Digital Multi Meter - what do you like?

[nbpt100]

I am in the market for a Digital Multi Meter (DVM).

I have read very good reviews on this one sold at HF.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html

However, I don't want to spend that much. It frustrates me that a few years ago you could have picked it up for about $20 less.

I will mostly use it for Automotive and Appliance repair. I see having a thermo couple input as a bonus and not a requirement.

I have gone through some cheap ones and some mid range ones. Eventually they don't work or become inaccurate and make using them a chore.
I want something that will be reliable, robust and easy to use.

What have you guys used and liked?

 

[jeepboy4life]

If your looking for something that is going to last and be accurate your going to have to pay more than the 60 bucks the harbor freight one goes for. A cheap fluke goes for around 100 bucks...

 

[gdocktor3]

Cream of the crop we use at work is Fluke, but I've managed just fine with a Craftsman from Sears at home.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OCFFMW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the second one down that's actually on sale now for $8.99. That's pretty cheap. https://m.sears.com/search=craftsman multimeter

 

[jobo1004]

Get prepared for the Fluke 87V recommendations (which is a great meter I'm sure, but likely overkill for most). As a DIYer who occasionally needs a multimeter, I bought this Extech set around Christmas last year when it was on sale and I've been happy with it so far.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CR4M5Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[DFB]

Can find that one cheaper on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B008781XWG/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new


I am confident most recommendations will be for Fluke


That said I have purchased a few Uni Trend products over time. A couple cheap backlit multi meters with rubber protection in different configurations one has temp. An AC clamp meter, IR thermometer. and a digital tachometer. I think they make a decent product for the price point I haven't had any problems with any of them and some name brands units look to me to be the same thing to me.

http://www.uni-trend.com/productsca...=982&CateID=982&CurrCateID=982&showCateID=982

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

At work I have a Fluke 87A, at home I bought a meter at the Depot for around $30. Does just about anything at home or on the bikes. If I need something with true RMS I bring my Fluke home.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I am in the market for a Digital Multi Meter (DVM).
.
.
.
However, I don't want to spend that much. It frustrates me that a few years ago you could have picked it up for about $20 less.

I have had good luck with various Craftsman DMMs. Typically in the $30 range, but with Christmas coming they will be discounted to probably <$20.

The most important feature is the outside rubber bumper !

 

[Lotek]

Sure a Fluke could be considered overkill, but it's the last meter you will ever buy, mine is 30 years old and still going strong, find a used one. Dont cheap out on leads, the ones that come with cheap meters are usually junk.

 

[Davefr]

I also recommend Fluke. You might want to look for a 17B. It's intended for the international and Chinese markets and is priced very aggressively at around $100. It's available from Ebay and Aliexpress.

I don't think you'll find it at regular authorized US Fluke dealers and if you're worried about warranty it could be problematic.

It does almost everything including temp and capacitance but it's not RMS.

 

[DFB]

I have had good luck with various Craftsman DMMs. Typically in the $30 range, but with Christmas coming they will be discounted to probably <$20.

The most important feature is the outside rubber bumper !

I really like a backlight feature these days

I was in a Sears store over the weekend and they had a pile of digital multi meters in a bin on sale for $10 each.

 

[G-ManBart]

I am in the market for a Digital Multi Meter (DVM).

I have read very good reviews on this one sold at HF.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html

However, I don't want to spend that much. It frustrates me that a few years ago you could have picked it up for about $20 less.



I have gone through some cheap ones and some mid range ones. Eventually they don't work or become inaccurate and make using them a chore.

I want something that will be reliable, robust and easy to use.

What have you guys used and liked?

The first two are directly related to one another....buy a cheap meter, and it's going to fail, and you'll spend money on another one and then another one, etc.

Buy a lower level Fluke and it's going to be the last one you ever buy. I have a Fluke 177 and that's what all the other guys at work have as well. We've got several in common areas that have been used for years and they all work perfectly.

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I got a harbor freight cheapo for free. Will upgrade to a fluke later.

I love the things.

 

[anndel]

Fluke 87V - had it for 7 years now and still works great. Before that I had a Beckman HD110 for almost 30 years.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Meters or any electrical test equipment should be regarded as safety gear. Please spend the extra money for a Fluke, Amprobe, Klein, or any other top quality name brand.
At times, your life will depend on that meter.

My personal experience: A few years back, I was troubleshooting a 480 volt circuit with a HF freebie meter(good for up to 750 volts). The f^#kin' meter smoked on me. Yes, I had it connected properly.

 

[wolfhawk73]

I bought the cheapest one I could find at Radio Shack in 1996, and it lasted until 2014. Unfortunately, the batteries leaked inside it and ruined it. I bought another from there, and it works great for my needs at home. Kinda hard to find one of those stores around, though.

 

[R. Johnson]

Second hand Fluke 77 (any series) should be around $40-75 on ebay. I like the 77IV because it has a fast, latching continuity tester the older series lacked. The backlight is also nice.

If you don't want to spend that much, a cheapo meter with some upgraded test leads will do the job. Benefit of automotive testing is it is low voltage, so safety plays less of a factor than if you were doing industrial work.

