Fluke 115 Generations

[Flinter987]

Hey guys!
I'm in the market for a multimeter and am looking at the Fluke 115's. I came across this one for a good deal used (pictured) but was curious.... Have the 115 flukes gone through several generations or have they simply changed colors from time to time. The functions on this one look the same as the newer ones from the face of it. Thanks in advance! Fred

 

[r_olson_06]

Hey guys!
I'm in the market for a multimeter and am looking at the Fluke 115's. I came across this one for a good deal used (pictured) but was curious.... Have the 115 flukes gone through several generations or have they simply changed colors from time to time. The functions on this one look the same as the newer ones from the face of it. Thanks in advance! Fred

It is missing the outer yellow case. That is why it looks different. Make sure to check the fuses are good in the meter before getting committed. I have owned a 115 and had no issues with. Just upgraded to something with trending.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[Rarified27]

^ Yup. It's just missing the cover.

 

[Flinter987]

Ok, thanks guys! Being that I'll be in commercial automotive repair, I would probably want that case for a little extra protection, right?

 

[BMack37]

Yeah, you want the case. It's a Chinese made Fluke, a fantastic DMM. It's small and accurate. Though I'd consider going a little older if you're buying used. You can get a Fluke 112 for about $80-$100, made in the USA and even smaller than the 115. A Fluke 77IV is also a great meter than can be had under $100 used, I got mine for $25 from a pawn shop.

Make sure the fuses are good, don't just test them...after testing them open the meter and pull them to make sure they're OEM and not modified. I've heard of people soldering wires to make a fuse test ok, or installing a glass fuse. If the fuse is blown, I wouldn't buy it, there are plenty out there and it's not worth the risk of a damaged meter. Always get one with a case and no sharpie on the case if that will bother you. Test AC + HZ, DC, Resistance of the leads (you should bring your own just in case) and check the continuity buzzer. If one thing is showing as iffy with your leads, walk away.

Dirt and black marks (other than sharpie) on the case come off pretty easily.

I have some experience in this, all were bought under $150. Only one was acquired new, the 115:

 

[FigureItOut]

I've taken mine off and used it for a day, it's really nice to get rid of some of the bulk. I recently switched to an 88V and it's a giant in comparison. I wish I could bring myself to run without the boot.

Not that a 115 is cheap, but honestly I wouldn't bother with getting a boot for it if I didn't have one. They're pretty robust.

I have some experience in this, all were bought under $150. Only one was acquired new, the 115:

You've done well! I got my 88V new for $210 and thought that was a score.

 

[BMack37]

I've taken mine off and used it for a day, it's really nice to get rid of some of the bulk. I recently switched to an 88V and it's a giant in comparison. I wish I could bring myself to run without the boot.

Not that a 115 is cheap, but honestly I wouldn't bother with getting a boot for it if I didn't have one. They're pretty robust.

You've done well! I got my 88V new for $210 and thought that was a score.

The 88V normally stays around $250 so I'd say you scored! Anything under $250 for an 87V or 88V is a good deal, sometimes you can snag an 87V for $150-180 on eBay but it will take a while of watching them go higher. Four of those meters in the pic were under $30! The 75 was free, found it at work and no one knew where it came from(it's a small shop so I literally asked everyone). The 87III was $100, pawn shop find but you can sometimes find them for about the same on eBay.

PLENTY of used Flukes out there, it takes some leg work and some knowledge but you can find them for cheap if you look. The only place I haven't seen them cheap is on Craigslist, they always want top dollar.