Fluke 88 Vs snap on EEDM596EK

[KBATN]

I can get a student discount for a snap on EEDM596EK.

so which one should I get? Looking for use on mostly automotive and some home use.

Thanks


https://store.snapon.com/Automotive-Digital-Multimeters-Digital-RMS-Multimeter-P885291.aspx

 

[Brownsfan]

The snap on has more features. Like true rms. But fluke is the gold standard in Multimeters. Maybe get the fluke 87 instead.

 

[kd3pc]

both are good, I would go for the fluke. I teach SnapOn meter certification and still prefer the fluke.

best of luck

 

[maintguy]

The snap on has more features. Like true rms. But fluke is the gold standard in Multimeters. Maybe get the fluke 87 instead.

The fluke 87v is trms

 

[Brownsfan]

That's why I said get the 87 instead of the 88. I like the display of the Snap on better though. For what I do it would be better because I'm in sunlight a lot working out side and the standard LCD display washes out.

 

[General Geoff]

the 88V has some automotive specific features that the 87V lacks. Given that the OP asked for a choice between the SO and the 88V, both of which are automotive-specific multimeters, I'm assuming that they are looking for an automotive-specific meter.

The 87V is more of a general-use meter. It's great but might not have all the features the OP wants.

 

[KM223]

I have both the Fluke 88v and Snap On EEDM596EK and I don't use the Snap On very much. The Fluke is solid and just plain works. Every time. Not saying the Snap On wouldn't I'm just saying over the years I've come to trust the Fluke. I do however agree the SO has a better display.

 

[redmondjp]

Who is making SnapOn's DVMs these days? I know that they used to use re-branded Korean-made ones that were far inferior to Fluke.

 

[Buster21]

I thought they were made by TPI, test products international.

 

[Brownsfan]

They are still Korean made by TPI. I have a Korean made Klein that has been fantastic. I almost bought the snap on off a guy selling it on Craigslist. It was actually a really good price and brand new. He had just sold it before I called. I know a couple people with Snap On meters and they like them and have no complaints.

 

[ecotec]

I really like Fluke products. I would suggest them to anyone. They are the gold standard of testing equipment.

 

[Citation]

I like Fluke meters but I'm not sure either of these would be on my short list. First, what functions do you really want? In general I'm not that impressed with automotive meters because I'm just not sold on what they do vs other meters. However, some of that is because I get that an RPM mode is just another way of displaying frequency etc. Basically with a lower end meter I can get the same information with a bit of math.

The really nice thing about the Fluke 88 would be the probe set it often comes with. While I don't think most people need a Fluke 88, the test lead/probe set that comes with the full kit is really nice. I would suggest, even if you don't go Fluke (and I wouldn't with my money... at least not new) you invest in a set of probes with a wide range of tips, clamps, wire puncture ends etc.

As for the meter, I would probably be just as inclined to get a Brymen based Greenlee. This one would probably be my first choice (Matco sells basically the same meter under their brand). I would definitely want the thermal probe. I wouldn't worry about TRMS.
This is a good one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TO5YTQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This one is even better but larger
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TO5YUK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

ebay can be your friend in this case. Here are some examples of what I suspect are good option (no idea if the sellers are good or bad so buyer beware!).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCO-Multi...477622?hash=item211e5f3876:g:9V4AAOSw9GhYeA8t

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GREENLEE-DM...796910?hash=item1c7e95486e:g:5ggAAOSw2xRYduNY

 

[oldtools]

For what SO is asking, I would go with Fluke 88. If you don't really need automotive features, go with Fluke 87. Even Fluke 87 is overkilled so you can get their entry level model and you will be fine.

 

[WhiffySpark]

For what SO is asking, I would go with Fluke 88. If you don't really need automotive features, go with Fluke 87. Even Fluke 87 is overkilled so you can get their entry level model and you will be fine.

$100 difference? Plus the snap on warranty and service. It might even be cheaper with his discount.

I've been eyeing the meter for a long time. Just can't decide on that or a vantage

 

[KBATN]

The snap on meter I can get for $353.99

The Fluke 88v kit from amazon $478.35.

Fluke does offer 25% off for students but there retail prices are high.

 

[ecotec]

The snap on meter I can get for $353.99

The Fluke 88v kit from amazon $478.35.

Fluke does offer 25% off for students but there retail prices are high.

That seems pretty reasonable. If anything goes wrong with it, your SO guy will deal with it...

Really, that is what you are paying for with SO. The weekly service.

I would use your student discount for the more consumable type tools (ratchets, Torx bit sockets, hex bit sockets, screwdrivers, specialty tools, pliers (supplement with Knipex), torque wrenches...).

The things that wear down over time. Those are the things to buy from SO.

I do not know if a multimeter has a lifetime warranty. If it does, it is the perfect thing to buy from SO. You literally will have a warehouse coming to your job every week or even more often.

I think that places you can save money are tools that are far less likely to break. I think that you could save money by buying industrial wrenches, extensions, sockets, hammers, nut drivers (if you use them)...

 

[T45]

Fluke's have good warranty and seem to hold up well over time. I would not go with an outsourced product based on the snappy warranty--the odds are higher you would need to use it. Which is a bad strategy IMHO. Whereas Fluke have a reputation as being unlikely to fail in the first place, being repariable as well over decades.

I'd agree with the other comments above about buying semi-consumables from snap-on tho. Things like drivers, bit sockets, bitsets, ratchets and what not... that snappy makes in house buy that can and do wear out over time. Other companies exclude this from warranty, but SO will cover it...and they also make some of the best if not the absolute best...all in house and not outsourced to china mass manufacturers.

 

[ddawg16]

About the only thing either of those meters have is the fuel injector pulse measurement.

Personally, neither of them for that kind of money.

I'd go with a Fluke 187

AND

Get a digital scope. You will get more information from a scope than any meter when it comes to looking a fast signals.

They make USB-plug into your laptop types....and I think they have some that work with a smart phone...

 

[billford]

I have the Fluke 88. Bought it about 25 - 30 years ago. Still use it today.

 

[KBATN]

ok, well thanks for the input guys

 

[zippy99]

That seems pretty reasonable. If anything goes wrong with it, your SO guy will deal with it...

.

The student discount, unless it has changed since I used it, is online. He is just buying through the website at a discount, not from the local route driver

 

[blown94conv]

Snap on meters have a 7 year warranty. Not sure why 7, but that's what it is.

 

[ecotec]

The student discount, unless it has changed since I used it, is online. He is just buying through the website at a discount, not from the local route driver

True...

But once he finishes school (and even during school) the Snap-on guy will probably be at his job weekly (or more often at a huge job). My point is that is a big part of what you are paying for with Snap-on. If he has issues with this multimeter or any item... he has a guy who comes to his job weekly from the company that sold it. In theory, they will remedy any issues (for in this case 7 years).