This is excellent advice. I bought my Matco MD257 on ebay in near-mint condition for around $75 and I have spot checked it against fully traceable calibrated Fluke/Keysight/Agilent Bench Meters with excellent results.
Are Fluke Multimeters Worth The Substantial Extra Money?
- Thread starter GlennSullivan
- Start date
This is excellent advice. I bought my Matco MD257 on ebay in near-mint condition for around $75 and I have spot checked it against fully traceable calibrated Fluke/Keysight/Agilent Bench Meters with excellent results.
I think Amprobe is technically owned by Fluke which is currently owned by Fortive. Fortive was formed as a spinoff of certain brands by Danaher around 2016.
seber
Well-known member
Every plant I ever worked in or visited had nothing but Fluke. It isn't so much a quality or value issue in production plants. It is confidence. The maintenance chief doesn't even look at anything else. They simply order Fluke as a known product and don't need to do any research.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Probably true but what does that have to do with the original question which was:
Are Fluke Multimeters Worth The Substantial Extra Money
He's not working for the DOD or a multi-national corporation. He's a homegamer. My opinion is NO they are not. If he's measuring the output of his alternator or battery voltage what does a Fluke do that an Astro AL meter doesn't. Ivan, of Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics is the best automotive diagnostician on YouTube and that's what he uses. Are Fluke meters good? Of course they are nobody disputes that. Are they worth the money for somebody who doesn't work on F22's NO.joel63
Well-known member
NHS Class of '63. Many memories of Rockland.
Always wanted to go back, but never made it.
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Should we all run harbor freight tools then? Maybe that's ok if you're just changing an air filter now and then, maybe not ok if you're building engines at home.
Same with electronics, if most people are just doing simple one decimal electrical measurements to see if the voltage is ok, then the Astro is probably enough...but if you're building circuitry on your home bench, then maybe the Fluke is the way to go.
This isn't a one sized fits all argument, some people do more serious stuff at home than even the best "professionals". Heck, I've even used my 287 for diagnosing car starting issues by using the data logging to plot voltage drop, that's not something crazy to be fixing for a home gamer, but most meters don't have data logging capability.
cherokee
Well-known member
I have an old 77 as well and again from the 80's bought it new when going to school. I have a couple other cheapies, but they sit. I still use it and it still works just fine.
With the OP being retired, it would be something I would think about as well. If mine went south for whatever reason what would I do. Likely buy another Fluke. I don't need it to last 30 years, I doubt I will last as long as it will after I retire. But I have had such good luck with them it would be a why not.
With the OP being retired, it would be something I would think about as well. If mine went south for whatever reason what would I do. Likely buy another Fluke. I don't need it to last 30 years, I doubt I will last as long as it will after I retire. But I have had such good luck with them it would be a why not.
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
Flukes are reliable, dependable, and easy to use, but they are expensive. For most home gamers, they are not necessary unless you are doing a lot of your own electrical work. For 240-volt situations, I would recommend them for safety reasons.
However, for most people doing basic DIY, Fluke is probably overkill. Klein has a good line of multimeters that work well and are more budget friendly. I even have some of the cheap Cen-Tec multimeters that work well enough, though accuracy isn't always consistent.
However, for most people doing basic DIY, Fluke is probably overkill. Klein has a good line of multimeters that work well and are more budget friendly. I even have some of the cheap Cen-Tec multimeters that work well enough, though accuracy isn't always consistent.
bcradio
Well-known member
That is how these threads go. 90%+ of the replies do not speak to the original question.
cherokee
Well-known member
I have a Klein as well, and that one is in the "electrical bag". If I am in the house doing something I will use it if need be. But if I am in my shop, like with this big remodel I am doing, I will open the tool box and get the Fluke out even if I have the "electrical bag" already open. There is another bag in there that has other testers as well, the thing you plug into outlets to tell you it is wired correctly or not, test the ground fault. That klein is right there. But I will take the extra time to get the other. I am not sure why my mind just goes to that meter. Likely because I have had it that long.
