Looking for a basic, sturdy, reliable VOM

[MushCreek]

I'm in the market for a basic Volt-Ohmeter for home and auto use. I have a bunch of the cheap HF give-aways, but some have failed, and others have gotten flaky. I have slightly better Sperry unit, but the inner plastic hub where the leads plug in broke, so there is no longer reliable contact. Looking them up, there's a baffling array of name-brand offerings. Just within one brand, there are dozens of choices. Can I get what I want for say, $50? $100? Every review I read seems to say, "Brand XYZ used to be the best, but they've slipped in recent years." Help me out here. I just use them for home and auto use; nothing critical or exotic. Thanks!

 

[Toold_up]

Don't over think it. If you have gotten by with a cheap one, would you even notice the difference with something better?

 

[Davefr]

Fluke has some affordable basic multimeters in your price range that come with excellent reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-101-Multimeter-Equipment-Industrial/dp/B01IB9S6WK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-Applications-Measurements-Capacitance-Capabilities/dp/B01IH41CUW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[theoldwizard1]

Fluke is way over priced for the average home owner ! There are dozens out there for under $50. Dozens more for under $25.

Get one with external rubber bumper. I would pay extra for one that includes an AC/DC current clamp.

 

[MovingAlong]

The Fluke 101 is under $50, @Davefr has a good link above.

Adam Savage likes his a lot...

 

[tool_scrounge]

Fluke is way over priced for the average home owner ! There are dozens out there for under $50. Dozens more for under $25.

Get one with external rubber bumper. I would pay extra for one that includes an AC/DC current clamp.

But used Fluke multimeters can be a deal.

i really like the military surplus Fluke 27/fm

Built like a tank For $50 with shipping. I have a number of them and they are all well with ing specification per my Fluke 515a calibrator.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[sz0k30]

Look at the "Summit" website. Innova #INO-3320 - $30.00. have had one for years.

https://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/xlarge/ino-3320_xl.jpg

 

[dscheidt]

I have some variation of the uni-t UT2xx (there are now a bunch of models, that are all slightly different, and I don't know which is which.) The DC current clamp is very useful for automotive work, the rest of it is basic auto-ranging digital multimeter stuff. Good enough for normal household and automotive work, maybe not on a electronics test bench.

I'd probably buy this one (UT210E) if I had to buy a new one right now: https://www.amazon.com/UNI-T-Digita...apacitance/dp/B0188WD1NE?tag=atomicindus08-20
$60ish bucks.

 

[jimbee]

I have some variation of the uni-t UT2xx (there are now a bunch of models, that are all slightly different, and I don't know which is which.) The DC current clamp is very useful for automotive work, the rest of it is basic auto-ranging digital multimeter stuff. Good enough for normal household and automotive work, maybe not on a electronics test bench.

I'd probably buy this one (UT210E) if I had to buy a new one right now: https://www.amazon.com/UNI-T-Digita...apacitance/dp/B0188WD1NE?tag=atomicindus08-20
$60ish bucks.

I also recommend the UT210E. I've had one for a few years, and I'm happy with it. You can find it on ebay for about $38.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Fluke...

Someone else already posted the link to a fluke for under $50

 

[RTM]

Might look here too, fairly recent thread.

Favorite small pocket multimeter?

Not that multimeters are particularly big, but there just seems to be a charm about a pocket multimeter. Let's see your small multimeters!

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Wamsutta]

This is a good one right here.

It's the one Ivan uses on his channel.

 

[dscheidt]

This is a good one right here.

It's the one Ivan uses on his channel.

That they can afford to pay a youtube influencer isn't a strong recommendation in my book.

 

[rd65]

I bought one of these awhile back and it seems to be ok. Lots of good reviews. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SHLS639/?tag=atomicindus08-20
If I knew a Fluke was available so cheap I probably would have gone that route.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Lets spend a little money! Say over $7K

FLUKE Multifunction Calibrator: Precision Multifunction, FLUKE-726/FPC, HART, 0.001 mA – 24 mA, NIST

Whoops, we couldn't find that.

Basic stuff around the house, under $50, just fine. It is what my Dad has

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-101-Multimeter-Equipment-Industrial/dp/B01IB9S6WK?tag=atomicindus08-20

Mine cost a smidge more, but for example, I connected to a florescent light fixture and looked at the voltage frequency to the bulb to determine if it had a magnetic or electronic ballast without opening the fixture. Can't do that with the $50 version.

Above they linked this unit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SHLS639?tag=atomicindus08-20

The only problem is that it only counts to 6K, and if you want to check frequency of an electronic ballast you probably want at least 10K to 15K, so the slightly more expensive model: but still under $40. I have never used this, so it is not an endorsement, just noticing the capability.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B7WFPB4T?tag=atomicindus08-20

You will replace this meter (probably) before I replace my couple hundred dollar Fluke, but, you can replace it a few times and still spend less money.

 

[BrandonV]

I've worked with hundreds of different types of meters industrially and only one has ever let me down. Don't over think it.

Any affordable Klein, Fluke, Bryman, etc. will be more than sufficient for a homeowner.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I've worked with hundreds of different types of meters industrially and only one has ever let me down. Don't over think it.

