Good pocket multimeter?

[joseywales]

I have one, probably two, of the smaller folding meters (clamshell). Work well enough, but they are clumsy to use. I saw an Innova 3300 meter on Amazon, which actually has a wrist band - doesn't get good reviews, but I like that idea. I could always create a wristband using Velcro and elastic.

Fluke 107 is interesting and has all the functionality I'm looking for. It isn't a true Fluke, which is fine, but the few negative reviews I read are concerning - if it's not better quality than meters half its price, then I'd prefer another option. Perhaps folks here have more hands on experience.
Anyway, I'm looking for something the size of a large cell phone (flat enough to slide into a pocket, but large enough to read).

 

[theoldwizard1]

Anyway, I'm looking for something the size of a large cell phone (flat enough to slide into a pocket, but large enough to read).

Fluke 107 is a lot larger than that. Good luck on your unicorn hunt !

 

[redwrench60]

What kind of pocket? Cargo pocket on uniform work pants or like pocket on your jeans?

 

[mogandave]

What functions do you want?

 

[mogandave]

What kind of pocket? Cargo pocket on uniform work pants or like pocket on your jeans?

Large cell phone:

 

[redwrench60]

A basic clamp multimeter would be super thin in a pocket, would have basic multimeter functions like volts, Ohms, continuity, diode and also handle amps as a bonus. Might be worth a look.

 

[theoldwizard1]

A basic clamp multimeter would be super thin in a pocket, would have basic multimeter functions like volts, Ohms, continuity, diode and also handle amps as a bonus. Might be worth a look.

Uni-T makes some decent small clamp meters. While they are narrow and not too long, they are fat/thick especially withe their rubber guard on.

 

[joseywales]

The functions of the 107 would be ideal. Sacrificing Current with the Fluke 101, could enter the 101 into the running. I guess I need to think on it a bit more.

As far as pocket, a cargo pocket is a bit larger than I was hoping for. But it opens up the door to my next issue - finding decent work pants, for DIY use. They don't have to be heavy duty, but decent side pockets, possibly a hammer loop, and...28 or 29" inseam. Talk about a unicorn!

 

[joseywales]

A basic clamp multimeter would be super thin in a pocket, would have basic multimeter functions like volts, Ohms, continuity, diode and also handle amps as a bonus. Might be worth a look.

I've been looking at adding a clamp meter anyway and you could be right. A thigh pocket just might hold a clamp meter pretty well

 

[mogandave]

I've had a Fluke T5-600 for maybe ten years I like. I do miss having the actual "clamp" I had on the previous meter as you could hang it on stuff. I am trying to imagine a scenario where I would want to carry a meter in my pocket....

The problem with cheap meters is that the probes are cr*p.

 

[BTJHP]

Amprobe PM-55, PM-60

 

[redwrench60]

I end up with a meter shoved in a jacket pocket sometimes climbing up on equipment at work doing a quick diag. or up on a ladder doing repairs. Might try my clamp meter next time.

 

[Wrencher 160]

The functions of the 107 would be ideal. Sacrificing Current with the Fluke 101, could enter the 101 into the running. I guess I need to think on it a bit more.

As far as pocket, a cargo pocket is a bit larger than I was hoping for. But it opens up the door to my next issue - finding decent work pants, for DIY use. They don't have to be heavy duty, but decent side pockets, possibly a hammer loop, and...28 or 29" inseam. Talk about a unicorn!

Overalls

 

[mogandave]

I end up with a meter shoved in a jacket pocket sometimes climbing up on equipment at work doing a quick diag. or up on a ladder doing repairs. Might try my clamp meter next time.

I had a chore-coat with an inside pocket that would hold a fifth of liquor surprisingly inconspicuously, it was great for special occasions. Of course that was back when you could actually have special occasions at work....

 

[BukitCase]

For me, a combo clamp meter doesn't need to be that small; it's a CLAMP, a hammer loop or even a belt loop works... Steve

 

[HenryAZ]

I already have a Fluke 179 and an 87V, so thought I'd try a smaller version. The 101 ***** for accuracy, but the 107 hits all the marks well. I tested it for current, and AC/DC voltage simultaneously against the 179, and it was very close, if not spot on. The differences were in the hundredths column. If you only deal with household utility AC voltage, you can do without the lacking TRMS. Like both my other meters, I outfitted it with ProbeMaster silicone modular leads (36" to keep it compact) and a set of probes and alligator clips.

As has been mentioned, it is not a shirt pocket meter, but easily fits work pants pockets.

 

[redwrench60]

I had a chore-coat with an inside pocket that would hold a fifth of liquor surprisingly inconspicuously, it was great for special occasions. Of course that was back when you could actually have special occasions at work....

Dang a FIFTH or liquor? I bet that was a par-ty!

 

[M6erfan]

For a simple small meter I went with the Hioki 3244-60 (Japan). It does everything I need from it and seriously pocketable.