Pretty much everyone that has posted here agrees that Flukes are not worth the money for home or personal use. It's like anything else, spend the $ if you want it; and some of us are willing to. Someone's meter choice that's a mobile diagnostics youtube star doesn't matter anymore than anyone else's opinion here; if his meter fucks up it's his money on wasted time. We all know that today a $30 meter is going to be 99.99% as accurate as a $600 fluke 99.99% of the time on basic measurements. If an assembly line is down at an auto plant, and the electrician drops a $30 meter 3 feet and it dies, and a Fluke would survive that 99% of the time, that's thousands of dollars a minute wasted to get a new meter; you can't afford a **** up like that to save $500 in industry.
Also, there is no blanket-wide DOE "buy American" edict that is supporting Fluke. There may be a buy Fluke edict, but that just makes sense; anything else is career suicide when the above drop scenario happens. But there is no rule that you have to buy American, unless it is a classified program that has a special item, or a very rare job. I've spent 25 years doing mechanical engineering design work for DOE, and have only had ONE unclassified job where they wanted everything possible to be US made; this was 15 years ago, and even then it was hard to accomplish. Even then, Unbrako made plenty of SHCS overseas and couldn't guarantee US made. So it cracks me up when people expect a complex electronics assembly with hundreds of tiny parts to somehow be all made in the US- when most of the components have been made overseas since the 1970s.
InjectorService
Well-known member
I'm actually shocked at all these responses. I have a Fluke 88V, and would replace it in a heart beat. People around me know not to touch it if they value their life.
When doing electrical work, the only thing I can't stand is not knowing for CERTAIN that what you are looking at is accurate. That and fast readings.
I do have other meters around as well, but they get used for random basic testing like if a battery has voltage for example. Nothing where I'd actually be diagnosing.
When doing electrical work, the only thing I can't stand is not knowing for CERTAIN that what you are looking at is accurate. That and fast readings.
I do have other meters around as well, but they get used for random basic testing like if a battery has voltage for example. Nothing where I'd actually be diagnosing.
Yup. The "buy American" bit with Fluke bothers me as clearly the majority of the meter is coming from China but that is just how the cookie crumbles these days with anything of any level of complexity in manufacturing. If the last step was assembling the meter in the USA the COO is going to be the United States. If you look at a 289 versus the domestic Chinese market 289C you'd be hard pressed to note any differences which suggests assembly done in the USA might be fairly minimal but yet substantial enough to qualify.
The Fluke meter technically per the FTC has a COO of the United States but CAN NOT be labeled "Made in America".
I think this is what killed Klein with their USA test equipment. They labeled the front of the box of the MM6000 (and others) "Made in America" which I think was a violation of FTC guidelines if you read them.
I love analog Simpson meters and when I was looking at their website the other day Simpson is selling an "American" digital meter which appears to be a Rishabh in a different color. Guessing they're doing the same thing as Fluke assembling the meter in the United States to get that COO and "Assembled in USA" stamp on the box.
nope. Get the best rated ac/dc amp clamp multi on prime w/in your budget and call it a day. Oddly enough, I saw a reasonably priced such device from fluke being imported since it was India-only market.
Having said that, my favorite meter is some S. Korean unit built like a fluke (quality wise) that I picked up for 20$ at a swap meet. UEi I think.
Having said that, my favorite meter is some S. Korean unit built like a fluke (quality wise) that I picked up for 20$ at a swap meet. UEi I think.
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redwrench60
Well-known member
For me they are worth it. For the OP it doesn’t sound like it.
I’m used to using a Fluke 87-V and I depend on the rock solid reliability, features, speed and durability. I get involved in some pretty diverse diag on some pretty expensive and dangerous equipment using my meter out to the edge of its capabilities and safety. My first hand experience has taught me to trust nothing else.