Any affordable Klein, Fluke, Bryman, etc. will be more than sufficient for a homeowner.

Remember that he is looking to get a "good" one because he has had problems with meters becoming unreliable or flaky (first post).

 

[richfinn]

For what they cost just buy a Fluke (I like the older discontinued 112 model)

The user interface is the best and they are tough little meters.

The UNI-T UT210e AC/DC clamp meters are a solid device at $40

Get both!!!!

 

[Rinspeed]

Fluke T5 is an awesome meter for home/auto use.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Don't over think it. If you have gotten by with a cheap one, would you even notice the difference with something better?

I have FLUKE and OTC and one other from Amazon. I use the Fluke for a base line, cross check of the the others. They read the same.

 

[no704]

The better ones (not free) at HF are pretty good, I have several. And have a port for a thermocouple.

 

[Ohio Andy]

The better ones (not free) at HF are pretty good, I have several. And have a port for a thermocouple.

I am selling my Fluke temperature meter with a bunch of stuff included on eBay right now. It is old yet works just fine. They just seem to keep working. Heck, I bought it used on eBay.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Remember that he is looking to get a "good" one because he has had problems with meters becoming unreliable or flaky (first post).

...and?

Klein and Brymen both make professional grade meters. Brymen'a high end competes directly with Fluke.

 

[ronkz650]

I like the UT210E mentioned earlier. Can't beat it for the price. Having the clamp to measure amps is very useful.

 

[Ohio Andy]

...and?

Klein and Brymen both make professional grade meters. Brymen'a high end competes directly with Fluke.

Yes, those are good brands.

I was responding to the etc. I assume that he wanted specific brands that people liked.

For home use I think between my father and I we have only had five to eight meters that we needed to replace. Our six flukes (at home) and eight not flukes are still working. Off hand I don't know the brand of the not flukes meters; for example, all the analog meters, battery meters, and clamping meters.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I like the UT210E mentioned earlier. Can't beat it for the price. Having the clamp to measure amps is very useful.

I don't even know the brand of my personal clamp meters...

 

[Cruzan80]

Remember that he is looking to get a "good" one because he has had problems with meters becoming unreliable or flaky (first post).

My first task when this happens with a meter I have is to swap the battery. Solves 99% of the issue.

 

[Wamsutta]

That they can afford to pay a youtube influencer isn't a strong recommendation in my book.

I have read your above quote over and over several times and still can't figure out what you're saying.

 

[dscheidt]

I have read your above quote over and over several times and still can't figure out what you're saying.

I place a negative value in the endorsement of a random youtube person who has been paid to make it.

 

[nadogail]

I used a Simpson 260, for years, until I stupidly forgot to lock it back into my van. Somebody got a good meter.

I replaced it with a Beckman purchased from Harbor Freight.

 

[engineer2]

I have several multimeters including an expensive Keithley and a Fluke.
The meter I grab most often is my $30 Craftsman multimeter. It's small, and the built-in 1.5V and 9V battery test is handy.

 

[impactims]

Fluke 289 is my go to.

Highly recommend.

 

[mslim]

I have several multimeters including an expensive Keithley and a Fluke.
The meter I grab most often is my $30 Craftsman multimeter. It's small, and the built-in 1.5V and 9V battery test is handy.

Looks like my Amazon Extech.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Fluke 101 like posted above. I run a bunch of different Fluke meters, but it's my go to since it does most functions I need and fits in your pocket (or a tool pouch).

 

[MushCreek]

I'm thinking the Fluke 101, but the Uni-T is tempting with the added clamp. There have been times I could have used one. As for the HF giveaways- two of them are just dead, one has to be slapped to come on, and another one the readings just float all over the place. The old Sperry works fine but you have to wiggle the plug to make contact; not a good thing in a meter. At age 71, I expect that any decent meter will outlast me. The Fluke is made in China, as is I assume any meter in that price range.

 

[seber]

I've broken a bunch of meters over the years but my Fluke just keeps bumping. If you tend to abuse them, there is no other choice.

 

[blue-5]

I have a couple of flukes that i use regularly for work, i keep a klein at the cabin and have no issues with it. I actually bought my son a klein this summer when he needed one for work. His first response was- wait you didn't get me a fluke?

He likes it and the senior tech he works with liked it also. It had a good display, nice back light and read reliable well.

We install commercial fire alarms so we do use them regularly.

 

[MushCreek]

None of my prior meters had a case, so they just get tossed in my electrical work bag. Just getting one with a case will help.

 

[mv213]

This is a good one right here.

It's the one Ivan uses on his channel.

I have this one in my motorhome and have used it a few times. Perfectly fine little meter. There’s a nice little carry case for it also, on Amazon.

 

[Wamsutta]

I place a negative value in the endorsement of a random youtube person who has been paid to make it.

Are you saying the manufacturer sent that meter to Ivan? I always assumed Ivan bought that meter with his own money because he's so cheap. He uses Harbor Freight tools on his channel too. He's a fantastic diagnostician, but I don't see him buying Snap-on wrenches anytime soon.