 

[unslow1]

That Hioki is actually small and pretty inexpensive.

 

[M6erfan]

That Hioki is actually small and pretty inexpensive.

It is. Build quality is pretty good too. It doesn't take the place of my full size meter but for quick/simple measurements in the field it's been great. I've had mine since last June and the only real downside is that the leads are short and not replaceable. That hasn't been an issue for me, but may be too limiting for some.

 

[BreeStephany]

I've been looking at adding a clamp meter anyway and you could be right. A thigh pocket just might hold a clamp meter pretty well

I really like my Fluke 376! It is very compact yet offers a lot of functionality and in most cases, is more than enough of a meter for most of the basic troubleshooting I do on low voltage and line voltage circuits.

Just my two cents.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

I got one of these to keep in the glovebox of my truck. Definitely pocketable. Not sure if it's actually "good", but for what I'm using it for (checking continuity and battery voltage) it's fine.

Allosun compact meter

 

[theoldwizard1]

I got one of these to keep in the glovebox of my truck. Definitely pocketable. Not sure if it's actually "good", but for what I'm using it for (checking continuity and battery voltage) it's fine.

Allosun compact meter

You can't beat the price !

Amprobe DM78C is a bit smaller but a lot more expensive !

 

[joseywales]

HAHA. I actually have the Radio Shack 22-179A, which was annoying to use, due to the clamshell hinge. I then purchased the 22-820, which is very similar to the Allosun, having the extending hinge. I'm replacing the batteries in both of these and will play with them a bit, perhaps they'll scratch the itch. I do have a 107 in my cart though.

 

[senlow]

If you can live without an amp clamp, the Triplett 2030-C looks like a good possibility.

 

[Olafur]

For a simple small meter I went with the Hioki 3244-60 (Japan). It does everything I need from it and seriously pocketable.

I have come across very similar meters -card size - many times over the years. Generally they are attractive because of the size but I have never liked them. Most of them suffer the same problem - the leads are junk.

However for the price around $50 I would give this one a chance based on my experience with Hioki. My first Hioki digital multimeter is 34 year old and still works like new, even after serious mishaps, smoke and flashes and all.

This one is also likely to be safe, even if one gets brave to measure around higher voltages.

 

[Citation]

I have an Amprobe AM-47 I keep at my desk. It's a Brymen rebadge. I think I got my off Ebay for something like $25 new but with a flat coin cell battery.

Amprobe AM-47 Pocket Type Multimeter - Multi Testers - Amazon.com

Amprobe AM-47 Pocket Type Multimeter - Multi Testers - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

The biggest down side is no easy way to deal with the probes.

 

[Olafur]

This Japanese Kyoritsu is also interesting:

https://www.kew-ltd.co.jp/files/product_photo/2000A.png

KEW MATE 2000A｜DIGITAL MULTIMETER WITH AC/DC CLAMP SENSOR｜Line up｜KYORITSU

www.kew-ltd.co.jp

 

[M6erfan]

I have come across very similar meters -card size - many times over the years. Generally they are attractive because of the size but I have never liked them. Most of them suffer the same problem - the leads are junk.

However for the price around $50 I would give this one a chance based on my experience with Hioki. My first Hioki digital multimeter is 34 year old and still works like new, even after serious mishaps, smoke and flashes and all.

This one is also likely to be safe, even if one gets brave to measure around higher voltages.

The leads on the Hioki are high quality, and latching is pretty much instant. Much better than many leads I've had over the years. It's rated CAT III 300 V & CAT II 600 V. I've used it on 120VAC household stuff without issue.

Hioki review and teardown at the 42:00 min. mark. . .

 

[joseywales]

Well, I’ve upgraded my bench meter abd travel meter to Brymen 867S and 827S respectively. That 827 is a nice size meter for tool bag.

I’m going to get the ANENG 8008 for $28 and see where that falls, size-wise. The 2.5” wide dimension on all the spec sheets can’t be accurate, still it appears to be just outside the range pocket. Had great reviews and they sold tons of then, after EEVBLOG Dave reviewed it.
Sanwa has some nice pocket units.

the Kiyoritsu looks very interesting and there’s a newer model, with TRMS, etc. but its > $300. Still interesting with the probes and clamp.

 

[M6erfan]

Well, I’ve upgraded my bench meter abd travel meter to Brymen 867S and 827S respectively. That 827 is a nice size meter for tool bag.

I’m going to get the ANENG 8008 for $28 and see where that falls, size-wise. The 2.5” wide dimension on all the spec sheets can’t be accurate, still it appears to be just outside the range pocket. Had great reviews and they sold tons of then, after EEVBLOG Dave reviewed it.
Sanwa has some nice pocket units.

the Kiyoritsu looks very interesting and there’s a newer model, with TRMS, etc. but its > $300. Still interesting with the probes and clamp.

