Fluke meters…Advice needed

[tarmy]

My youngest is graduating this month and has a job lined up. He is into robotics and wants tools. I am not even close to smart enough to figure out some good instruments to get him.

I have selected a 325 clamp meter and 117 or 116 multimeter. He works with mostly DC.

I am open to ANY and ALL thoughts, suggestions and comments.

Thanks for any posts in advance…

 

[wyliesdiesels]

what is his job going to be?

 

[cgrutt]

Bought a 77 nearly 40 years ago and still going strong. Just used it yesterday. I'd personally take a look at the 87V for robotics. If still like the old ones he'll still be using it 40 yrs from now and thinking about his dad. Whichever one you pick I'm sure will be awesome and greatly appreciated. Congrats on his graduation!

I want to upgrade but to the 88V for automotive. I don't really need true-RMS, which 88V lacks, but if I did could fallback on my old 77. Great meters.

 

[yyc_ranger_4x4]

For the money....I'd go with the 87VMax, definitely rugged and will do almost everything. The 289 is a top of the line meter, but overkill for someone getting started unless it's really needed right away. If you're looking for a clamp meter, then you're going to give up a few features, but stick to something like a 378 especially if they have to clamp DC amperage.

 

[mm08822]

A portable meter like the 117 style is good for field work, especially equipment troubleshooting.
Bench work can be an entirely different level of needs and accuracy. Most times, the employer would be staffing the lab equipment, too.

Do a features comparison of meters against your budget. Bundles of accessories can also be found to save a few $ overall.

 

[duneslider]

Graduating what? College, trade school, high school? The 325/117 combo is pretty common, the 116 is more for hvac. What is he planning to do with robotics?

Most of the work my guys/gals are doing don't need more than the 325/117. Heck I just just have some cheap klein model that I keep in my bag for when I have to troubleshoot without my controls team onsite. I probably wouldn't spend more money on a fancier model until he knows what he wants/needs. I know my guy that builds our panels and does the majority of the installs doesn't have anything fancy for field work.

Its hard to say though without knowing more about what he is doing.

 

[tarmy]

You guys are awesome…thanks for the posts…

His college degree is Mechatronics. So electrical, mechanical, physics and other tech stuff.

The company he is going to is a Generative AI robotics company (I don’t know the name of it yet…). This stuff is WAY above my pay grade…

I really don’t care about the cost that much and want whatever the best stuff I can get him.

At this point I think he will be working on the actual attachments that that the robotics will be swapping in and out to do various tasks…not positive of exactly what that all means. The humioid robotics is the company focus.

 

[duneslider]

I will be honest, he probably won't be using much high voltage stuff and the 325 won't get used much. If he was doing more stuff involving 480v motors and such he would but with what he is doing the 117 would be fine or if you want to spend more the 87vmax is great but probably overkill too. Anything more than that is going to be pretty specialized and probably not something he would need to have. Working with the end effectors on the robots is generally more "mechanical" than electrical and low voltage (24v).

 

[iron block]

He is into robotics and wants tools.

At this point I think he will be working on the actual attachments that that the robotics will be swapping in and out ...

Those Fluke products are great tools for electronics.

But if he is going to be swapping modules in and out, he will need mechanical tools, too.

Unless I miss my guess, modern robotics stuff will have lots of metric fasteners, with all sort of drive styles. You might see if something like this would be of interest: Wiha Precision Driver Set



I added a set like this to my electronics workbench a few years ago. Use it a lot!

 

[tarmy]

Thanks again…all comments are helping…

On those screwdrivers…I had a set of Whia already on my list…but I think your suggestion will be what I get…

Thanks again…I appreciate the time you folks are taking to help.

 

[leadfoot415]

As a professional mechanic, I've been using the same Fluke 87 III for the last 23 years. It does everything I need. Some of the new meters that have a detachable wireless display are VERY useful trying to diagnose a long length circuit in a car, but not worth spending my money to replace anything that still works.

 

[captaindiode]

I teach electronics. If you want Fluke, the 115 is a good starter meter. It is a solid basic meter that covers the bases. They hold up well in a class full of teenagers.

 

[MadMechMaster]

For that tier of work, I would expect an employer to supply all of the needed tools.

It's always good to have tools of your own and they would make a great graduation gift.

 

[walta]

I really don’t care about the cost that much and want whatever the best stuff I can

Get the 87v it is the best!

