Fluke meter - help me pick!

[kwoody51]

In anticipation of the Zoro deals to come I'm eyeing a new multi meter. I currently have a $10 craftsman and it generally does what I need but tool envy has struck and I can't help but think life will be better with a new tool

Here's what I know - I've honestly spent 4-6 hours researching just fluke DMMs and I'm more confirmed than when I started. I've been here and EEV blog.

Here's what I know -
87v gold standard for fluke also more than I want to spend...but I like just getting the 'best' and knowing I'll never need more
I'd like to stay around $150 and hence was eyeing the 117 with a zoro discount.
I'm not opposed to eBay but that's where the fork opened up as now options went wide with series upon series of different models.
I'm intrigued by the temp probe feature on some of them but don't if I'll need it.

I'm a garage hack/ hobbist who will use this for household repairs and auto/ car/ boat repairs.

From what I've read sounds like the 117 would work however it's DC current resolution is 'only' 1 mA. Perhaps this is all I'd need but not sure.

Thoughts?! Like I said this isn't a 'need' so I can wait for an eBay find if that's the best bet.

 

[Katodog]

Klein CL800.


Comes with a temp probe and will do DC amps without interrupting the circuit. We have a 117/323 kit at work, the 323 is a toy compared to the Klein and won't do DC amps without using probes and interrupting the circuit, Neither will the 117. The Klein will do DC amps through the clamp. It's also built tough, designed to take a 6-foot fall and has a nice strong feel to it. The 117 doesn't do temperature, the Klein will. The Klein is a pretty good "do all" meter, and I love mine.

The 87v does temp but doesn't come with the probe. It also won't do DC amps without either interrupting the circuit or using an added clamp accessory.

For a "garage hack/hobbist who will use this for household repairs and auto/car/boat repairs"...the Klein is perfect. There's always going to be a time when you want to read DC amps and you won't be able to do it without cutting a circuit, with the Klein there's no worries.


The Klein is around $140 too, so not too expensive, especially for its features.

 

[Showkey]

Dog.......your in trouble now for dissing the fluke:lol_hitt


The CL800 can be found on Amazon for $115 free shipping

 

[Brownsfan]

I had a old Fluke 73 and it broke after 15 years. I wanted to replace it with a fluke but couldn't afford it at the time. I bought a Klein MM2000 to use as a stop gap. This was 4 years ago. I ended up liking it so much I never replaced it. Now as far as Fluke in that price range the 115 and the 117 are fine choices for the money. That being said the MM2000 is $99 and is spec wise very similar to the 117. I like the larger screen on the Klein over the smaller screen of the 117

 

[kwoody51]

I'll check out the Klein models! I was trying to keep it to Fluke just to limit my choices but I'm alright with throwing another brand in the mix The options on these are just crazy!!!

 

[Katodog]

Dog.......your in trouble now for dissing the fluke:lol_hitt


The CL800 can be found on Amazon for $115 free shipping

I don't like Kool-Aid, never did. Even when I was a kid I couldn't stand that "3 pounds of sugar in an 8oz cup" taste. As long as it has two pointy-stabby metal spikes and a way to read the results I'm good to go.

 

[pedrodagr8]

Do not get the Fluke 11x series meters. This series of meters is NOT a meter series I will ever recommend.

The 87V is a great well featured meter with a long history of quality, a lifetime warranty (lifetime = as long as the 87V is made + 7 yrs), made in the USA etc.

The 11x series is a series of meters designed to specifically not cannibalize sales from the other higher quality series. All of them lack specific features so that they are not stealing higher priced sales. They are manufactured by Uni-Trend (aka Uni-T) in China, just like all of the Chinese Domestic Fluke Models (Fluke 101, 106, 107, 12E, 15+, 16+, 17+, etc.). They are not BAD meters, but they are not the same quality as the higher level Flukes and they are REALLY overpriced for what you get from a features and quality perspective. This is doubly true since Fluke cut the warranty on that series, reducing from a reasonable 10 years down to only 3 years.

Honestly, if you are in this price range only either go with the CDM Flukes (more features, at lower price), Brymen (BM 235 and BM257S are great meters), Greenlee (many are rebadged Brymen meters but with a Lifetime warranty), Klein or Amprobe (a Fluke subsidiary)

For example, the Greenlee DM-820A is a rebadged Brymen BM827 which has CAT IV 1kV UL-listed safety rating, fully featured, 10,000 count, dual display, nS conductivity measurements for measuring ultra high resistances, lifetime warranty and when Zoro has their 30% off sales, is only $150

 

[DeltaWye]

Speaking of EEVblog, I bought a Brymen BM257s from ebay after hearing about the brand from him and it's a good meter, great value for the money. Lowe's sells them here as Greenlee but they didn't have the model with the min/max function, which I wanted. The temperature probe only does 1 degree increments (my Fluke 87-V does .1) and it's a little on the small/tippy side but overall I like it. Made in Taiwan, not China. Got the magnetic hanger and a few other accessories for it too.

