Best ~$20 Trunk multimeter (DMM) - Uni-T UT123T ?

[908Jim]

After ~4 years in my trunk tool bag, my prized HF cen-tec 7 function multimeter's leads finally broke. It looks like this heirloom will not be passed down to future generations. I can buy questionable generic leads for like $6, or another HF meter for about $6, but I'm wondering if I should splurge and spend another ~15 or so and get a better quality meter to leave in my trunk bag.

I'm eyeballing the Uni-T UT123T for basic 12v check out and maybe the occasional 120v home socket checkout. I've already got a good meter for actual home/auto use, the Matco MD-251 which is a well-regarded Brymen BM-235. This meter is strictly for checking out dead batteries, tail lights, trailer wire harness, or maybe a faulty 120VAC lamp/lightswitch/outlet here or there. No 240VAC work, motor caps, etc.

Any thoughts or preferred alternatives in this price range for a "beater" meter? How is the overall build quality? It seems to get decent reviews online for what it is.

Amazon.com

 

[unslow1]

I have trunk ones in every car and trailer. Most are the free HF ones. A couple were like $10 models.

 

[Dave455]

I can’t speak for that particular meter, but I own a couple of other Uni-T meters.

They are generic / low cost Chinese meters but labelled up under their own name rather than someone elses.

I wouldn’t be expecting great quality control or customer service, but if you’re in the market for a low cost meter you might as well get one of these rather than paying more for another brand name but getting the same!

The Uni-T meters I have came nicely packaged, and appeared to have undergone some sort of testing, so obviously the makers are working hard to address the issues that have historically plagued Chinese equipment

I have one meter that I was given, simpler than the one you linked, and to be honest it’s been great. It even handles AC - and from a meter costing the equivalent of about $10! As I’m in 240V country I prefer something a little better for domestic testing, but for automotive use, the Uni-T’s seem fine.

 

[ste6168]

I have an extech minitec 25 in the mini, grab and go, tool pouch I recently put together. I haven't used it much, outside of some tests in the garage... but I like the small form factor, extech is a relatively well regarded brand (not a Fluke), and under $20 on eBay. So far I like it, but time will tell.

 

[Zewnten]

I have an Innova I paid $20 new and another I picked up at t pawn show for $5, both been beat up with daily work but they work fine. Are they as good as a fluke, probably not but when my coworkers try to prove me wrong with their flukes we get the same reading.

 

[BTJHP]

I use the Uni-T UT210E since it measures DC amps and an Amprobe PM60 which is very compact

 

[KnurledNut]

You might check out the Amprobe AM-420. Its not auto-ranging, but probably one of the safer and well built low cost options.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Amazon has the Fluke 101 for $47.

One recommendation I would make for a meter that is going to be stored for extended periods is not to use alkaline batteries. Stick with Energizer lithiums.