Fluke

[equitiesguy]

I don't know anything about Fluke multimeters, and would like recommendations for a basic volt/multi-meter for someone working on general electrical at home and cars.

Specifically, model numbers would be exceptionally useful.

 

[rijndael]

What's the budget?

 

[kd3pc]

A used model 77 or 87 is a great one. Mine are old, but works flawlessly My old desk unit model 8000A just died after several decades of constant use.

 

[dan360]

You want basic AC and basic DC? The little T6-600 makes a great all use meter.

Or the newer 114 if you don’t want an induction type.

You can definitely buy more capability on the used market. Some are more geared towards electronics, some automotive, some industrial, some for electricians. The used 77 or 87 that were previsouly mentioned are nice. As is the more automotive based 88.

Depends what your definition of basic use and general electrical work is.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I don't know anything about Fluke multimeters, and would like recommendations for a basic volt/multi-meter for someone working on general electrical at home and cars.

Specifically, model numbers would be exceptionally useful.

Fluke 27/FM; $38 delivered used on Ebay

These were special built model 27 meters for the US military. The /FM suffix adds true RMS measurement capability. This means more accurate AC Volt measurements in some cases. They are even designed to be used in explosive environments.

The real reason to get them is they are built like a tank, very accurate, and have nice features. It has min/max measurements where it will record the min or max reading. I really like this for measuring how low the voltage dropped on your car battery when starting to see if you have a bad battery. It makes it a 1 person job. I also really like the relative measurements. You can zero out the resistance of your leads for low resistance measurements. I have several 27/FM meters and they read the exact same readings compared to my newer Fluke 87 meters.

You just need to add leads. So for about $50 total you can have a great meter that will last a long time.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-27-FM-DMM-Digital-Multimeter/401627939495

 

[AngryBeaver]

Look into a 108/110/111/112/115 for basic uses. they are cheap, accurate and not 70 years old.

the T600/T1000's are not that accurate for low voltage DC stuff when trying to pin point DC sub 12V voltages in automotive applications. these are primarily designed for maintenance guys. I have one and use it quite extensively at work everyday, as well as an 87V, 111, and three other clamp style meters. the T600/1000's are meant for quick voltage readings in a plant type environment to check to see if power is on/off, etc. they fit in you pockets easily. they are not rated to detect DC current, only AC. when reading DC voltages you only get a 12V reading. not 11.8-12.4 that a typical meter reads. they are great general industry meters, but horrible for automotive uses.

for my home fab and auto repair shop, I use a 110. its the older version of the 111/115. very basic digital readout that can do multiple things without being over complicated to most users who don't know how to use half of the features on the higher end 179/87 series meters.

 

[JiminAZ]

Years ago I bit the bullet and bought a 179. The thing has never given me any trouble. I have used it to measure the usual electrical stuff, plus it has a thermocouple so I can see what's going on with the freezer or oven or AC. Also will hold high/low/average readings for troubleshooting purposes. Highly recommended.

I still want to buy a donut AC amperage meter, and/or Hall effect DC meter. Then I'd pretty much have everything I've ever wanted in terms of electrical measurement.

 

[JiminAZ]

I just spent a little time looking at that 27/FM noted above. It is a lot of meter for very little money. With the exception of temperature and frequency measurements, it'll do everything that I ask of my 179

 

[Bert_]

A used model 77 or 87 is a great one. Mine are old, but works flawlessly My old desk unit model 8000A just died after several decades of constant use.

I've go a couple of first series 77's. They are good well built meters. Mine are working fine after many years in a service truck.

I would not hesitate to pick up a used Fluke meter.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have a model 77-4. Very nice build quality with super quality materials.

 

[mrthreeplates]

I really like my Fluke 117. Not fancy, but has some really useful around the house features.

Specifically it has a super sensitive non-contact voltage sensor. I can easily spot live wires in a wall, and quickly check a circuit before using the probes and touching wires. It also has a low impedance mode which prevents false voltage readings when doing a voltage check. This is perfect for house wiring checks.

I'd love one of the high end meters for hobby electronics work, but the 117 is fine for most of my basic checks.

I picked mine up for $100 used but perfect, not sure I'd pay retail.

 

[oldwino]

You want basic AC and basic DC? The little T6-600 makes a great all use meter

I have three different Fluke meters as well as an old Snapon DMM and I find myself grabbing this on 90% of the time. Simple to use and was inexpensive

 

[equitiesguy]

This is all very helpful. Thanks guys.

 

[metaldad]

Fluke 27/FM; $38 delivered used on Ebay



]

wow! 40 simolians for a 27.
i have 3, that i bought years ago, for at least 200 each.
just about an indestructible meter, with the paces mine have been thru

 

[jwh]

I used to work in a calibration lab. Our co. had pretty much standardized on Fluke Meters. Back then it was the 70 and 80 series.

