Craftsman Multimeter-Repair or Replace

[artbuc]

My old faithful Craftsman multimeter (it was quite the delux model in its day) still reads accurately but the rotary function selector dial is acting up. You have to jiggle it to make sure you are in the correct function. The other day I did a lot of unnecessary work because I thought I had a dead circuit when the only problem was the multimeter selector dial. I was going to take her apart to see if I can clean and lube contacts but wonder if it is worth the effort. Was looking for a replacement and it appears the Klein MM600 has equivalent functionality except it is limited to 10A max AC current whereas my Craftsman will do 20A.

I would like a Fluke but have absolutely no requirement for a high end multimeter. The Klein seems about right for me. Any comments about fixing my Craftsman or buying a new Klein MM600? Thanks.

 

[rijndael]

What's the model number of your Craftsman meter? 82325?

 

[richfinn]

Not all Flukes are high end, there are models in your price range of $100

That said the Klein looks good value for the money

 

[metaldad]

dont use a meter that is questionable.
do replace with a quality meter. theres a wide range to choose from, except the junk from hf.
myself, all i have are fluke

 

[artbuc]

All’s well. Contacts were clean but two spring loaded ball bearings that locate rotary switch position needed TLC. Working like new now. Craftsman Model 82040. Thx for responses.

 

[Mr_B]

^
Good man .
always worth 20 minutes to look into an old tool before buying new.
even if wanted new repairing it for secondary meter been wise .
The old stuff last longer and far easier keep working .
Have fun with the old trusty craftsman meter ...

 

[richfinn]

All’s well. Contacts were clean but two spring loaded ball bearings that locate rotary switch position needed TLC. Working like new now. Craftsman Model 82040. Thx for responses.

Well done, so what are you gonna spend the $100 on?

 

[MikeF2316]

^
Good man .
always worth 20 minutes to look into an old tool before buying new.
even if wanted new repairing it for secondary meter been wise .
The old stuff last longer and far easier keep working .
Have fun with the old trusty craftsman meter ...

+1. It's always worth looking into a repair for a few minutes.

 

[bonneyman]

^
Good man .
always worth 20 minutes to look into an old tool before buying new.
even if wanted new repairing it for secondary meter been wise .
The old stuff last longer and far easier keep working .
Have fun with the old trusty craftsman meter ...

^^^What he said.

 

[exmaxima1]

^
Good man .
always worth 20 minutes to look into an old tool before buying new.
even if wanted new repairing it for secondary meter been wise .
The old stuff last longer and far easier keep working .
Have fun with the old trusty craftsman meter ...

I just threw away my old Simpson 360, and a similar Triplett meter that was given to me. I enjoy using newer technology when I’m trying to repair all my other vintage electronics. A modern Fluke 77 can be found under $100 and well worth it.

 

[artbuc]

I just threw away my old Simpson 360, and a similar Triplett meter that was given to me. I enjoy using newer technology when I’m trying to repair all my other vintage electronics. A modern Fluke 77 can be found under $100 and well worth it.

You must be talking about a used 77. Can’t see how that is an upgrade over my Craftsman?

 

[Rabid Badger]

I just threw away my old Simpson 360, and a similar Triplett meter that was given to me.

That's a shame. There are a lot of people that collect those old meters.

 

[Rabid Badger]

You must be talking about a used 77. Can’t see how that is an upgrade over my Craftsman?

The 77 would have better accuracy and is better built but lacks some functions available on newer meters. If your Craftsman is meeting your requirements I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[exmaxima1]

You must be talking about a used 77. Can’t see how that is an upgrade over my Craftsman?

I own a 73, a 77, and an 87 that I use for repairing guitar amps, cars, and general troubleshooting. I grab the 77 first because it is dead reliable, easy to use, and handles the vast majority of measurements for my applications. I don’t feel secure with the values I get from cheap CM or other imported meters. When a slightly used Fluke costs so little (I bought my 87 brand new at Grainger for $100), I prefer to have a meter that saves me time and gets the job done.

 

[foolishpride]

My old faithful Craftsman multimeter (it was quite the delux model in its day)Was looking for a replacement and it appears the Klein MM600 has equivalent functionality except it is limited to 10A max AC current whereas my Craftsman will do 20A.

I'm not familiar with your Craftsman meter, but I would guess that it's current rating is limited to 10A. Even high end Fluke 87 meters are rated at 10A max.

 

[m6z]

https://m.sears.com/craftsman-8-fun...MIuM2Xn8OY5gIVg5-zCh1t1QM2EAQYASABEgLiTfD_BwE

$10 right now.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[artbuc]

I'm not familiar with your Craftsman meter, but I would guess that it's current rating is limited to 10A. Even high end Fluke 87 meters are rated at 10A max.

Reads up to 20A DC or AC but must limit measurement time to 15 seconds. No time limit on micro and milliamperes ranges.

 

[artbuc]

I own a 73, a 77, and an 87 that I use for repairing guitar amps, cars, and general troubleshooting. I grab the 77 first because it is dead reliable, easy to use, and handles the vast majority of measurements for my applications. I don’t feel secure with the values I get from cheap CM or other imported meters. When a slightly used Fluke costs so little (I bought my 87 brand new at Grainger for $100), I prefer to have a meter that saves me time and gets the job done.

Right, if you know it has been “slightly” used and taken care of. Buying a used 77 on eBay would be a risk I would not take.

 

[Davefr]

The older Fluke 77's are pretty worthless when working on vintage electronics because they lack a capacitance scale. That's a very important feature. The old analog meters would be better because you can watch a needle move.

The older Fluke 77's also have the dim LCD problems.

The UT139C is a great meter and a much better choice then a primitive Fluke 77 IMHO.

 

[nutjob]

The older Fluke 77's also have the dim LCD problems..

This is a know issue and in most cases $20 fixes it. You replace the Elastomers. Check Ebay for parts. Search Fluke 77 Repair

Kevin