multimeter recommendations

[blue dog]

In a perfect world, i would like a AC DC multimeter, something that could be used to diagnose automotive and in construction. Enlighten me as what to look for. I looked at a few fluke meters online, but am looking for some recommendations.

 

[Griff93]

I have a fluke meter that I've used daily for years. I have no complaints at all about it. I need to look to remember what model number it is. I've heard some of the new ones are made in china now and have problems.

 

[tw33k2514]

Fluke 88 has served me well.

 

[Wideopentuning]

Fluke 88 here as well. Very reliable, a lot of features and Fluke offers quite a few other probes, pickup etc for it.

 

[srmofo]

I have a fluke 85III and a cornwell meter. I dont think you really need to pay top dollar for a fluke if its not going to be used often

 

[afterburner]

You get what you pay for in the world of multi-meters. The Fluke automotive meter kits will include many useful test leads. Take a look at the new 233 automotive series kit. Here's my uber rare clear case 87V.

 

[MattT]

Make a list of what all you want to measure. Then pick a meter to fill those needs or as close as you can get.

 

[blue dog]

You guys are quick, thanks for info.

 

[larry_g]

http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/usen/support/appnotes/default.htm?category=AP_SAF&parent=AP_FUN

Have you read through the above documents to educate yourself a bit? In my experience electrical construction problems usually need a different meter than automotive work. Look at a 274 Fluke for construction and a 88 for auto work. You have to decide where your limits are in each field and buy equipment that will support your skills and work your doing. Electrical work will have a lot of current tracing that the 88 will not do without an accesory probe, and the 274 may not do the signal work that is necessary in tracing down sensor problems in the auto field. ( I've not used the 274 but reading the specs and using similar tools I surmise..) I would advise you to consider two meters one for the auto work and one for the construction work.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Danglerb]

A meter is like most other tools, what you need depends on what you do and what you know how to do. If you have a good understanding of basic electricity, most any meter will do, as you will know when it not hooked up right or working well.

I have a bunch of meters, big, small, old, and new, and latest is a Craftsman 82369 bought used off ebay for less than $30. Its a nice sized meter with both AC and DC clamp measurements, and so far seems like it will be a handy and well used tool.

I've also recently purchased a new HF "automotive" meter, but haven't had a chance to play with it much, but it includes an inductive pickup for rpm and can measure things like duty cycle on injectors.