The only reason to consider different Flukes is their lower price tags.

Walta

 

[exmaxima1]

Get the 87v it is the best!

The only reason to consider different Flukes is their lower price tags.

Walta

Agreed. I have a couple of original 70-series meters that still work fine, but I like my 87 the best. It feels and functions like a quality tool.

 

[mark-NJ]

I have a bunch of Flukes. My 70-series are all reliable, but nothing beats an 87.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-87V-True-rms-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B07YQSBJSB/?tag=atomicindus08-20

An investment for the future.……… Can’t go wrong with a Fluke!

BTW! I have a Fluke 77 that I bought back in 1984 and it is still my "go to" meter.

 

[duneslider]

Wiha Precision Driver Set



I added a set like this to my electronics workbench a few years ago. Use it a lot!

This is a great set but very likely he will not use the vast majority of those and they will just get in the way. I'm never one against having lots of tools though...

My people all have a small set of precision screw drivers like the milwaukee 10 piece combination set. The 1/8" flat gets the most use and frankly having a few of them will be better than the whole set. I pretty much always have on me, one in the console of the jeep, one in the tool bag, one rolling around on the floor.

 

[micromind]

If he's going to be working with robotics, he'll need something that can measure 4 - 20ma, clamp-on is best. Someone at work had a Fluke that would measure 4 - 20 with clamp-on jaws plus it would supply a 4 - 20 signal. It seemed pretty versatile for electronic stuff.

Since I haven't bought a meter in over 30 years, I'm not familiar with Fluke model numbers.

 

[Chuckster in NJ]

If he's going to be working with robotics, he'll need something that can measure 4 - 20ma, clamp-on is best. Someone at work had a Fluke that would measure 4 - 20 with clamp-on jaws plus it would supply a 4 - 20 signal. It seemed pretty versatile for electronic stuff.

Since I haven't bought a meter in over 30 years, I'm not familiar with Fluke model numbers.

When I see that 4-20ma reference, it reminds me of my days working on instrumentation in an oil refinery.……. 3-15psi was the other standard.

My advice to the OP is to buy the "best FLUKE meter" with the most functions that he can afford because his boy is young and really doesn’t know where he will be in 5 years…….. And technology is always advancing.

 

[tarmy]

You guys are awesome…thank you all for taking the time and effort to help me.

I have looked into the 87V and am leaning that way. It does measure 4-20ma too! (thank you for the detailed post with that info.)

I am a best tool you can get kinda guy….and this being GJ…more is always the correct answer. I am buying the tools as a way to best set him up for a longer haul…good tools and things he will use when he is old like me…

I found a 87V/IMSK set that has a wire clamp meter attachment that seems to address all the things mentioned so far.

 

[cgrutt]

You guys are awesome…thank you all for taking the time and effort to help me.

I have looked into the 87V and am leaning that way. It does measure 4-20ma too! (thank you for the detailed post with that info.)

I am a best tool you can get kinda guy….and this being GJ…more is always the correct answer. I am buying the tools as a way to best set him up for a longer haul…good tools and things he will use when he is old like me…

I found a 87V/IMSK set that has a wire clamp meter attachment that seems to address all the things mentioned so far.

Look at TE Equipment if you haven't yet. I believe they have decent prices on Fluke and offer various kits. If he's still in school may be able to get student discount, which could be significant. Use the discount and buy more tools

 

[cgrutt]

Check this out 25% off MSRP for students.

Student Discount Program | Fluke

You’re getting serious about your career. It’s time to get serious about your tools.

www.fluke.com

 

[tarmy]

Check this out 25% off MSRP for students.

Student Discount Program | Fluke

You’re getting serious about your career. It’s time to get serious about your tools.

www.fluke.com

Thank you for this…I will be up at his campus tomorrow looking at their robotics displays they worked on this year. The instructors will all be there as well as a rep for the company he got hired by…will check in on all the data you good folks have posted.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Get the 87v it is the best!

The only reason to consider different Flukes is their lower price tags.

Walta

agreed. that was the first meter i ever bought.

 

[tarmy]

agreed. that was the first meter i ever bought.

I was waiting for your post…as I always read them and they are informed about all things that can zap you!

87V it is…

 

[fitter30]

Have no idea what tools in that job are provided. But if your out working in a plant tools have a problem of disappearing if left out on a break or lunch without locking a tool box/ cabinet. Lab work is totally different. His or her teachers would think they would have a recommended list or if most jobs they would be using the companies.