I had that Aneng 8008, it is attractive at the price, but it died in less than 6 mos. Cheap **** IMO. That was the reason I got the Hioki.
Just sayin'. . .

 

[joseywales]

I had that Aneng 8008, it is attractive at the price, but it died in less than 6 mos. Cheap **** IMO. That was the reason I got the Hioki.
Just sayin'. . .

Thanks. Yeah, it's odd. It tested well and has great reviews.

Aneng's $20 pocket unit unit ($10 in 2018 for the EEVblog videos), 8203, was the most accurate meter, in nearly every test, when compared to units ranging from $10 to $60 ($20-$90 in today's market).

4,000 count, TRMS, capacitance, Hold, relative, and frequency. And it was actually spot on in each test. At some point, 240V I think, it crapped out. I was a little disappointed that the user didn't simply check to see if the battery had crapped out - coincidence I'm sure, but it could have been the battery. If not, what did **** out? easy fix? then press on in the remaining tests? It was kicking ****, until it died. Worthy of an investigation I thought. I picked one up on Amazon for $17, out of curiosity now

 

[KnurledNut]

Another small form factor option is the Amprobe DM73C pen probe.
I used it as my go-to meter for a while secularly and loved it.
It uses a full size removable lead and comes with a threaded removable alligator clip attachment. The fixed probe tip (pictured with the included protective condom) can be swapped with an included long (3” maybe?) precision needle probe tip.
The display has a bar graph if thats your thing.

I have two Hiokis that are probably well over three decades old and I wouldnt think twice about throwing 240v at them. Nice engineering, but a little on the fragile side.

That said, the one I grab the most has become an Ideal 61-605 Pocket Pro (discontinued).
I would take it over any of them in that EEV video.
Its a cousin to the Amprobe DM78C he showed.
It has a clamshell case on the back that houses the leads and doubles as a stand.
Love it.

 

[joseywales]

Yeah, it was 240V in the Ohms reading. I just watched it again and Dave said he saw the battery light come on, so not sure what exactly happened.

Your Amprobe is interesting

 

[M6erfan]

Thanks. Yeah, it's odd. It tested well and has great reviews.

Aneng's $20 pocket unit unit ($10 in 2018 for the EEVblog videos), 8203, was the most accurate meter, in nearly every test, when compared to units ranging from $10 to $60 ($20-$90 in today's market).

4,000 count, TRMS, capacitance, Hold, relative, and frequency. And it was actually spot on in each test. At some point, 240V I think, it crapped out. I was a little disappointed that the user didn't simply check to see if the battery had crapped out - coincidence I'm sure, but it could have been the battery. If not, what did **** out? easy fix? then press on in the remaining tests? It was kicking ****, until it died. Worthy of an investigation I thought. I picked one up on Amazon for $17, out of curiosity now

All that is why I bought the Aneng, great reviews, seemed like an awesome price for an awesome meter.

Not sure what happened to mine, it just went dead. I though it was the batteries but I put a fresh set in and nada, still dead. I futzed around with it trying to figure out the problem, but in the end I just binned it. Good luck with yours, I hope it does better than mine did. But it left a bad taste in my mouth for the brand, I would never trust it over a solid known brand (like Hioki). But that's just me.

 

[Ohmthis]

I had a Hioki card meter also. It was very handy to keep in my shirt pocket when I was in the field. My toolbox got stolen at one point and unfortunately that was in it. I moved to service and then left for maintenance shortly afterwards. The leads were indeed the only downside.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks all. Tried the Aneng A8203, but went with the Hioki. Paod $33 for it on the 29th and now they're $40.

 

[Mallen]

I have one, probably two, of the smaller folding meters (clamshell). Work well enough, but they are clumsy to use. I saw an Innova 3300 meter on Amazon, which actually has a wrist band - doesn't get good reviews, but I like that idea. I could always create a wristband using Velcro and elastic.

Fluke 107 is interesting and has all the functionality I'm looking for. It isn't a true Fluke, which is fine, but the few negative reviews I read are concerning - if it's not better quality than meters half its price, then I'd prefer another option. Perhaps folks here have more hands on experience.
Anyway, I'm looking for something the size of a large cell phone (flat enough to slide into a pocket, but large enough to read).

You know, they should make one like that. The size of a cell phone. Jacks in the edge and a touch screen. With oscilloscope functions and datalogging functions. Maybe running android so tou can put apps on it.

 

[Mallen]

You guys make me spend so much money on stuff. If you can think of it someone probably makes it. Now i have to go buy one. Ill shop around first though and see if there are better and worse ones.

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www.aliexpress.com

 

[M6erfan]

Thanks all. Tried the Aneng A8203, but went with the Hioki. Paod $33 for it on the 29th and now they're $40.

So now that you've had it for awhile, how do you like it?