Looking for Inexpensive AC/DC Clamp Meter

[rcbk00]

My free Harbor Freight multimeter finally bit the dust, and I'm looking to upgrade. If I'm going to pay for a meter, I want something that will do AC and DC current. I was planning to get one from Harbor Freight (https://www.harborfreight.com/cm1000a-1000a-t-rms-acdc-clamp-meter-64017.html) for $100, but it looks like Amazon has two options that are pretty similar for $40:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721MKXBC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N014USE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is one better than the other? I'm looking for a tool I can use for automotive work, residential HVAC and appliance repair. Again, it has to be something that will do AC/DC current, and the cheaper the better. I know meters don't last forever, but it if does the job for the next 3-4 years I'd be a happy camper. My budget is $40-$100, so I know that excludes the better Fluke, Klein, Amprobe, Ideal products.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[M6erfan]

Careful on the 'cheap' meters, many are lacking in safety (do your research). For a lower price option take a look at Uni-T clamp meters. I was just looking at AC/DC clamp meters this morning and may pull the trigger on the Fluke 373

 

[Tallpilot]

Careful on the 'cheap' meters, many are lacking in safety (do your research). For a lower price option take a look at Uni-T clamp meters. I was just looking at AC/DC clamp meters this morning and may pull the trigger on the Fluke 373

I have the little Uni-T; but I’m with you. A Fluke clamp is on my list. Note the 373 doesn’t do DC amps. The 325 is your Huckleberry.

 

[JerryC]

I had a Uni-216 "c" I think for four years and then the voltage readings started showing about 2/3 of actual. It was and still is about $95 on Amazon.
Amazon has this one, but the low price is actually keeping from buying it .
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N014USE/?coliid=I104HU6F621UBX&colid=2SE4KB56FCH5B&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[richfinn]

UEi DL49, had my company issued one for 15 years used daily in British weather, it has no bells or whistles like a backlight or min/max

Its a tough little meter though and just as accurate as my more expensive Fluke

Its also very yellow, to help leaving it on a job

Good products from South Korea, I also have a UEi scope (which they made for Snap On)

 

[alcorelli]

Fluke 101, 106.
Not clamp ons, but I use them for HVAC every day.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[Rabid Badger]

If you don't need to measure more than 100A get yourself a Uni-T UT210e. It can measure 1mA to 100A and is Intertek certified up to CATIII 300V.

 

[rcbk00]

Thanks for the replies guys. Unfortunately, the Fluke 325 is around $280, which is way out of my price range. I understand the cheaper import meters aren't as good as the more expensive name brand ones, but for my non-professional use, I think an import meter will do what I need within my budget. My problem is that most of the meters that will do AC/DC current within my price range ($40-$100) all look pretty similar. If one is better than the other, I have no problem spending a few more bucks on the better one. I'm just not sure which is the "best buy," so to speak.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Thanks for the replies guys. Unfortunately, the Fluke 325 is around $280, which is way out of my price range. I understand the cheaper import meters aren't as good as the more expensive name brand ones, but for my non-professional use, I think an import meter will do what I need within my budget. My problem is that most of the meters that will do AC/DC current within my price range ($40-$100) all look pretty similar. If one is better than the other, I have no problem spending a few more bucks on the better one. I'm just not sure which is the "best buy," so to speak.

The meters you listed all come from the same low-end manufacturer and have current ranges from 400A to 1000A. Honestly I don't recommend any of them.

Without knowing how many amps you anticipate needing to measure it's hard to make a recommendation.

 

[Danglerb]

Anything will be a great leap from the free HF meter, which seems like its not free anymore.

Weakest link on all cheap meters are the leads, buy a couple sets of good leads, and throw away or stow carefully marked the originals for emergency or destructive use only. Fluke or Pomona leads are nice, buy at about $10 there are decent cheap leads on ebay.

I bought it used on ebay for cheap years ago and I am still plenty happy with my Craftsman DC clamp. One of the starts with MS brand of meters seems to one that looks about the same, tall and narrow.

If I was buying again, I would give serious consideration to more than one meter, maybe adding a cheap AC clamp.

 

[M6erfan]

I have the little Uni-T; but I’m with you. A Fluke clamp is on my list. Note the 373 doesn’t do DC amps. The 325 is your Huckleberry.

Ah yes, I meant 325.

And +1 on the leads, get a good set of leads no matter which meter you get. I like Probemaster

https://probemaster.com/dmm-multimeter-test-leads/

It may seem silly to pay as much for leads as a cheap meter, but trust me, they're worth every penny

 

[Tallpilot]

Thanks for the replies guys. Unfortunately, the Fluke 325 is around $280, which is way out of my price range. I understand the cheaper import meters aren't as good as the more expensive name brand ones, but for my non-professional use, I think an import meter will do what I need within my budget. My problem is that most of the meters that will do AC/DC current within my price range ($40-$100) all look pretty similar. If one is better than the other, I have no problem spending a few more bucks on the better one. I'm just not sure which is the "best buy," so to speak.

