Looking for meter suggestion.

[Jsf721]

Would this be a good first meter for someone looking to diagnose problems and initiate repairs.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Electrical-Test-Kit-69149/204367271


Any other suggestions ?

 

[PWC Repair]

Spend a bit more and get the MM400, much better meter and there's just no need for those little nonsense voltage checkers in that "kit".

 

[LS6 Tommy]

No AC Current capability on that model, so unless you're only doing automotive work it's not very useful. It doesn't have autoranging either, but that's more of a convenience. Fluke is a VERY good brand. Fieldpiece units are pretty good, too. Non contact voltage indicators are a very good safety test item, so it's a good idea to have one in your tool pouch to make sure things are de-energized before attempting service, but they're not very usable for troubleshooting.

Tommy

 

[d.mcfarland]

Agreed. The 2 additional items are filler items. No need for them in auto repairs so no need to spend money on them.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have a gardner bender GDT-3200 that I paid about $30.00 for a few years ago - it works great.

Fluke also makes a relatively inexpensive meter - the 101. I think it's about $50.

 

[matt_i]

I also would recommend a Fluke meter.

 

[kd3pc]

get a used Fluke, will be better over time than this new unit.

New fluke is an investment and will last you a life time with decent care. I have an 8000A from the last century, on my bench that still works like new.

 

[mopar440_6]

I would recommend the Fluke 115. Its around $140 on Amazon. It will do pretty much everything the homeowner and/or shade tree mechanic would require. With proper care it will last a long, long time. If you're really strapped and on a budget, spend the extra $20 and get the Fluke 101. Its a bit limited vs the 115 but still much more robust and accurate than the cheap ones.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Spend a bit more and get the MM400, much better meter and there's just no need for those little nonsense voltage checkers in that "kit".

No AC Current capability on that model, so unless you're only doing automotive work it's not very useful. It doesn't have autoranging either, but that's more of a convenience.

You guys are "experts". The OP is a rookie. Why does everyone want to recommend overkill.

For a newbie THAT IS FINE KIT ! Those "nonsense" voltage tester are valuable to some one who has NO EXPERIENCE with AC or DC electricity. Over the years, I acquired BOTH of those addons, just because they are quick and easy.

I can not remember the last time I needed to measure AC current !

 

[Pathfinders]

A chicken stick is always a good tool.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

You guys are "experts". The OP is a rookie. Why does everyone want to recommend overkill.

For a newbie THAT IS FINE KIT ! Those "nonsense" voltage tester are valuable to some one who has NO EXPERIENCE with AC or DC electricity. Over the years, I acquired BOTH of those addons, just because they are quick and easy.

I can not remember the last time I needed to measure AC current !

My post is 100% in line with the advice the OP was looking for. He never stated he was only doing auto repair, so I said if he wasn't, that meter didn't have the AC cureent function. Current is one of the most frequently measured parameters of electromechanical troubleshooting outside of the automotive service world.

I DID screw up when I said Fieldpiece. They're focused on HVAC work. I meant to say Amprobe.

Amprobe has much better "entry level" meters at or very near the same price and the Flukes are far better for not a whole lot more than that Klein set.

I also agreed that the non contact voltage tester was a good safety tool, although it's worhtless for automotive work as it only senses AC voltage. I don't even think they make DC non contact testers.


Tommy

 

[vavet]

I bought a Fluke meter from ebay when I was starting in the auto tech field. It looks rough - dirty and beat up. Functionally it works great. I had to replace both fuses in it, but it has served me well. You might think about that to save a few bucks.

 

[Kaizen]

A chicken stick is always a good tool.

Agreed. Op that's the beepy thing you can test for live current. Always a good practice.
While all are correct it's good to buy better I would recommend going cheap on the meter and getting a Klein lineman pliers, wire cutter, flat screwdriver and Philipps screwdriver. Eventually you will work on live stuff and it's good to have this level of tools that are insulated. I never use plain screwdrivers on electrical. I try not to use electrical tools besides the meter on other tasks.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Fluke 87V would be my first choice knowing what I know now. Not cheap, but it'll do a LOT of things most others won't. Craigslist is a good place to start if you're looking used. Lifetime warranty and will take a licking. Reads Hz capacitance ect. I found one for a friend I do hurricane work with on CL, $100-$125 I think is what he paid for it and still had the box and papers with it.

My first Fluke was an 88 I think and found out it wasn't rated for much over 240V.

 

[ZipSnafu]

I'm on the Fluke wagon. Buy it now and it will be one of those tools that will last forever with proper care.

 

[awonderfulworld]

You can order the overseas only version of the fluke for about $50: http://www.banggood.com/FLUKE-F101-Pocket-Mini-Digital-Multimeter-Auto-Range-p-952647.html

Legit fluke meter, just not sold in the NA market.

 

[493 scamp]

I had a Fluke for nearly 20 years, unfortunately I left it on the gash of my car and the display got too hot. I replaced it with a Snap On POS that never reads 0 when on voltage which drives me nuts. I threw away my fluke and later saw cheap replacement displays for it on Ebay. I use mine for automotive work only and we dont touch Hybrid electrics.
I vote for Fluke too.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Fluke 87V would be my first choice knowing what I know now. Not cheap, but it'll do a LOT of things most others won't. Craigslist is a good place to start if you're looking used. Lifetime warranty and will take a licking. Reads Hz capacitance ect. I found one for a friend I do hurricane work with on CL, $100-$125 I think is what he paid for it and still had the box and papers with it.

My first Fluke was an 88 I think and found out it wasn't rated for much over 240V.

The first meter I ever bought was an original series 87. It was going to be the only meter I ever had. Until it got stolen... Great meter.

Tommy

 

[dogdog]

Would this be a good first meter for someone looking to diagnose problems and initiate repairs.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Electrical-Test-Kit-69149/204367271


Any other suggestions ?

I have the craftsman meter for years and does everything I needed.... I found out it's actually a Craftman re-branded ExTech model 450, now it's Extech470 for about $99 best bang for the buck.... functionalities needs it's all dependents on what you are doing with it... and how much accuracy you want out of it.... and most important of all , How you use it... A tool is just a tool.... don't buy into hypes.

Volts , amps , continuity, ohm are pretty standard to every basic meters.

Basic Cap measurements , RMS voltage , Temp, and Frequency are nice to have especially if you are working on motors and and sensors, PWM measurement is very helpful....

Though I like that Klein non-contact voltage indicator... very handy, bought seperate.... but doesn't needed to be build into a meter.

Works for me around the house stuff, AC Lines/Appliances, automotive, and some basic electronics troubleshooting so far.

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/extech/multimeters/digital-multimeter-ex470.htm


and no I am not selling Extech, just saying that you should define what you want out of that meter then buy on needs and your budget.

 

[tonyprovo723]

I didn't believe Fluke or any meter carries a lifetime warranty. So I looked at the Fluke site and they define lifetime 7 years after they discontinue a model. Also it is non-transferable. Lots of ways to let the smoke out of a meter so the warranty is not as practical as on a wrench or socket.

Get one of the free ones from HF to compare it to and anything will look great. Actually the HF unit is usable for some general readings.

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