multimeter question- what one is best for me?

[kq702]

Hi, I was given a gift card for sears, for $80 so figured I would get a new tool and the first thing I can think of that I need is a new multimeter.

I do mostly low voltage readings (mostly from lion batteries) and I also need it to do continuity readings. I currently have the free harbor freight multi meter, so I think anything would be an upgrade to that one. Plus that does not even do continuity readings.

Other things that would be nice (but not required) is a thermometer probe and a non contact voltage meter. I have pretty good eyes so a large display or backlit display is not required but would be a nice option maybe.

So I am not sure if I should get one like this: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cm-m...0050830x000545&aff=Y&PID=1225267&AID=11042411 or one like this http://www.sears.com/craftsman-mult...p-03482141000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 them seem to have the best reviews. Many do not have any reviews. But something that concerns me with them ones is some reviews say when doing contanuity that the sound goes on and off, in other words the reading doesnt always sound accurate because it is not a constant tone, it fades in and out some say. But i saw another thread where people say it will do that if you dont snap the leads in place firmly. This one http://www.sears.com/extech-mn42-8-...3417244000P?prdNo=18&blockNo=18&blockType=G18 also has a built in non contact voltage detection but there is no reviews at all.

I dont got enough money for the fluke nor do I need one for my use, but what is the biggest bang for the buck? Here is a link to all the ones that sears sells and my budget is $80 http://www.sears.com/search=multi m...ools_Electricians+Tools_Multi-Meters+&+Meters

 

[bareass172]

I just went through this, but for a more specialized meter for my professional needs. One of the people in my thread pointed me towards this list which was a great help:

http://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/

EEV Blog also has a lot of "101" type videos on Youtube for buying meters, even for a home user like yourself. My very honest recommendation for someone like yourself would be to keep using the HF one you have. I have a Fluke, am in the process of buying a higher end model right now, and I still keep that little HF model in my box as both a backup, but also as a knockaround unit. If I just need some quick, basic measurements I trust it to be "good enough" and no need to put wear and tear on my more expensive units.

If you're set on buying one, I'd stay away from the sears units. I know you have a Sears credit so I'd look at what other brands they sell. Not that I have a problem with Sears, but I find that often they have the same stuff as Harbor Freight for Sears prices OR they re-badge other brands with a markup. Amprobe, Ideal, and Extech are just a few of the brands I know have good units at lower prices than Fluke, but I know there are others too. Others will be along to help you I'm sure.

 

[mr overdunne]

sears sells a couple entry level flukes. take the 80, add 60 to it and buy the right meter once.

 

[zkling]

Go get a used fluke 27FM off of ebay. Much better than the department store, entry level made in China Fluke meters. Best bang for the buck by far. If you HAVE to have more advanced features such as % and cap, the craftsman pros are nice as well as extech, which are what most craftsman meters are rebagged from.

 

[cheechi]

I followed zkling's advice there and while I have plenty of other meters that 27FM is my favourite.

I have and have used cheaper sears ones like you posted, sure they give you a reading but often they don't say 0 they say .00002 and jump around a little bit and you can't tell if it's really 0 or OL or what. I don't have the patience any more, if I'm stuck with a crappy one I have extra testing to know what 0 is and it's worth the money to just have a meter that tells you the truth about 0.

If you still think you need a cheap meter, Innova 3000 series. Pick the one that's got what features you know you will need, or that you understand without having to look it up. I have a 3320, I still like the Fluke better.

 

[Brownsfan]

Sears sells the 115 and 117 fluke at some stores not all of them. I think the 115 is like $160 and the 117 was like $190 if I remember correctly. I bought the 115 there on sale for $130 a couple years ago. It's a great all around basic true rms meter. I also have a Klein MM2000 that I got at Home Depot for $110. It's every bit as good as the fluke IMHO. It actually does more than the fluke. I honestly use it the most of the 5 meters I have.