Multimeter Buying Help.

[zkling]

Go get a used Fluke 27FM. Your avatar is just sad.

 

[justin1795]

I purchased a fluke. that's what everyone in the shop had. only bad thing is the fuses are about 13.00

 

[dogmir]

I do a lot of dc work, and have used man brands. I have a fluke. That said it was a Christmas gift. I have a craftsman and loads of cheap ones. My craftsman is damn near as accurate as my fluke, plus it has a temp probe and it was $20. I would have no problems reccomending a cheap craftsman or extech. Personally if I were you get one with temp probe. It can come in handy. Also I would get one where the display lights up. That comes in really handy.

 

[uncletater]

thanks for all the great feedback. I will take a look at the Fluke meters this weekend.

 

[exmaxima1]

Personally if I were you get one with temp probe. It can come in handy.

I have a Fluke probe but never use it. It was a pain to need a DVM just to check temp. I bought a Raytek IR thermometer for less than $20 on eBay and it's far more handy. Works well for making beer!

 

[Joe69]

When I started out, I bought a Craftsman. It served me well for many years. I ended up replacing it with a Fluke, and have never looked back. The only reason I replaced the C-man, was I needed more features. I still use the old C-man at home.

Joe

 

[jwh]

+1 for fluke, I have an 8000A on my desk now, for kit building and basic trouble shooting. A Fluke 77 in my go bag, and another 77 in the garage.

they are very affordable on the auction sites, have even seen one or two here.

And that folks is the reason to buy Fluke. I used to calibrate volt meters at my former job. The Fluke 8000A has got to be atleast 20 years old. Still working...I'm assuming accurate readings...need I say more?

 

[Cobra5150]

....The symbolis not ma, that is milli amps. The micro amp symbol is kind of a long nosed U
.

Kinda like this? µ

My recs, Fluke if you can find a good to great deal used or Craftsman. Definitely get the auto ranging. I've got a Craftsman that is almost as good as my Fluke and always recommend the CM for good bang for the buck.

 

[rburke65]

I agree a previous poster.....most folks can get away with the HF meters. I myself have a Fluke that we used at work.

 

[ford33]

I have been using a Greelee for the past 15 years or so for my home meter. It is well built and reliable. I don't remember what I paid for it but it wasn't that expensive.

 

[grommit]

My simpson 260 has lasted me for over 35 years. If it broke I'd try to find another. I think almost any meter will do what you want, just get good leads.

 

[MN4x4]

Just check Craigslist for any used Fluke, I have a couple of 77's that I've used for over 20 years and just replaced the battery in one of them the other night for like the second time ever.

If you just need basic functionality don't worry too much about which model as any of the them will serve you well. And no need to pay over $50 for what you need...

 

[zkling]

Just check Craigslist for any used Fluke, I have a couple of 77's that I've used for over 20 years and just replaced the battery in one of them the other night for like the second time ever.

Check ebay too. Around here people put used flukes on craigslist for a good bit more than one can be purchased on ebay.

 

[Harry Gerrard]

I am an occasional electrician, but that doesn't mean when I need to measure a voltage my meter can occasionally work.
I took my Craftsman just after lunch today and smashed in my vise. The piece of garbage has had a short in in since I started using in 12 mths ago. I had to bang it on the workbench 90% of the time just to get it to register.

I just bought a Fluke 115 today for $125 off amazon.

You get what you pay for, buy a harbor freight and it might work fine for you. It might work for 1 week, 2 weeks, etc.

I look forward to my new Fluke arriving this week.

 

[Chilliwack Murray]

My simpson 260 has lasted me for over 35 years. If it broke I'd try to find another. I think almost any meter will do what you want, just get good leads.

A good old Simpson is in a class of it's own. None of the Flukes or any other brand digital with the 'analog' bar graph can replace that. But when it comes to hooking it up wrong and bashing is around, that's another story. I still use an old Eico for some things but it doesn't leave the bench.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gregtwojeeps]

I have been using a Greelee for the past 15 years or so for my home meter. It is well built and reliable. I don't remember what I paid for it but it wasn't that expensive.

After having two $175.00 Flukes stole from me at work over the years, I bought the Greenlee digital multi/ammeter from Lowes for $69.00 with a don't give a **** if its stolen or breaks attitude. Dropped it, shocked it and knocked it, the thing won't die. Four years now.

 

[MN4x4]

After having two $175.00 Flukes stole from me at work over the years, I bought the Greenlee digital multi/ammeter from Lowes for $69.00 with a don't give a **** if its stolen or breaks attitude. Dropped it, shocked it and knocked it, the thing won't die. Four years now.

I agree that the Flukes are theft magnets in certain instances. One of the reasons I like the older 73-75-77 series is because it's a non-descript gray instead of the new high-visibility yellow.

A friend of mine had your problem and spray painted his Fluke pink. Hasn't run away yet!!!

 

[AnEv942]

Good meters are nice and once you learn to use one nothing else substitutes, especially trouble shooting (well I do still carry a 12v bulb soldered to 20' of speaker wire) but for a simple meter Sears has their small one on sale for 9 bucks. Craftsman 82141

Have an older one-works just fine for checking truck 12v battery resting state, 12v charge voltage. CPU power supply outputs. Continuity for light bulbs, components, switches-which wire in bundle is other end etc, etc. I'd be hard pressed to tell some one who's never used a multi meter, especially for piddling in the shop/hobby use, to spend a lot on their 1st one? Can always get a nicer one later for use, cant have too many meters laying around.

 

[synchro7]

I bought a Fluke brand years ago. It was expensive as hell, but I've never had any trouble with it.