I’m used to using a Fluke 87-V and I depend on the rock solid reliability, features, speed and durability. I get involved in some pretty diverse diag on some pretty expensive and dangerous equipment using my meter out to the edge of its capabilities and safety. My first hand experience has taught me to trust nothing else.
MBfreak
MEMBER EMERITUS
My Fluke 115 stays in shop mostly, with UniT and Klein clampons used outside. Some day I might get a fancy Fluke, but probably a cast off from someone changing employers at day job client. The 115 was NOT very expensive and worth every penny over the years. I think that Fluke bag and extra leads/connectors cost as much as I paid for the meter long before.
Have you had any of the super capacitor or internal soldered battery issues w/ the 287? One reason I'm hesitant to recommend is I've gone thru multiple of these units via warranty for the clock power source dying on me.
MBfreak
MEMBER EMERITUS
Brandon.
No problems ever. And we are a number of people in a consulting firm working in the large power station industry using them.
This is licensed work and we send them for verification every second year. Turnaround 6 days typical.
Ola
No problems ever. And we are a number of people in a consulting firm working in the large power station industry using them.
This is licensed work and we send them for verification every second year. Turnaround 6 days typical.
Ola
bert1913
Well-known member
I keep a Fluke 117 in my electricians bag. I use these cheap $10 meters for automobile repairs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9QW620/?tag=atomicindus08-20
My 287 is a few years now and still no issues also.
richfinn
Well-known member
I have an ancient Fluke 78 (made in USA) and it's been 100% reliable/easy to use, the newer low end Fluke models are all Chinese made, I think UNI-T meters are as good for 50% of the cost.
I use a Fluke 289/ir3000 because I often work alone and need to be in one place/position while monitoring in another and watching on smartphone app, or doing data logging... Also, the backlit display is priceless in the dark environments i sometimes find myself in. As expensive as they initially seem to be, the purchase price has long been forgotten. It saves me a huge amount of time and effort and has functions that are valuable to me beyond those found on typical lesser cost devices (of which I also own and use several). I don't own the 289 simply for the basic functions of voltage/current/resistance measurements. As most have already mentioned, there are cheaper devices that can adequately handle the job...
minke
Well-known member
I grew up using my dad's Simpson 260 (20KΩ/volt dc sensitivity). In high school I bought a VTVM (probably EICO) which was much more sensitive and didn't load down the circuits being measured.
As an adult I used some Radio Shack POJ that was probably electrically as good as the VTVM. >20 years ago I wanted something yellow and got a Fluke 115 for IIRC ~$140. I wouldn't buy one at current prices.
The Fluke 115 comes only with test leads good for a dart game. I can't see not buying leads with alligator clips. Based on a recommendation here I bought them from https://probemaster.com/8000-series-kits/ and have been satisfied.
As an adult I used some Radio Shack POJ that was probably electrically as good as the VTVM. >20 years ago I wanted something yellow and got a Fluke 115 for IIRC ~$140. I wouldn't buy one at current prices.
The Fluke 115 comes only with test leads good for a dart game. I can't see not buying leads with alligator clips. Based on a recommendation here I bought them from https://probemaster.com/8000-series-kits/ and have been satisfied.
I will say that some of the Fluke 10x meters are a lot easier to consider. The Fluke 101 is simple but also provides Fluke quality for $45.
The 107 for $100 would also be tempting if I didn't get a Brymen meter for about the same cost.
Those are still expensive given the feature set but they are in a reasonable hobbyist range.
The 107 for $100 would also be tempting if I didn't get a Brymen meter for about the same cost.
Those are still expensive given the feature set but they are in a reasonable hobbyist range.
Is the 101 fine for generic mechanic use? Basically, I never needed anything beyond continuity and voltage. Maybe sometimes measuring the resistance (of ignition coils or generator windings).
I assume the 101 is pretty much designed for that kind of use, and right in the 6-24V range? And I guess it has a buzzer for continuity?
I assume the 101 is pretty much designed for that kind of use, and right in the 6-24V range? And I guess it has a buzzer for continuity?
