Multimeter and test lead storage case

[uscarry45]

I would like to buy or possible build / convert something so that I have a somewhat organized multimeter and test lead kit. What are you guys using?

I see some for sale on eBay and Amazon that are zippered clamshell style cases. I am nervous about longevity of zippers. I have thought about a harbor freight pelican knock off case but that almost seems overkill

my criteria
durable
maybe something 10” x 8” five or take a little bit
separate spot for meter and few styles of test leads
easy to open

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get a long piece of heavy cloth. Put small items in small ziplock bags. Leads can be held in a bundle with reusable zip ties. Flip top down, bottom up, roll. Secure with reusable zip ties.

If you are putting a kit together, you need a set up extension for you meter leads, alligator clips with insulator that will fit on to your prove tips and at least one 20' long extension lead. 12V Incandescent test light,. Replace clip with small locking pliers.

 

[infinkc]

Have a fluke zipper pouch if you want it

 

[uscarry45]

I am intriguied with the small locking pliers on one of the clips.

 

[rancherbill]

I got these and they are good. The price has gone up in the last while.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BNMW19H4/?tag=atomicindus04-20

 

[lmg]

I use a hard shell pistol case. Durable, padded , can be inexpensive.

 

[uscarry45]

I use a hard shell pistol case. Durable, padded , can be inexpensive.

Excellent idea off to sporting goods store tomorrow to see what I can find. Thank you

 

[captaindiode]

Harbor Freight has some pistol cases that might work, too.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I have a fluke hard shell pelican case that stores all my meters, test leads, accessories, etc. foam is customizable

 

[HenryAZ]

Pelican 1150 case. I used closed cell foam (not the open cell type that comes with a Pelican case), and separated the meter/leads compartments with a piece of plastic.

 

[rkevins]

after a mouse ate my fluke leads in my toolbox I bought one of the plastic amo cans at harbor freight

 

[speed88]

What I did when I got my fluke.

 

[torqueman2002]

If you are still looking, Coleman's has hard shell cases on sale.

(7 ½” X 6 ¼” X 3 ½”) <$10. + shipping.
https://colemans.com/catalog/produc...8aFOXGa93KwTLXgXWPo8WrQYKaR51e_FPm2pQV.TKNMRy

(13’’ L x 8’’ W x 5’’ H) <$20. + shipping.
https://colemans.com/catalog/produc...8aFOXGa93KwTLXgXWPo8WrQYKaR51e_FPm2pQV.TKNMRy

 

[lilredex]

Make something to suit if you are a WW. That's my VOM from 1955, made in Ajax, Ontario, when we made things here.

 

[nadogail]

A military surplus ammo can makes a great storage case.

 

[toplessHO]

I caution those that wrap leads tightly in storage.
I checked a circuit once with my wiggy that was in the leather pouch
made for it. Test said was dead. It wasnt.
Found the problem was the leads fracture the wire inside the insulation when bent.
Rubber insulation on leads held it together but didnt have continuity electrically .
Testing a meter on a known live circuit first is a good practice but in my case may not have helped.
Wiggys are no longer approved but not for this reason.
If leads are replaceable part of meter,do so just out of caution every couple years.

 

[toplessHO]

Make something to suit if you are a WW. That's my VOM from 1955, made in Ajax, Ontario, when we made things here.

maybe you and I are the only ones left that own analog meters. Mines a Simpson 260

 

[theoldwizard1]

I use a hard shell pistol case. Durable, padded , can be inexpensive.

HF

 

[BreeStephany]

My ideal go-to are Vanguard or Pelican cases, but the price on these cases new is often pretty expensive. If you don't care about appearance and only care about the protective factors you can often times find used ones on Ebay, Craigslist, Marketplace, etc. for pretty inexpensive.

HF's Apache cases are very inexpensive and I have been using them a lot for the gear I don't use a lot but I have found that the quality of the plastic on the latches can be hit or miss and sometimes the latches will snap.

I've got about 10 of the Apache cases and so far have only had the latches fail on 3 of them. 30% failure rate definitely is not great, but for the savings, if I don't use the meter as my daily carry, it is often worth it to me.

Just my two cents.

 

[Max]

maybe you and I are the only ones left that own analog meters. Mines a Simpson 260

Nope. I still have 5 - two VOMs (Simpson and no name), two TVMs (heathkit and HP), and one VTVM (hp). I will admit that I rarely use them and instead reach for a DVM.

 

[Zeus36]

If you are still looking, Coleman's has hard shell cases on sale.

(7 ½” X 6 ¼” X 3 ½”) <$10. + shipping.
https://colemans.com/catalog/produc...8aFOXGa93KwTLXgXWPo8WrQYKaR51e_FPm2pQV.TKNMRy

(13’’ L x 8’’ W x 5’’ H) <$20. + shipping.
https://colemans.com/catalog/produc...8aFOXGa93KwTLXgXWPo8WrQYKaR51e_FPm2pQV.TKNMRy

Was going to order the 13x8x5" case, but shipping is more than the price of the case.

 

[MattGarage]

No matter how careful you are winding and unwinding the leads will eventually make them break. What I do is attach some para cord to the case, and hang it up with the leads dangling and just mounted in the lead slot, always ready.