digital multi-meter

[Jeeper]

What is your prefered brand and/or model? What about for someone who doesn't use it but a couple times a year. Is spending extra money worth it on one?

 

[bmwpower]

I've got a Craftsman. Works for me. I use it several times a year.

 

[MAD]

I agree, the Craftsman multi-meters have been a good value for me as well and I use mine quite often. Whatever meter you get, make certain it has the auto-off battery saver feature. Most newer models have this feature. I would also get something that takes a common battery like AA or AAA cells.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have a Blue Point digital multi meter, its the basic one that they sell

Use to diagnose and troubleshoot automotive electrical systems. Takes critical voltage measurements from the battery, alternator and related systems. Measure voltage drop across components such as fan blowers and connectors. Measure the current draw of low amperage systems like electrical control modules. Compact, ergonomic design fits comfortably in hand. Performs volts, ohms, AC/DC amps, continuity and diode tests. Easy-to-read 200 count display. Overrange and low battery indicators. Data hold function plus audible continuity signal. Includes test lead set and compact protective boot with tilt stand. UL listed to standard 3111-1. CE Conformity.

 

[Buck_nekid]

I have a Fluke 88 and a Mac 720, they are more meter than a normal weekend warrior will ever need (Electronics are my thing) I suggest you look at either Wavetek or Meterman, they offer value priced meters for a fraction of the ones I have go for. One of my buddies has a Wavetek (I'll check which model he has) that will do 90% of what the fluke will do for a fraction of the cost. Bigger and more expensive isn't always the best. If you were working on 1000+ volts primaries I would say Fluke, but for your needs that would be overkill.
If your only going to be using it a few times a year (basic car things) a cheaper 'pocket' type would fit the bill.

 

[Deafautotech]

i have Craftsman 82175 69.99 and Fluke (i got it as new at pawn store for 40 dollars). both working great but i had problem with craftsman DVOM because fuse go burn out few time. so i had bought Fluke at pawn store while it is new and cheap price. then i use fluke DVOM and no problem.....

 

[SuperKid]

I wouldn't buy anything besides a Fluke. I did however get a Craftsman for free. I've already had problems with the Craftsman, but have yet to have problems with the Fluke.

 

[KeukaDan]

for 1 or 2 times a year don't buy a fluke, I own 2, they are great but they are not needed for the basics. For what you pay for a good fluke you can buy 15 of the craftsman meters that go on sale routinely for 13 dollars. as for fluke I have an 87 and a 179 and they are great meters but they just aren't needed for most people.

 

[-lecroix-]

I have a Fluke and a Craftsman ... both get the job done. I also agree with the others that the cost of the Fluke doesn't justify it's use for the occasional use. You can pick up a nice Craftsman for less than $50.

 

[RPH]

Flukes are great if you use them on the job but for the garage once a month thing way over priced. Wavetek would be a good meter for that and is reasonably priced with good functions. I was use my Fluke on the job (189) and have worn out Fluke 89's. They do die. But for the garage, no!

 

[bmwpower]

The one thing I wish my Craftsman had was a backlit display. Sometimes it's hard to see the display when under the hood or under the dash. Not sure if other Craftsman models have this feature or not. Also not sure Flukes do...maybe someone could comment.

 

[KeukaDan]

My two flukes are both backlit, as is my Extech and some, if not all of the newer Craftsman are backlit.

 

[Fast Orange]

At my current job,I sell multimeters to both pro electricians and DIYers.One thing to keep in mind in either case is that it's up to you to set up the meter for the measurement you're making.I see a lot of situations where guys are switching back and forth between voltage and continuity and forget to change the settings.The result is one of two things-either the components in the meter burn,or a fuse blows inside the meter.Higher end meters like the Fluke are fused and fuses are available at most places that sell the meters.
In the case of a DIYer who will seldom use the meter,I usually reccomend a meter that basically changes itself for each reading.Instead of a dial to choose between amps,ohms and volts,these meters simply have an on/off switch.The downside to these meters is that they take much longer to take readings,since they have to cycle through to find the type of reading you're looking for.
Greenlee has a meter of this type that typically sells in the $60-$70 range.

George

 

[kartracer55]

I use a fluke 77 at home, it was my Dads, and he bought a newer one and gave this to me. For general use, I would get an AUTOMOTIVE multimeter. It has a few additional functions. The toolwarehouse.net is advertising an OTC for aroun 100$ if I am not mistaken. OTC is typically good stuff, so I would say that is a safe bet.

Jim

 

[Jeeper]

I use a fluke 77 at home, it was my Dads, and he bought a newer one and gave this to me. For general use, I would get an AUTOMOTIVE multimeter. It has a few additional functions. The toolwarehouse.net is advertising an OTC for aroun 100$ if I am not mistaken. OTC is typically good stuff, so I would say that is a safe bet.

Jim

What kind of functions does an automotive type have? I mean what kind of tests can you do with it?

Thanks to all for the imput. I'll probably see when craftsman puts an autoranging backlit one on sale.

 

[z28toz06]

I issue hese to my techs. they are bulletproof easy to use and are accurate. nce options

8400
http://www.sperryinstruments.com/sperry/catalog?item=techmaster-8000

heres 2 350s on ebay havent used one
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-NEW-SPERRY-DM...ryZ42291QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[z28toz06]

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/a/aa063001a.htm

 

[chevy302dz]

Fluke is the only way to go, they do have some cheaper series of meters so it is possible to pick up one for around $100

 

[Coach James]

I have a Crsftaman I bought 4 or 5 years ago for $19.99 on sale from $39.99. It's done fine for me. My dad still uses a analog meter he got 30+ years ago and he seems to get along fine with it.

Radio Shack used to sell many nice multi meters and good tools, but the last time I was in there, a few months ago, they only had two meters and a few Chinese tools. Now our radio Shack is all bling bling and B.S.

Coach

 

[chevy302dz]

I have a Crsftaman I bought 4 or 5 years ago for $19.99 on sale from $39.99. It's done fine for me. My dad still uses a analog meter he got 30+ years ago and he seems to get along fine with it.

Radio Shack used to sell many nice multi meters and good tools, but the last time I was in there, a few months ago, they only had two meters and a few Chinese tools. Now our radio Shack is all bling bling and B.S.

Coach

Last time I went to a RadioShack to pickup some resistors the salesguy didn't even know they sold them.

 

[eschoendorff]

Now our radio Shack is all bling bling and B.S.

Coach

*****, doesn't it? I remember the radio shack experiment sets and all the cool electronic stuff they used to carry. Now, it's like a little crappy version of Best Buy.

 

[KingPerformance]

My $5 Craftsman unit (NEW). I don't use it for anything intricate, so it works just fine. And if I accidentally run over it leave it at the track, or someone steals it ... I don't care.