 

[Shadowdog500]

If he needs a Fluke multi-meter you should ask him what one he wants/needs and tell him you will get it as a gift. You don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a meter that isn’t exactly what he needs. I’d also do the same on specialty tools, I bet he already has some. Definitely get a fluke! My brother in law worked in the calibration lab of an avionics manufacturer for about a decade and he said he never saw a single fluke that was out of calibration. I have three fluke multi meters and they all still work including the fluke 77 that I bought about 40 years ago. I bought a $60 Ideal meter at Lowe’s in a pinch and it’s not the same and I didn’t trust it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The primary reason for buying a Fluke over a dozen different "quality" brands, is that you can get most Flukes re-calibrated to a standard. This is required in some professions (or the must be labeled as "for estimates only").

The secondary reason is they are rugged and dependable or measure something that other meters do not.

 

[scooby074]

87 is a legend for a reason. Definitely not a bad purchase

 

[Steve_P]

Another vote for the 87V; it's the standard in most factories for a reason. Also agree with a big set of the Wiha micro drivers- I would expect he will be using torx a lot, so I wouldn't recommend a small set of just slotted and phillips. Years ago, I opened up an Apple laptop for my GF at the time and used 3+ different drive styles- they really didn't want you to open it.

You might also consider adding the large Wiha torx set along with a general screwdriver set, hex drivers...

Here's the torx set

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-36294-Screwdriver-Torx-Piece/dp/B000NZ5QYM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dave*99]

Another vote for the 87V; it's the standard in most factories for a reason. Also agree with a big set of the Wiha micro drivers- I would expect he will be using torx a lot, so I wouldn't recommend a small set of just slotted and phillips. Years ago, I opened up an Apple laptop for my GF at the time and used 3+ different drive styles- they really didn't want you to open it.

You might also consider adding the large Wiha torx set along with a general screwdriver set, hex drivers...

Here's the torx set

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-36294-Screwdriver-Torx-Piece/dp/B000NZ5QYM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I hear that! I have torx down to T3, 3 wing tips, security tips. All kinds of wacky screws I've seen in microelectronics.

 

[tarmy]

Thank you all for taking the time to help…

87V/IMSK set, large set of the Whia drivers, some Milwaukee m12 fuel tools, various wire striping, soldering and crimp sets, micrometers, digital calipers and misc. other tools mentioned…thanks all.

I am a tool guy…and my boys….er….men will be too!

 

[CoconutPete]

I love my 107. But I'm just a dude who lives in suburbia and fixes stuff on the weekends.

 

[pembol]

I work in a science/aerospace R&D institute - none of the engineers bring in their own tools to use in the lab. The lab provides and maintains what is needed for the work. The only exception for this is some of the older guys in the machine shop who run the manual machines. We also primarily use Agilent/Keysight/Keithly equipment. While Fluke makes great multimeters, particularly for field technician type roles, it is not really a full line electronics test and measurements company so it is not quite as prevalent in R&D type electronics labs.

It is great of you to buy your kid some tools - but either get him stuff for home use or wait until he has spent some time working and he can tell you what the scene is in his field.

 

[dave*99]

I work in a science/aerospace R&D institute - none of the engineers bring in their own tools to use in the lab. The lab provides and maintains what is needed for the work. The only exception for this is some of the older guys in the machine shop who run the manual machines. We also primarily use Agilent/Keysight/Keithly equipment. While Fluke makes great multimeters, particularly for field technician type roles, it is not really a full line electronics test and measurements company so it is not quite as prevalent in R&D type electronics labs.

It is great of you to buy your kid some tools - but either get him stuff for home use or wait until he has spent some time working and he can tell you what the scene is in his field.

That was my experience too years ago. Instruments were maintained by the instrument lab. They performed calibrations, documentation, tag numbers and repairs etc. There were some Fluke meters around, but those too were through the company.

I do have a few of my own though. (2) 77, (2) 177, a 33 Clamp meter and a 52 thermometer. All have worked well for me over the many years of ownership.

I had the 8020B long ago, but I gave it to a kid that was studying EE in college.

 

[supratreo]

i mostly do automotive and some "around the house" stuff like fixing appliances, A/C...
i love my 117. does everything i need it to. doesn't do temp which would be nice but i don't run into that issue often. i have a restaurant so i always have temp probes available if i need one.