 

[Infinia]

yes 60 bux is way too much for that HF model in your link. Even offered on sale for 50% less I would pass.
I suggest you spend 50 minimum. One thing I insist on now is a DMM with a relative / delta button. look for capacitance measurement, wider range is better.
I suggest having a separate thermometer as the need arises. IR gun perhaps.
backlight on the display might be useful for under the dash work.

look at the "50 dollar DMM shootout' on youtube. must be a dozen reviews and summaries from him.

 

[skruft]

I think the one to get all depends on the individual and the need. I have used Fluke, Triplett, HP, Craftsman, Radio Shack, Simpson, Beckmann over the years and have in my kitchen drawer the free red one from HF. I would say Fluke are highly regarded except for some very old models, no longer made, that fail. I think the oldest one I have now is an HP.

The only meters I remember that have not given good service have been some other nearly free ones, unknown names from China, a Radio Shack and an Eico.

The HVAC technicians that I have watched all have meters that include capacitance, as furnace and AC motors have capacitors..

Low quality leads have failed me more than meters. You can get decent ones easily, esp. on eBay.

Be careful of battery leakage, whichever you get.

 

[Brownsfan]

Look at the Klein meters. And that cheap craftsman for 8.99 is actually not that bad. I bought one in a pinch while on the road and forgot my meter (klein MM2000). Its actually decent for the price

 

[scooterGA]

Sure a Fluke could be considered overkill, but it's the last meter you will ever buy, mine is 30 years old and still going strong, find a used one. Dont cheap out on leads, the ones that come with cheap meters are usually junk.

With you on this one. I have had a Fluke 88 for a long time. I started with a Kent Moore for those who remember that one. The Fluke 87 or 88 is the last meter you will ever need if you need one to make a living day in and day out. As for a simple meter for home you can easily find a decent meter in the 40-50 dollar range that will do all you need. Stay away from a meter that looks great but cost 10-15 bucks. Those are usually dead in a week or two

 

[zmotorsports]

Sure a Fluke could be considered overkill, but it's the last meter you will ever buy, mine is 30 years old and still going strong, find a used one. Dont cheap out on leads, the ones that come with cheap meters are usually junk.

^^This. I have had my Fluke 87 for 28 years and still going strong. Something to be said about buying quality.

That said, in my Jeep and in my truck I carry a low-priced Balkamp VOM that I purchased from my local NAPA. If memory serves it was around $30.00 and came in a shockproof case with decent leads. It has been a pretty good meter for the price and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

Mike.

 

[bigdav160]

I own several meters. One of my favorites was purchased at Sears for $40. It's the older version of this one:

Craftman Professional

I also have a Midtronics PDF40 that I find very handy.

I still have a Fluke 88. I reach for it when I think I need the min/max function. I have had trouble with the display going out. And it never fails if I lend it to someone I'll have to replace $15 worth of fuses.

 

[Infinia]

. And it never fails if I lend it to someone I'll have to replace $15 worth of fuses.

hehe, isn't that's what the HF free ones are for. pass it around

 

[shockwave]

Deciding myself between the fluke 87v and 88v anyone know big difference between both with automotive use

 

[exmaxima1]

Second hand Fluke 77 (any series) should be around $40-75 on ebay. I like the 77IV because it has a fast, latching continuity tester the older series lacked. The backlight is also nice.

If you don't want to spend that much, a cheapo meter with some upgraded test leads will do the job. Benefit of automotive testing is it is low voltage, so safety plays less of a factor than if you were doing industrial work.

Any used meter of that series is excellent for DIY use: 73, 75, 77

Get a new set of cables off Amazon and you're set for many years

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I started with a Kent Moore for those who remember that one

We had one in the tool room of the first dealership I worked at, if I remember right it was a ********* box with a dial and a small display? I started after the KentMore J39200 came out also known as a Fluke 87.

 

[johninct]

Which Fluke Clamp meter to get for DC automotive use?

 

[Ghost11]

Fluke. I used alot of different ones. Nothing compares to a fluke. In fact, anything else just gets frustrating. Dont waste your time amd money on anything else. Get the magnet attachment too. Works awesome. And a extra set of leads with alligator clips.

 

[Buster21]

Fluke 115 and don't look back.

 

[Citation]

Fluke is generally quite good but quite expensive.

Shockwave, the 87 and 88 are very similar but I prefer the 87. The 88 has a few features such as reporting frequency as an RPM reading vs Hz, the 88 defaults to the 60V DC range because that's the best range for 12V signals. The 87 defaults to auto-ranging. Basically any measurement you can take with an 88 can be made with the 87 if you do some math. I think the 88 is often packaged with the accessory leads that are more useful for automotive work.

Personally I would rather have an 87 because it's a better universal meter.