 

[Brownsfan]

Do not get the Fluke 11x series meters. This series of meters is NOT a meter series I will ever recommend.

The 87V is a great well featured meter with a long history of quality, a lifetime warranty (lifetime = as long as the 87V is made + 7 yrs), made in the USA etc.

The 11x series is a series of meters designed to specifically not cannibalize sales from the other higher quality series. All of them lack specific features so that they are not stealing higher priced sales. They are manufactured by Uni-Trend (aka Uni-T) in China, just like all of the Chinese Domestic Fluke Models (Fluke 101, 106, 107, 12E, 15+, 16+, 17+, etc.). They are not BAD meters, but they are not the same quality as the higher level Flukes and they are REALLY overpriced for what you get from a features and quality perspective. This is doubly true since Fluke cut the warranty on that series, reducing from a reasonable 10 years down to only 3 years.

Honestly, if you are in this price range only either go with the CDM Flukes (more features, at lower price), Brymen (BM 235 and BM257S are great meters), Greenlee (many are rebadged Brymen meters but with a Lifetime warranty), Klein or Amprobe (a Fluke subsidiary)

For example, the Greenlee DM-820A is a rebadged Brymen BM827 which has CAT IV 1kV UL-listed safety rating, fully featured, 10,000 count, dual display, nS conductivity measurements for measuring ultra high resistances, lifetime warranty and when Zoro has their 30% off sales, is only $150

I agree with this. I really want a Fluke 233 with the detachable LCD display. One of these days when I have the extra money I will Buy it. In this sub 200 range I agree the fluke 11@ series is a little over priced. That's why I stuck with the Klein MM2000.

 

[kwoody51]

Might have to dig into the MM2000 more, they have new in box units on ebay for ~$70. Some of these others are appealing but I'm also cheap... all about getting the best bang for the buck $70 is better than $150.

Help me understand if I'm getting something significant for the additional spend.

There is a Fluke 88V auto set on craigslist near me for $250. I might take a look at it but it's likely overkill for what I really need. It just one of those 'the deal is so good' I can't look away...

 

[Infinia]

Here's what I know -
87v gold standard for fluke also more than I want to spend...but I like just getting the 'best' and knowing I'll never need more
<snip>
Thoughts?! Like I said this isn't a 'need' so I can wait for an eBay find if that's the best bet.

welp since you said it yourself/
keep shopping for the 'real deal'.
Geenlee doesn't even have real specs on their website, you may infer something from the Brymen models but IDK the lawyer in me says "meh".
What is the value of their lifetime warrantee if they don't even make the thing? ... like 10 years down the line ... not so much.

 

[kwoody51]

Anyone have insights into the tweaks of the different series of the 87 or the 87 vs 83?

Realistically anything will be better than the $10 Craftsman DMM I have

 

[pedrodagr8]

Might have to dig into the MM2000 more, they have new in box units on ebay for ~$70. Some of these others are appealing but I'm also cheap... all about getting the best bang for the buck $70 is better than $150.

Help me understand if I'm getting something significant for the additional spend.

There is a Fluke 88V auto set on craigslist near me for $250. I might take a look at it but it's likely overkill for what I really need. It just one of those 'the deal is so good' I can't look away...

The 88V is not a good meter for your uses. It drops TrueRMS, including an RPM function instead, it drops the low-pass filter, has lower AC bandwidth, etc. At that price point, you can get the INSANELY full featured Brymen BM869S which is just a ridiculous meter and IS way overkill for you (I have one and love it).

One thing to knote about the MM2000 is that it defaults to AC for the voltage and current measurements. If you are doing a lot of DC work, this can be a HUGE pain in the *** because every time you want to measure DC volts/current, you turn the knob to volts/curent and then have to hit the orange function button to switch it to DC mode. 87V has separate functions for DC and AC on volts but defaults to AC for current (the 88V defaults to DC). Brymen does it better in my opinion in that they remember what you last did for each position on the selector dial.

As for what is better for you, the Greenlee (Brymen) has a higher safety rating, setting memory, better warranty, higher resitance range reading, a bit better accuracy IIRC, can be used with an optional data logging cable, etc. If none of these is useful to you, then it is a waste of money to pay higher.

Anyone have insights into the tweaks of the different series of the 87 or the 87 vs 83?

Realistically anything will be better than the $10 Craftsman DMM I have

83 drops TrueRMS, drops the 4 1/2 digit high resolution mode, has slightly worse accuracy, drops temperature function, has horrible AC bandwidth, etc.

 

[Can I try?]