I understand where you are coming from. DC amp clamp capability adds to the expense. Sub $100 is tough. UEI has an AC only clamp for about $99 which would be great if you were an HVAC technician but DIY, you are going to be dealing with DC often. I would strongly consider raising your budget to $150 or so.

I agree with the UEI suggestion. Get something made anywhere besides China.

If you need something right now get the Uni-T UT210e but start a little savings fund to replace it when you can.

 

[Mr_B]

you can get the ut210e for under 30bucks and if buy a chip clip and modify the firmware it a very nice custom setup usable and disposable little meter .
I use one almost daily in automotive repair for quick checks and it first one to use at the parts yard or on the road as quick use, cheap to replace if lost/damaged, they won't do everything but are damn handy and make a great second meter .
i'd get 2 meters and 1 set of quality leads.

 

[Bogie1632]

Klien CL380, $88 online. Been great so far.

V/R
Bogie

 

[bonneyman]

I don't think it does DC current, but my MA-Line clamp meter is a solid unit. (The one I have is very close to the MA-12813 on the meters page of the catalog).

 

[FigureItOut]

I'm a little surprised. I opened the thread expecting to see an overwhelming majority of recommendations for the Uni-T UT210E, it's very highly regarded for the price. I've had mine for four years and have been very pleased with it. I only recently got a real amp clamp for use with a scope, but I don't think there's anything better at twice the price. I've even used the built in NCVD on it when I couldn't find my regular one, and it is plenty sensitive. The one thing I really dislike about it is the lack of min/max, but for an AC/DC clamp under $100, it is THE choice, in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Citation]

The UT210E is an easy recommendation here. Note the 'E'. Uni-T is confusing in that they have several meters with the same number but different final letter and thus different features.

Unless you need over 100A or a higher CAT rating (you better know what you are doing if you do) this meter is good.

 

[Showkey]

I'm a little surprised. I opened the thread expecting to see an overwhelming majority of recommendations for the Uni-T UT210E, it's very highly regarded for the price. I've had mine for four years and have been very pleased with it. I only recently got a real amp clamp for use with a scope, but I don't think there's anything better at twice the price. I've even used the built in NCVD on it when I couldn't find my regular one, and it is plenty sensitive. The one thing I really dislike about it is the lack of min/max, but for an AC/DC clamp under $100, it is THE choice, in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

Agree........but.........once someone mentions a $300-$500 Fluke it’s hard for others to focus.

Uni-T B4Q094 UT210E True RMS AC/DC Current Mini Clamp M W Capacitance Tester
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,111 ratings | 93 answered questions
Price: $49.99 & FREE Shipping

6 other choices uni T is hard to beat.

 

[Mr_B]

ut210e is 40 bucks on ebay open to offers.
it 35 bucks on banggood or 19 bucks if make most of new user coupon .

I wouldn't want a ut210e as my main meter, it great tool for 20 to 30 bucks though and mine get used pretty much daily dc testing, wouldn't be keen using it a lot on mains ac (need be prepared mod firmware make them little nicer use for some scenarios)
OP can also buy a standard meter and a separate battery powered amp clamp and run it on the volt scale .
I do this a lot as many times you want be testing an area you don't want stuff a whole meter or would be unable view display .

 

[Showkey]

ut210e is 40 bucks on ebay open to offers.
it 35 bucks on banggood or 19 bucks if make most of new user coupon .

.

Between eBay and PayPal hassles.......then add possible shipping and return issues......Amazon wins hands down for couple of extra bucks.

Amazon ships free........no hassle no questions return, instant credit if there is a problem.

Yes........Amazon is far from perfect.

 

[Mr_B]

others are free shipping too .
when buying chinese I buy at lowest price I can get .
No hassle on eBay and easy get refund .
2 I got in the shop are off ebay, was 25 bucks each all in, programming clip was 5 bucks roughly .
Nice little meters for quick basics but not so great on more fussy stuff .
I wouldn't want spend 40 to 50 bucks on one ...

 

[richfinn]

I was looking for a cheap basic multimeter to keep in my van and I stumbled across this on ebay for £50

It has no facility for connecting in series like a regular multimeter, but it has the facility to use generic current clamps and displays directly in Amps (as opposed to mV), if you select AC Volts or Amps it also displays frequency in hz on the display at the same time, also has min/max and a backlight and some goofy Smart function!!!