For the OP's $50 the Fluke 101 is about the only Fluke option. It's high quality but very limited in functions. If the OP is willing to search ebay I would suggest an older Fluke like a 73-iii (the last generation of the box model) or a 73-4 (or 77-4 or 23-4), the family of swoopy ones. The Fluke 25/27/8025A/B are also very good options. The reason why I like the older meters is they have "touch-hold" while the newer, low end Flukes don't. Touch-hold is a super useful feature. Turn it on, then touch the probes to what ever you are measuring. The meter beeps, you can now remove the probes and look at the reading. This lets you keep your eyes on the probes when getting a reading. Most "hold" features just freeze the display the moment the button is pressed.

The Fluke 25/27/8025 can be a great value. These are the old military model. Super durable (and big). They have the touch hold and often can be had for under $50 off ebay.

Greenlee's DM200, DM210, DM810, DM820 are also great options and can be found on ebay in the ~$50 range if you wait around. The 210 and 820 can read themocouples. All are rugged (the DM200 family is also sold as a Matco meter) and well made. The OEM for those meters is Brymen. I think they are to Fluke what Gearwrench is to Snap-On. Perhaps not "the best" but often so good for the money we just don't care.

Ideal is another one that can often deliver an Ebay bargain. However, they are a bit like Craftsman in that lots of people make their stuff. Some is really good for the money. Others, not so much.

I'm not as familiar with it but Kline's 1000 and 2000 meters seem to be on ebay a lot for under $50 in great condition. Probably a good buy.

Finally, Southwire isn't a bad option. Southwire's stuff is made by the same OEM as the newest "better" Craftsman and Extech meters. A Southwire with temp function can be frequently had for under $50 in near new condition on ebay. Not bad for the money but I have found the meters a bit slow to auto range and slow to buzz for continuity.

So if it was me, I would probably stalk ebay and find a Greenlee DM820 and maybe a Fluke 25/27/8025.

 

[mfrantz90]

Fluke 88


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[doorfx]

Fluke

 

[nbpt100]

I am not surprised many recommend Fluke which is the Gold Standard.

The HF meter that i referenced is made by Mastech. It has a lot of positive reviews.

They seem like a good instrument company.

The Sears Craftsman Professional that is selling around $90 has some negative reviews.
Thanks to all who have chimed in.

 

[James-W]

I have a Fluke meter and have had it for many years. Never a problem with it. I would say it is well worth the expense.

 

[Dingleburry]

Hands down fluke 87-5
The 117 seems pretty decent too. Although never used.

Speaking of the flike 87-5... make a call on your cell phone and put it beside the 87v. Thr meter dosent like it.
Just searched it on youtube again, knew this from years ago it says reports of bricking it. I tried on mine. Didnt brick it. Just makes it trip out.

 

[devilsnight]

I bought a meter off the gearwrench truck awhile back for at home ($55 es??). Not sure what it is other than slow as balls... the capacitance reading is off by 1.22nf also. But, it works. My fluke 87 with load pros leads I have at work is a million times better. No waiting, gives you a reading right here, right now. Quality goes a long way, unless your using this every so often. Then whatever fits your budget. An entry level fluke is like $140 new, worth every penny


I believe I have a fluke 117 at work for the record. Its 5 years old and will probly be replaced once more in my lifetime. I use it every day of the week.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I've been telling myself to get a Fluke... but my Craftsmen (about 10yrs old) has done everything I've wanted from troubleshooting automotive to home electrical to building amplifier and other hobbyist stuff. It doesn't do temp or RMS, but so far I haven't had a real need for either

 

[theoldwizard1]

I was in a Sears store over the weekend and they had a pile of digital multi meters in a bin on sale for $10 each.

There is another Craftsman meter for $10 on Black Friday.

 

[cheechi]

Do not buy an HF meter. Unless you want to buy from me an HF clamp meter that is sitting in a drawer. Only in that case do I encourage you to buy an HF meter. I keep one of the freebie ones as a sacrificial piece but if you know what you're doing that isn't necessary I'm just overly cautious about AC.

Buy a Fluke 27/FM used on ebay. Simple, bulletproof (probably, literally bulletproof) only downside is no backlight. I have two, modded one to take a 9v power brick for bench work. It isn't the fastest but you do have a scale along the bottom so you can read it as if you were watching an analog needle. Never needed more that what it gives me.

Innova 33xx series are good cheap and small if small is useful to you. They are similar to extech and craftsman meters in their price range. Not the best meter but good for the money for simple homeowner stuff and home garage stuff.

Klein MM1000 or MM2000. Kind of hesitant to recommend Klein meters as they made a big splash when they first came out but HD has stopped carrying a lot of the line. They are good meters, but probably not fast enough for what most tradesmen are used to with higher end Flukes and I bet that's why. I have a MM200 I think, the temp sensor never worked since new with multiple thermocouples but otherwise every other setting is in line with my Flukes.

I have this Radioshack meter or a previous version. We had one at an old job that nobody knew how to use, it is surprisingly fast if you are looking for ripple on a 12v or 5v dc rail. Company wouldn't pay for a better meter or calibration so best I could do is check a known good (also not calibrated) volt & resistance on a power supply. But for what it is, if size matters I could recommend it for electronics work. Main downside is the leads are permanently attached and you have to squish them into the little case so there's potential for breaking them. Also it's radioshack.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The Innovas are pretty nice for a cheap meter as are the Kleins.