Craftsman Multi Meters

[MagnumForce]

I am in the Market for a multi meter, a decent one but I can't afford 250 bucks for a Fluke and I don't really need something that awesome for my use anyway.

Out of everywhere I have looked, the Craftsman ones seem the most decent. They are made in China but so are Flukes.

Does anyone have any experience with them? I am looking in the 50-100 dollar range.

Will be used for industrial maintenance work but I am no electrician.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[Ruger_556]

I have one, it works and it's tough. Been dropped from the top of a 14' van trailer several times. I don't use it at work anymore but there's nothing wrong with it.

 

[maintguy]

Fluke t 5 is a good tester and can be found for under 100$

 

[MagnumForce]

T5 is not as full featured as I'd like.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[HagarTH]

I have a mid range craftsman, I spent maybe $60 for. I'm not sure but I think it was the lowest based model with auto ranging(I could be wrong though).

I've compared it to a buddies fluke and snap on DMM and it's only .001 V or Ohm off iirc.

Definitely worth it.

 

[Adam.C]

Industrial maintenance is the key phase in the OPs post.

you really need to read up (somewhere else) before you buy. Recommend EEVblog.com

I can tell you I researched the **** out of DMMs when my radio shack model fried. I ended up with the Chinese Fluke (15b). Reason was internal build quality and the 4 inputs (safer).

Read up. You can make a mistake with these and hurt yourself, fry your tester or damage the thing you are testing. Better models are safer, and easier to use. In your line of work, you should have something decent (but that doesn't mean expensive).

 

[1950mercury]

Field piece

 

[Brownsfan]

Look at the Klein MM2000 at Home Depot. For $109 it has just about everything you need and more.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-MM2000/202521275

 

[theoldwizard1]

You don't even need to spend $50 ! I have a couple of Craftsman meters and they work fine for a basic DMM. The most important feature in the under $50 range is a rubber boot. It will save it from drops and falls.


Don't expect great leads. As a matter of fact, you can spend as much or more for a good set of leads and clips as you did for your meter.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Very wise move to have your own meter at work. I never liked the idea of a community meter.

My experience: The best one I've used is the Amprobe ACDC-400 (see picture). It has all of your normal functions + a current clamp for ac & dc circuits. Along with most industrial circuits, I used mine to troubleshoot battery powered forklifts/pallet jacks and dc controlled conveyor circuits. I still use mine after >10 years.

On a side note; never cut corners when buying electrical test equipment. At the very least, you can chase your tail, troubleshooting a circuit from an erroneous reading. At worst, it could mean injury or death.

Additionally, a non-contact, pocket voltage detector (aka volt-tick) can be your best friend.

 

[Ponchoguy]

I am in the Market for a multi meter, a decent one but I can't afford 250 bucks for a Fluke and I don't really need something that awesome for my use anyway.

Out of everywhere I have looked, the Craftsman ones seem the most decent. They are made in China but so are Flukes.

Does anyone have any experience with them? I am looking in the 50-100 dollar range.

Will be used for industrial maintenance work but I am no electrician.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

Extech makes the Craftsman MM's. I have a few. Extech sent me the missing temperature probe for one of my meters when I got it off Ebay and it was missing. They were very good about it.

 

[MagnumForce]

Not planning on cutting corners, just looking for a good option for occasional use that won't break the bank.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[OHMS LAW]

When I first started I used the manual ranging dmm for 12 v work. Worked fine until I bought a snap on fancy one and gave it to my brother. Now he popped the fuses and ran down the bat. Now it's in my tool box at work

 

[organ]

Not an electrician...
Industrial voltages...

Yeah... you should not go the cheap route.

 

[Lassen Forge]

The best one I've used is the Amprobe ACDC-400 (see picture). It has all of your normal functions + a current clamp for ac & dc circuits. Along with most industrial circuits, I used mine to troubleshoot battery powered forklifts/pallet jacks and dc controlled conveyor circuits. I still use mine after >10 years... Additionally, a non-contact, pocket voltage detector (aka volt-tick) can be your best friend.

My amprobe has been recalibrated at the shop twice now, and I had to have a lead replaced - but then again, I got it (at a garage sale) in the early 80's (and it was old then). BEST money I ever spent. It is - by far - my go-to meter. Spend the $$ and never look back.

I have a set of Klein testers - a volt-tick, a voltage snitch (the thing with the lights to show you what voltage you have), and a pretty nice VOM. I found it in a 3 pack at our local Electrical Supply house, but I also saw the same set at Home Despot AND Lowes - same units and (about) the same price - not 'spensive for what you get.

 

[MagnumForce]

Not an electrician...
Industrial voltages...

Yeah... you should not go the cheap route.

Actually anything I test I down to 240 and 110 by the time I get to it. Anything above 240 requires an electrician.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[Jwych]

I've got a Klein auto ranging one I paid $45 brand new. Works for my needs at work and the auto ranging feature is nice. Plus had light up screen for dark areas.

 

[MagnumForce]

Extech is a very good brand, I can't imagine they wouldn't be good. I have points to use which makes me able to purchase a more fully ranged model than I would otherwise.

Thanks guys.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

Extech is a very good brand, I can't imagine they wouldn't be good. I have points to use which makes me able to purchase a more fully ranged model than I would otherwise.

Thanks guys.

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

There is a Craftsman meter that like 59.99 and it's true RMS and auto ranging. Also if you do have points the Craftsman pro meter is like 99.99 and it's fully loaded and also is water proof. It's made for industrial applications. I am currently looking for a meter that is going in the service van (using the Klein currently ) and need one for the van and one for the shop. The Craftsman pro is on my short list because of being water proof. I get caught in rain quite often and always have to rush to get things out of the rain. The Klein will be going back to the shop box.

 

[MagnumForce]

I ended up getting the pro for 100 and then 25 off in points

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

It's on my short list. If you can after you use it do a short review. Like how fast it gives you a reading etc. Good choice because it does look like a nice meter for the money and features.

 

[R. Johnson]

My suggestion would be a second hand Fluke 77. Any series will serve well, but I like the newest series IV best for the fast continuity buzzer. The older series are kind of slow for ringing out connectors. Should be able to get a series IV for under $100 in good condition.

If you have to have something new, I think the Brymen's are the best bang for the buck going right now but I haven't used one myself.