Favorite small pocket multimeter?
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CGarage
Well-known member
I have 3.
2 x Bluepoint pen style multimeters both made in Japan
1 x modern Hioki Japan pen multimeter
I will post pics.
FredWanaker
Well-known member
sorry, I own too many multi-meters already. Not interested in any more. In fact my eyes have enough trouble with small things that an itsy bitsy multimeter would be worthless to me. (and probably to you in a few more years.) 
This thread reminded me I don't own a pocket multimeter. I rectified that by ordering a Hioki 3244-60 (made in Japan, I think) at Amazon, for $31.50. The price seems to be a lot lower than typical for this model, but still above the "no name" Chinese meters that sell for $20 on Amazon.
CARD HiTESTER 3244-60 | Hioki
Hioki 3244-60 Card HiTester and Digital Multimeter, 41.99 Megaohms Resistance, 500V AC/DC Voltage: Voltage Testers: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
Review of Hioki 3244-60
CARD HiTESTER 3244-60 | Hioki
Hioki 3244-60 Card HiTester and Digital Multimeter, 41.99 Megaohms Resistance, 500V AC/DC Voltage: Voltage Testers: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
Review of Hioki 3244-60
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bwringer
Well-known member
i have an Amprobe PM55A that has nice large display and a lot of capability in a very small package.
I think this is a newer version:
It's surprisingly capable, and Amprobe stuff is generally nice quality. The problem is that mine didn't come with any sort of case. You can get a case, but it's ridiculously bulky. So this meter lives in the glovebox of my car.
I carry a small Allosun meter with an integral case on motorcycle trips.
This lil' fella:
Cheerfully cheap and of course it's Chinese, but it works fine for low voltage DC stuff and continuity checks on a motorcycle.
My main meter is a Craftsman brand that's NLA that has a DC amp clamp; AC amp clamps are a dime a dozen, of course. A DC amp clamp is a lot harder to find and makes the meter a lot more expensive. But a DC amp clamp is invaluable for all kinds of vehicle diagnosis.
I think this is a newer version:
Amprobe PM55A Pocket Multimeter with VolTect™ Non-Contact Voltage Detection | Amprobe
Great things do come in small packages. This pocket multimeter has a full set of features and high safety ratings in an ultra-compact size.
www.amprobe.com
It's surprisingly capable, and Amprobe stuff is generally nice quality. The problem is that mine didn't come with any sort of case. You can get a case, but it's ridiculously bulky. So this meter lives in the glovebox of my car.
I carry a small Allosun meter with an integral case on motorcycle trips.
This lil' fella:
Cheerfully cheap and of course it's Chinese, but it works fine for low voltage DC stuff and continuity checks on a motorcycle.
My main meter is a Craftsman brand that's NLA that has a DC amp clamp; AC amp clamps are a dime a dozen, of course. A DC amp clamp is a lot harder to find and makes the meter a lot more expensive. But a DC amp clamp is invaluable for all kinds of vehicle diagnosis.
richfinn
Well-known member
Facom 711B Auto Calibration Digital Smart Multimeter
Multimeter: SMART FUNCTION The multimeter automatically chooses the measurement to display UNIVERSAL POINTS thanks to the removable cap: Short points…
www.primetools.co.uk
I bought one of these on a whim for £50 from ebay UK, it's main trick is that you can use any generic AC/DC amp probe and it will display in Amps accurately (rather than having to convert from mV). Nice quality meter, very small and compact.
I like to use it with a long extention cable and the Clamp so I can test stuff from the drivers seat whilst cranking and not have to worry about finding an assistant (good for fuel pumps or glow plugs).
Besides that function it's pretty ordinary but it has a nice stand/back-light and min/max
jayemm
Well-known member
This is what I keep in the glovebox, only it's branded as "Etekcity" instead of Uni-T. Case is included.
meters.uni-trend.com
UT120 Series Pocket Size Digital Multimeters - UNI-T Meters | Test & Measurement Tools and Solutions
UT120 series multimeters are designed for DIYers and electronics engineers to troubleshoot electronics systems development and electronics circuits. It is a simple and portable multimeter for every electronics engineer. Models in UT120 Series: UT120A, UT120B, UT120C
meters.uni-trend.com
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
How about you show me yours then I will show you mine?
I have the Hioki Card Hi-Tester. If the capabilities meet your needs it's an excellent little pocket meter. For the current Amazon price of about $30, it's a no brainer.
I'm over the cheap China DM's, the ones I've tried have been ****.
aggiegrads
Well-known member
I recently got a uni-t clamp meter and leave my Fluke on the bench where it is safe.
I am really impressed by this meter, and having a clamp (ac and dc) is a huge plus.
I am really impressed by this meter, and having a clamp (ac and dc) is a huge plus.
vpd66
Well-known member
I bought one of these meters about 5 years ago and have been very happy with it. It is my go to carry around meter.
I have a Beckman DM78 in my mobile electronics kit. I use it for quick measurements when I don't feel like digging out the fluke. Or when I'm up ladder or somewhere where "packing light" is beneficial. It's so light, it can dangle from clip leads and not fall off! One thing I love about this little meter is that it beeps when it senses voltage. It's handy when you clip it on some wires in another room, and you can hear it beep when the circuit goes live. It's the "little things" lol.
I also have a nearly identical meter made under the Micronta (radio shack) name. I keep it in my laptop bag. These tiny meters are great to have around.
I also have a nearly identical meter made under the Micronta (radio shack) name. I keep it in my laptop bag. These tiny meters are great to have around.
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I have one of these and really like it, wonder if there isnt a more modern version in a hard case.Here's the Micronta meter I mentioned above
I like and use my Fluke 101 for quick and dirty first checks, easy to carry with you in your pocket.
It’s nice small 5.12 x 1.06 x 2.56 inches ,uses detachable standard leads so easy to pick your favorite lengt leads and / or attachment
Accurate enough ,safe for Cat 3 / 600volt , only down side no current reading
and reasonably cheap at around 45 dollar on Amazone
It’s nice small 5.12 x 1.06 x 2.56 inches ,uses detachable standard leads so easy to pick your favorite lengt leads and / or attachment
Accurate enough ,safe for Cat 3 / 600volt , only down side no current reading
and reasonably cheap at around 45 dollar on Amazone
That was the first multimeter I had (still have). I don't use it anymore. Nothing wrong with it but I use an Amprobe AM-47 when I use a pocket meter but that's basically only when I'm at my desk and decide to measure something. I have too many bigger meters the rest of the time.Here's the Micronta meter I mentioned above
Like I mentioned, I carry my Micronta meter in my laptop bag. I do so basically because it's almost weightless, and it adds no bulk to my bag. I'm not usually taking crucial measurements when I'm doing IT work. Just checking an outlet or a UPS battery here and there. Maybe continuity. It fits the bill just fine. I have it with a small roll that was formerly the Xcelite PC Service Kit, but I swapped out the IC inserter/remover with pliers, needle-nose, and flush-cutters. And I added a few small screwdrivers too:
It rolls up nice and small:
But I found that it works best laid out flat in the back pocket of my laptop bag (you can see the meter in the right-side pocket too):
So there you have it; one of my meters in it's natural habitat, lol.