Before you go getting your hopes up on a Fluke from Zoro, just know that they exclude Fluke (among other brands) from further discounts. That doesn't mean you couldn't still give it a try...

https://www.zoro.com/rules_restrictions

FWIW, I think you'll be best served by getting a Fluke. If a new 87v is out of your price range just shop eBay for a used one in good condition. They pop up on there constantly.

 

[Infinia]

just pick up what ever strikes your fancy I'd spend no less than 50> so you don't go bottom of the barrel stuff. since UniT was mentioned id look at one those models of their 61 series. look on Utube "50 dollar multi-meter shootout series".
about CAT ratings its way over-rated for DIY homeowner types, just don't be a bonehead.

 

[Brownsfan]

The 88V is not a good meter for your uses. It drops TrueRMS, including an RPM function instead, it drops the low-pass filter, has lower AC bandwidth, etc. At that price point, you can get the INSANELY full featured Brymen BM869S which is just a ridiculous meter and IS way overkill for you (I have one and love it).

One thing to knote about the MM2000 is that it defaults to AC for the voltage and current measurements. If you are doing a lot of DC work, this can be a HUGE pain in the *** because every time you want to measure DC volts/current, you turn the knob to volts/curent and then have to hit the orange function button to switch it to DC mode. 87V has separate functions for DC and AC on volts but defaults to AC for current (the 88V defaults to DC). Brymen does it better in my opinion in that they remember what you last did for each position on the selector dial.

As for what is better for you, the Greenlee (Brymen) has a higher safety rating, setting memory, better warranty, higher resitance range reading, a bit better accuracy IIRC, can be used with an optional data logging cable, etc. If none of these is useful to you, then it is a waste of money to pay higher.

That's the one thing I don't like about the Klein MM2000. But I have gotten so used to it I don't even notice.

 

[Dingleburry]

If your not too worried about new. Why not used 87v off fleabay. Paid 200 for the 87v/e2 kit. Few years later, when i use other peoples friends/co workers dmm i absolutely hate every other dmm. Havent used ALOT of diff kinds but the ones i did i hate them. I especially like the 87v backlight stays on for 30 mins. Or if it goes into auto shut-off you can just press any button to turn back on. Not have to turn dial to off then on again. Also like the 50megohm resistance rating and the bar graph. Dont know what other meters do. Its the small things. I know you said you dont want an 87v. But i cant recommend it enough. Although a clamp meter that does d/c would be nice too. All depends what you need it for a guess.
I use mine on 600v so i wont touch anything else but higher end flukes.

 

[Wamsutta]

Get one that reads alternating DC current; they're useful for checking MAF sensors.

 

[Dingleburry]

Get one that reads alternating DC current; they're useful for checking MAF sensors.

Ive never heard of such a thing!

 

[pedrodagr8]

Ive never heard of such a thing!

Maybe he means AC+DC meters? Which means it can measure an AC signal with a DC offset. Many meters, cannot handle an AC+DC measurement properly especially if they have a TrueRMS converter.

 

[kwoody51]

I'm not opposed to 87v... I just don't want to pay new prices. Sounds like I should just watch eBay for nice used 87v, that's fine with me.

 

[pedrodagr8]

I'm not opposed to 87v... I just don't want to pay new prices. Sounds like I should just watch eBay for nice used 87v, that's fine with me.

If you can test it out properly, watch Craigslist too. I have picked up several 87V off Craigslist before for under $200. One had a blown fuse, which the guy tried to deny, but eventually got him to knock $10 off the price for it (which brought it down to $145) and it was otherwise in perfect shape.

 

[whitetailhntr]

Zoro deals to come???


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kwoody51]

Zoro deals to come???


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Zoro typically does a 25 or 30% coupon for cyber Monday.

 

[Wamsutta]

Ive never heard of such a thing!

What I should have said is DC Frequency.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

You can pick up a clean fluke 87-v on ebay for around $200 if you are patient, IMHO

 

[Dingleburry]

I'm not opposed to 87v... I just don't want to pay new prices. Sounds like I should just watch eBay for nice used 87v, that's fine with me.

Id say thats your best bet and bang for buck. You wont be disappointed. Id say watch for e2 kit. I dont know what kind of leads the base kit comes with. But the e2 kit comes with the 60 inch silicone leads w/ detatchable tips for the aligator clips. And magnet.Two indispensable accessories. The temp probe is a piece of **** but works if thats all you got. I use a seperate digital thermometer with a proper temp probe tip. But again all depends what kind of work you plan on doing with it.

What I should have said is DC Frequency.

Ohh haha gotcha

 

[Tenex]

You can't get use the Zoro 30% coupon on Fluke. Check the exclusions below.

https://www.zoro.com/rules_restrictions

 

[kwoody51]

Good to know! Now I don't have to worry about hitting sale timing.

Looks like eBay it is for a deal!