Given American manufacturing in the day, they were next to indestructible.

Problems: Current fuses blew. Funny ratings, available from Fluke but around $5.00 a piece IIRC.

Displays dropping parts of digits: Easy fix. Display is on a pedestal, snap cover on top. Pedestal screwed to circuit board. Conductive rubber strips connect the two. Take apart, clean display contacts, board contacts, rubber strips with alcohol. Put back together, should be good.

Just one warning ( not making this up! ). Had someone come in. Fluke meter wouldn't work. Client said "I tried to check the voltage on my dogs invisible fence type collar." Told him get a new meter.

John

 

[byoungblood]

175/77/79 are all good meters, prices are down to close to $100 for a used one on eBay now.

If you need a uA range, delta measurement, you can find a 87 for $50-75 more these days.

 

[brownbagg]

flukes are good, just buy one you like at a price that you are happy with

 

[FigureItOut]

I'd usually throw out a recommendation for a 115 in your case, but that 27/FM looks like a super deal.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[Rabid Badger]

FYI, the 27 lacks a capacitance range and (unless you find a very rare military-issue version) doesn't have true RMS AC measurement.

For a general purpose meter the 117 is a good choice. Unless I need the extra precision I usually grab my 117 over my 87V.

 

[winlinmac]

What is the cheapest and well-known fluke clamp meter which can read temperature?

 

[BroncoAZ]

Fluke 27/FM; $38 delivered used on Ebay

These were special built model 27 meters for the US military. The /FM suffix adds true RMS measurement capability. This means more accurate AC Volt measurements in some cases. They are even designed to be used in explosive environments.

The real reason to get them is they are built like a tank, very accurate, and have nice features. It has min/max measurements where it will record the min or max reading. I really like this for measuring how low the voltage dropped on your car battery when starting to see if you have a bad battery. It makes it a 1 person job. I also really like the relative measurements. You can zero out the resistance of your leads for low resistance measurements. I have several 27/FM meters and they read the exact same readings compared to my newer Fluke 87 meters.

You just need to add leads. So for about $50 total you can have a great meter that will last a long time.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-27-FM-DMM-Digital-Multimeter/401627939495

I ordered two of these, one for me and one for a buddy. Thanks for posting. Now to find some reasonably priced leads.

 

[Rabid Badger]

There seems to be confusion regarding the Fluke 27/FM. The FM designator does not indicate true RMS.

The only reliable way I know of to tell if the feature is present is to open the meter up and see if the converter chip is present.

 

[tool_scrounge]

There seems to be confusion regarding the Fluke 27/FM. The FM designator does not indicate true RMS.

The only reliable way I know of to tell if the feature is present is to open the meter up and see if the converter chip is present.

From all the research I did when I started buying these in 2014:

grey case Fluke with "27/FM" on front bezel= true RMS

grey case Fluke with "27" on front bezel and sticker on the back with "27/FM"= averaging RMS

yellow case Fluke 27 (relabeled 27 bought by military after 27/FM production stopped) = averaging RMS

But you are correct the presence of the chip labeled RMS is the true litmus test.

 

[tool_scrounge]

If you are looking for a manual for the Fluke 27/FM, here is the US military manual:

http://radionerds.com/images/5/58/TM_11-6625-3199-14.PDF

Looks like the seller has 4 left of the Fluke 27/FM meters

edit: the last 4 sold in less than 30 minutes. But there are other ones on Ebay.

 

[dan360]

I hope that eBay seller gives a commission to you Mr Scrounge. lol

 

[Citation]

I've had several good meters. My garage meter is a Fluke 27FM and I like it for all the previous reasons. I also have a 187. Very fancy and now overkill for almost anything I do... but it does so much.

The 27 is great but if it were my only meter I would miss the temp, capacitance and frequency readings. I've found all useful from time to time. At the same time, the 27 does have Fluke's really good touch hold feature. The 114-117 meters don't have touch hold. To bad as it's stupidly useful. The meter automatically freezes when you get a stable display. That lets you look where you are working vs at the meter.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I hope that eBay seller gives a commission to you Mr Scrounge. lol

Sadly, no commision for me. But considering how many good deals I have gotten from other folks postings on the Hot Deals forum, I am happy to be able to pay it back a little.

I really should have bought one of the 27/FM meters and replaced a Fluke 25 meter we have here. The 25 meter is de-featured kin of the 27. But I had just picked up a nice Fluke 87 with leads and case on Friday and that was enough meters for one weekend.

 

[CoogarXR]

Dangit, I thought about buying one of those 27/FM meters. There were 10 left last night. Now they're gone. Oh well, ya snooze ya lose, I guess lol.

 

[Citation]

BTW, while I think Fluke is the Cadillac of meters, it's not my go to recommendation, even on ebay. Instead I recommend a few Brymen OEM meters.