Problem with the 101 is no current readings.
By the way, just to mention in regard to this:
You won't see Bondhus and Channellock. I'm sure they're great products - but on the global market quite insignificant. However, Fluke seems to be the equipment you get for this sort of work anywhere.
Decided to order the Fluke 107.
Contrary to many US brands, Fluke is very common in Europe too. I'm more on the mechanical side of engineering, but I do work for a company that manufactures fuses so there's lots of electrical engineers in the R&D department. They use only Fluke meters and nothing else.
You won't see Bondhus and Channellock. I'm sure they're great products - but on the global market quite insignificant. However, Fluke seems to be the equipment you get for this sort of work anywhere.
Decided to order the Fluke 107.
I saw you ordered the 107 but I thought this video might help
I saw higher in this thread someone recommended the AstroAI 6000 count multimeter, wanting to replace an early 90's Craftsman multimeter (not sure who manufactured it for Sears) with a foggy readout screen I did a little research and took the plunge.
I received the new AstroAI quickly and was excited to give it a try, hooked up the leads.... nothing, changed range.... nothing, swapped in a set of leads from another multimeter and it worked fine. Registered for the warranty on their site, quick and easy and shot them an email about the issue with the leads, recieved a response the next day that they would send new leads asap! Was nice to see they prompt customer service. Thumbs up for AstroAI.
I received the new AstroAI quickly and was excited to give it a try, hooked up the leads.... nothing, changed range.... nothing, swapped in a set of leads from another multimeter and it worked fine. Registered for the warranty on their site, quick and easy and shot them an email about the issue with the leads, recieved a response the next day that they would send new leads asap! Was nice to see they prompt customer service. Thumbs up for AstroAI.
Slightly off-topic, but this crowd would know: what’s the cheapest basic digital multimeter made in a free country?
I’m done with Made in China if I can get reasonable alternatives. I thought for a long time that the Chinese government would get better as the country got richer, but the opposite has happened. Time for me to end my tacit support of oppression.
I’m done with Made in China if I can get reasonable alternatives. I thought for a long time that the Chinese government would get better as the country got richer, but the opposite has happened. Time for me to end my tacit support of oppression.
With electronics this is really hard. I expect even the higher end "made in USA" Fluke meters use some components from China. Maybe the Japanese make something more affordable?
I would take a look at the low-end offerings from TPI, B&K, and Hioki.
TPI makes most of the low-end meters in South Korea. B&K makes theirs in Taiwan. Hioki makes theirs in Japan.
Hioki products are probably the best bang for the buck in the industry. Hioki build, construction, and safety exceed anything you'll find from Fluke. Only downside with Hioki is they're not well known outside of Japan.
DT4222 is probably around $120-140. If you want something that will just give you non-RMS voltage, resistance, and continuity a 3244-60 will set you back $40.
Only 100 series is made in China.
Brymen should be Taiwan exclusively. Klein is almost all China these days.
COO in multimeters is just somewhat silly. I was talking to someone today about the Simpson line of "Made in USA" meters and they couldn't even bother to make their own datasheet instead copying one from Rishabh with the same photoshopped images. Their claim of "Made in USA" is probably illegal per the FTC.
InjectorService
Well-known member
On this topic sort of, has anyone looked at the Flir lineup? I had one in the past which I did like, but a few features that were not laid out the way I wanted them. I lost that meter. So actually just today I ordered a Flir CM85-2. We will see how that looks when it gets here.
Most of the units I've seen are made by CEM in China.
CEM in the past has had quality control issues. I'm unsure about that unit in particular.
Any reason why you didn't go with the Fluke 376 FC? They're pretty similar in price from the distributor I use.
My Old Tools
Well-known member
I bought an 87-V. Cry once. Paid for itself testing/replacing bad capacitors.
My UEi is made in S. Korea.
Any one have experiences w/the Fluke 362? It's the India model I referenced earlier. Amazon buyers seem to be happy.