked...

The Electrician thinks for a minute and says yeah, I was shocked once... I saw a turd in a urinal, now that's shocking...

Another lead balloon joke I bet, but I don't think I offened anyone with that one!

Thanks again guys, forgiveness is realizing your fellow man can make a mistake, he admits it, and people realize we are all fallible, then hopefully all is forgiven (unless you are Aaron Hernandez, he's going away...).

Thanks!

ZOOM

 

[redwrench60]

It's easy to get sucked into an argument on here, I'm guilty occasionally. But the true measure of a man is how he makes it right. Sometimes we all have to back up and punt. It's nice to see. It's also good to see someone who's proud of their company and their product. I look forward to more info zoom.

I usually recommend lightly used Fluke meters and have several. I need the higher end features and safety. But there's other good meters out there too I'm just a creature of habit and I'm used to Fluke 87s and trust them.

 

[zoomieport]

It's easy to get sucked into an argument on here, I'm guilty occasionally. But the true measure of a man is how he makes it right. Sometimes we all have to back up and punt. It's nice to see. It's also good to see someone who's proud of their company and their product. I look forward to more info zoom.

I usually recommend lightly used Fluke meters and have several. I need the higher end features and safety. But there's other good meters out there too I'm just a creature of habit and I'm used to Fluke 87s and trust them.

I try to be humble, I just got too excited... Live and learn...

The Fluke 87 is probably the best all around meter ever made, in my opinion.

I will hook him up with an Ideal freebee meter as soon as he sends me his address... I just want to make up for being out of line last night, it really bothered me, the way I acted, never again!... Sorry again.

 

[SantaAna12]

MrJaw,
Tripplett makes some great meters. The older analog ones are great for seeing reflections, as another poster mentioned.
A keeper!