Good clampmeter?

[jackfork]

The recent discussion on multimeters was pretty good. I have a BK Precision multimeter that I have used for years that is just about bullet proof. I first carried it when I was a field engineer and now have it in my electrical kit. I need a very good clamp meter to go with it. I have been looking at the Fluke clampmeter models but haven't made a decision on any brand or model. My job by day is buying houses and remodeling them to flip or rent. I have been using one of my helpers meter but it is a no name brand that is hard to read and otherwise not very good. Price isn't really a object but I don't want to go overboard, and do want to get a good meter for a good value. Any suggestions?

 

[CJKaz]

Tried & true, ~$130.00. Had one for 20 years, been remodeled since then but likely the same guts. Digital models for less.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W2BDA8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bcradio]

Ouch, that's a rough business to be in right now.

For my clamp meter, I have the Fluke 376. It works very well and has many great features including iFlex which is good in AC work for homes.

 

[Alchymist]

Like my Amprobes. Cheap on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amprobe-Rot...463?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c4a3812f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMPROBE-clamp-meter-/111019305883?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d9442b9b

 

[bonneyman]

Tried & true, ~$130.00. Had one for 20 years, been remodeled since then but likely the same guts. Digital models for less.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W2BDA8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

on the Amprobe analog. I have two of the original style (black beetle) RS-3's.
I'm tired of batteries going dead on the digitals I've been using, then found out the "old" Amprobe's didn't need batteries for amps and volts. They use the power from the machine you're working on to operate. (They made a separate adaptor that housed a AA battery to check ohms.) I scrounged up two of them, and, when my digital meters die, I'm going old school.

 

[CJKaz]

Old school too, still use my old battered Wiggy and Simpson analog meter complete with electrical tape repaired case.

 

[jackfork]

Thanks for the input.

 

[richfinn]

Take a look at UEI, they do a nice range of clamps at sensible money. My first DL49 lasted 5 years of automotive abuse. I wish it had min/max and a backlight but I get them issued through work. They sell better models but the 49 is a good basic AC/DC unit if you upgrade the leads.

 

[jontar]

klein

 

[Paul Bee]

I have been using Fieldpiece clampmeters for about 15 years. Very rugged and durable. Excellent service. They are based in Southern California.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have the Klein CL200. It does ac/dc and is true rms. It is like 140 at Home Depot. Thats a lot of meter for 140. I also have the MM2000 true rms multimeter and they have been great so far. I have had them for about a year and a half

 

[Paul Bee]

I learned on the Klein website that Klein bought into UEI and I have had good luck with UEI for a low priced meter. What I don't like is the slow display. With a Fluke or Fieldpiece or Amprobe it reads a lot faster. I am on a roof in the rain and the last thing I want to do is go back down that ladder to my truck for my "back up" meter so I can finish a job. So it is Fluke or Fieldpiece for me!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[scissorman]

FLUKE all the way. Depending on your needs I would either suggest the 375 which is a 600amp AC/DC meter that goes from 1amp-600amps or the 376 which is a 1000amp AC/DC meter which goes from 1amp-1000amps but comes with the I-flex attachment which will allow for 2500amps AC. When I was searching for an Amp clamp I quickly found out that many Amp clamps don't start reading amps until 40amps and in my trade I needed something that would typically read anywhere from 15-25amps. The 375 is I-flex capable but does not come with the I-flex cable like the 376 does.

 

[chard98]

I was going to say Fluke as well, But in my opinion, your choice would really depend on what you are using it for daily! I use an Ideal that has small jaws every day, because it will fit in real tight areas inside the small and really packed panels in CNC machines. I have 3 Fluke clamp meters, all are too big most times. Plus, cost is a big thing to most folks.