 

[FJ 432]

I really like my 117. I paid about 120.00 for it at the time. I'm not smart enough to rebut the criticisms mentioned earlier but it meets my needs for general home use.

 

[bcradio]

Speaking of EEVblog, I bought a Brymen BM257s from ebay after hearing about the brand from him and it's a good meter, great value for the money. Lowe's sells them here as Greenlee but they didn't have the model with the min/max function, which I wanted. The temperature probe only does 1 degree increments (my Fluke 87-V does .1) and it's a little on the small/tippy side but overall I like it. Made in Taiwan, not China. Got the magnetic hanger and a few other accessories for it too.

Why did you buy the Brymen if you already have an 87v?

 

[md21722]

Check this thread out from Lighting & Electrical. This will give you an idea of what electricians use. Fluke 87V, T5-600/T5-1000, etc.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338914&highlight=Fluke

 

[DeltaWye]

Why did you buy the Brymen if you already have an 87v?

I tinker with electronics so I wanted to have at least 2 good meters. Often I want to read two voltages or a voltage and a current at the same time. I also used them both this summer to read two temperatures simultaneously while charging the house A/C.

 

[bsaint]

Im selling my 28-2

 

[anndel]

87V, had mine for 10 years and still going strong.

 

[kwoody51]

Tried to buy this one, was ready to go up to $250 but shot up ~$80 in the last 30 seconds!

www.ebay.com/itm/222319226014

Oh well I'lol keep looking

 

[Wamsutta]

Just to give you some perspective: I bought a brand new 77-IV for $170 off ebay, but I had to be patient and wait awhile.

 

[pozidriv]

Got my 87 V with the E2 kit for €180, not on ebay though, got it from a secondhand website in the Netherlands. Waited for about 7-8 months before I jumped on this one. Email notifications really help!

 

[Citation]

Do not get the Fluke 11x series meters. This series of meters is NOT a meter series I will ever recommend.

The 87V is a great well featured meter with a long history of quality, a lifetime warranty (lifetime = as long as the 87V is made + 7 yrs), made in the USA etc.

The 11x series is a series of meters designed to specifically not cannibalize sales from the other higher quality series. All of them lack specific features so that they are not stealing higher priced sales. They are manufactured by Uni-Trend (aka Uni-T) in China, just like all of the Chinese Domestic Fluke Models (Fluke 101, 106, 107, 12E, 15+, 16+, 17+, etc.). They are not BAD meters, but they are not the same quality as the higher level Flukes and they are REALLY overpriced for what you get from a features and quality perspective. This is doubly true since Fluke cut the warranty on that series, reducing from a reasonable 10 years down to only 3 years.

Honestly, if you are in this price range only either go with the CDM Flukes (more features, at lower price), Brymen (BM 235 and BM257S are great meters), Greenlee (many are rebadged Brymen meters but with a Lifetime warranty), Klein or Amprobe (a Fluke subsidiary)

For example, the Greenlee DM-820A is a rebadged Brymen BM827 which has CAT IV 1kV UL-listed safety rating, fully featured, 10,000 count, dual display, nS conductivity measurements for measuring ultra high resistances, lifetime warranty and when Zoro has their 30% off sales, is only $150

I agree with almost everything above except the Klein part. I've read that the Klein MM1000 and 2000 are very slow to respond to inputs.

I've got a couple of meters now, 87V, 187, 27/FM as well as a Greenlee DM820A (Brymen) and had a Greenlee DM200A (Brymen)

My first choice for bang for buck these days is the Amprobe AM-270, about $115 on ebay. It's a Brymen based meter, I think the same as the older Greenleen DM820 (not 820A). Great meter for the money.

Fluke is really top notch stuff but you have to get at least the 170 series meters to get touch-hold. Touch hold is a killer feature that you really want. Hold on most meters freezes the screen where it is right now. Touch hold is different. Turn it on, touch your probes, wait for the beep that indicates a stable reading. Now that stable reading is frozen on the screen. You never had to look at the screen while getting your reading. That means eyes on the probes, not the screen! Brymen (thus Greenlee, Amprobe etc) doesn't have this feature. Agilent and a few BK meters I've used have had it but Fluke seems to be the only one that consistently has it.

Anyway, Brymen meters are great but they lack this feature. Fluke 27, 25, 8025 (all basically the same old brick meter) can be had on ebay for $50 or less and all have this feature. My garage meter is a Fluke 27 because they are cheap to buy yet super robust. So if you need basic features and don't mind ebay, get a 27 (do note that the yellow with gray front models have very easy to read LCDs, the solid gray or yellow models typically have less contrast.). If you need more features like temp, frequency etc then the Brymen based meters are generally a better value than Flukes but they lack the touch hold feature. The 87-5 is "best" but very expensive.

 

[metaldad]

a partial shot of my collection.