These are basically three families of meters and I've seen all of them go between $50-120 depending on your luck

Greenlee DM-820 (not A despite what the ad says)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenlee-DM-820A-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-1000-Volt/253960871056
Same meter guts as Amprobe AM-270 and AM-130
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Amprobe-AM...=item3fae33b0e0:g:JgYAAOSwo6NZlHNB:rk:29:pf:0
It's an older meter with poor backlighting but otherwise very solid and a good competitor to the Fluke 87V... not as good as the 87V but close. Has temp and capacitance but no Fluke "Touch Hold". Sadly none of these have "Touch Hold"

Greenlee DM-820A: This is the upgrade to the meter above. Very good. I got one for $50 used (in functional but used condition)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenlee-D...400846&hash=item48b1a41d8a:g:h1oAAOSwelZbdwtc

There are several version of this meter around as well, Greenlee DM200 and 500 family.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenlee-D...850975&hash=item33f56f3eca:g:510AAOSwPrlbhGqI
The Matco versions seem to be the best deals (the link below isn't a deal price, just an example listing)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MATCO-TOOL...h=item41f065eb90:g:4NwAAOSwDZ9bv5TY:rk:1:pf:0
The Matco 251 is the same as the Greenlee DM200. Good meter but lacks a temp reading and not true RMS. The true RMS is probably not important but the temp reading sure is nice to have. The Greenlee DM210 has temp. The Matco MD257 has RMS and temp. I've seen a MD257 go for under $50.

BTW, the 820A meters are big, almost as big as the Fluke 27. The 200 and Matco meters are much smaller even though they look the same. All are basically Fluke quality and, per external certification, every bit as safe as a Fluke meter.

I would take a Fluke 87V over any of the above but wouldn't pay for the 87V vs any of the above.

 

[cheechi]

wow, when I got my 27/FMs one of them came with the briefcase & high volt probe as well as a new set of Fluke test leads for $40, and the other was the meter & a new set of Fluke leads for $30.

They are still great for the money being asked now, just don't cheap out on the leads.

 

[bubinga]

Damn Nice Meter I Think.
Got it Yesterday!
Big Son 0f A Gun Too!
Auto Range and everything!!

Thanks OP!

Stole the Battery (9 Volt) and leads from My Auto Zone meter for now.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Damn Nice Meter I Think.
Got it Yesterday!
Big Son 0f A Gun Too!
Auto Range and everything!!

Thanks OP!

Stole the Battery (9 Volt) and leads from My Auto Zone meter for now.

Glad you like it. I always thought Fluke's industrial designers used a brick as a starting point for that meter's design.

 

[mbunimog]

Have a fluke 787 that I don't need any more

 

[bubinga]

Glad you like it. I always thought Fluke's industrial designers used a brick as a starting point for that meter's design.

It don't need to be tiny.
My old ones are not auto range.
Yes I like it.
I'm clumsy and hard on things.
It seems well made, like Solid.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[bubinga]

It don't need to be tiny.
My old ones are not auto range.
Yes I like it.
I'm clumsy and hard on things.
It seems well made, like Solid.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

Also the settings are nice and big easy to read.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[tool_scrounge]

Just a note, if you still want a Fluke 27/FM but cannot find one (or want to wait and see if one appears on ebay), you might consider its predecessor, the Fluke 8025b. The main differences are the Fluke 27/FM has true RMS for AC voltage measurements where the 8025b is averaging. The Fluke 27/FM also has better accuracy specs. Both are probably not a big deal to the average user. I use an 8025b at work every day and its works quire well.

Example: 8025b on Ebay with leads and 30 day warranty: $35 + $4 shipping

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8025B-MultiMeter-With-Meter-Leads-Good-Working-Condition-30-Day-Warranty/302962736582

 

[metaldad]

an outdated pic of my fluke collection.
attachments not included.

 

[bubinga]

Just a note, if you still want a Fluke 27/FM but cannot find one (or want to wait and see if one appears on ebay), you might consider its predecessor, the Fluke 8025b. The main differences are the Fluke 27/FM has true RMS for AC voltage measurements where the 8025b is averaging. The Fluke 27/FM also has better accuracy specs. Both are probably not a big deal to the average user. I use an 8025b at work every day and its works quire well.

Example: 8025b on Ebay with leads and 30 day warranty: $35 + $4 shipping

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-8025...orking-Condition-30-Day-Warranty/302962736582

Is the 8025b a large "brick" size too?

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

 

[Citation]

Is the 8025b a large "brick" size too?

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

There 8025 and 25/27 meters are basically the same meters.

 

[bubinga]

There 8025 and 25/27 meters are basically the same meters.

Oh, OK Thanks,
I kind of like the big size.
Its like before the smart phones, and before the flip phones, every time a cell phone came out, the were smaller and smaller.
I had trouble holding on to them and trouble seeing them.