Multimeters... Extech?

[firebox40dash5]

I think it's about time to add a multimeter to my toolbox. I've been without one since my Wally World cheapo Innova took a dump shortly after I started working as a mechanic, and I've been bumming off the boss (we're a 2-man operation) ever since. I do a ton of electrical work, so I have no idea how I've gone almost 2 years like that. He's got a Matco/OTC, and while I've got nothing against it, even the OTC version is kind of pricey for what it is, and I try to avoid buying exact duplicates of what's already in the shop.

I've been eyeing Extechs for a while, and I'm really liking the apparent value of the EX520. Looks like it's got all the features I need and then some, and Amazon has it with a decent-looking lead set for $145. To clarify, while I'm a mechanic and it'll be used 95% on 12VDC, I also do most of the maintenance (and electrical installs) around the shop, and at home. So something really geared toward mechanics is less appealing to me than a better general-purpose meter. I've never used anything besides volts, resistance and continuity on the Matco meter anyway. I do like that the 520 does duty cycle, something I could definitely see coming in handy. Also looking at adding the MA120 AC/DC amp clamp if anyone's got input there. For $80 it looks less expensive than even most add-on clamps, and I don't have to mess with calibrating zeros and remembering how to convert readings. This would mostly be used to check high-draw DC like rad fans, starters, glow plugs and alternator output, so I'm not concerned much with super-high resolution or accuracy.

Oh, and before you wanna say "buy a Fluke!", I'm most likely not buying a Fluke. I can't really afford one, so buying one would mean buying through the tool man, which means I REALLY couldn't afford it. The only way I'd be talked into buying a Fluke would be getting a 233, but I'm just not sure a remote display is worth $120 and losing the test lead kit. Otherwise, I don't need stupid accurate, and while stupid durable is appealing, I think the aforementioned crappy Innova lasted me about 8 years.

 

[rusty65]

My buddy has an extech and it seems to work very well for him. It's not as accurate as a fluke meter but his seems to stand up pretty well to minor abuse.

 

[TwoInch]

i use a craftsman which is an extech rebrand. its not the top end meters, but it seems to hold its own, and seems durable enough also which is a plus. i would have to go look to see what model it is, dont remember off hand.

 

[firebox40dash5]

i use a craftsman which is an extech rebrand. its not the top end meters, but it seems to hold its own, and seems durable enough also which is a plus. i would have to go look to see what model it is, dont remember off hand.

IIRC it's something like an EX210, the Professional might be a 400-something?

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Look at the ESI 595/597.

Great meters.

 

[TwoInch]

that ex210 looks very similar, and priced very similar iirc..

 

[RCStocker]

Fluke is one of the worlds best. They are in industry everywhere. They are huge. They make a lot of sensors that can be used in the auto industry. The price is steep but I think well worth the price. I have several and a Craftsman. The C man works very well for $100 or so. The same company that makes the C man tools, K, KD, Allen, Gearwrench along with a host of other tools makes the Fluke. They are the words larges maker of medical tools and test equipment. They make fantastic products. I think the Fluke meters run aournd $400. I have not checked in a while but they will last a life time if not abused.

 

[wise]

http://testproductsintl.com/

I wish I knew about these guys before I bought my SO Meter... Don't get me wrong, my DMM works great, is really durable, and has never given me a single problem (other than a co-worker blowing the 500mA fuse and refusing to replace it).

TPI makes all the SO meters, and sells them for far, far less. they also have a full line of add-on's like am-clamps, temp sensors, hydraulic pressure transducers, etc.

Just my two cents, there are quite a few good brands out there besides Fluke, but I couldn't be happier with http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675528&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog other than the burning feeling in the back of my mind that I should have shopped around and bought the TPI equivalent.

 

[firebox40dash5]

that ex210 looks very similar, and priced very similar iirc..

Something like that, the EX210/230 have IR temp now which the CM Pro doesn't. The 400/500 series appear better made, though.

Fluke is one of the worlds best. They are in industry everywhere. They are huge. They make a lot of sensors that can be used in the auto industry. The price is steep but I think well worth the price. I have several and a Craftsman. The C man works very well for $100 or so. The same company that makes the C man tools, K, KD, Allen, Gearwrench along with a host of other tools makes the Fluke. They are the words larges maker of medical tools and test equipment. They make fantastic products. I think the Fluke meters run aournd $400. I have not checked in a while but they will last a life time if not abused.

Cool, thanks for not reading. I could buy the Extech multimeter, clamp meter, a good IR thermometer, and a case of tasty beer for that $400, and enjoy them (well, not the beer) for the next 10-20 years, when I hope not to be wrenching for a living anymore.

I can't say I mind buying a new meter if it lasts a decade or more. Imagine the tech advances in that decade. Hell, I'm drooling over the EX845 with Bluetooth/Android app for display, but that ain't really in the budget either.

 

[zkling]

Extech makes a good middle of the road meter. As has been mentioned, they make quite a few of the other brands meters. I have a craftsman pro meter that I picked up on a super sale a few years ago. It was ~$150 marked down to ~$30 IIRC. Good old sears. The one I have is a rebaged extech 400 series meter.

Overall they are good meters. Pretty accurate and can be calibrated. They have a lot of features for a cheap meter such as capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, temp, etc. That tend to get spendy in other meter brands.

May want to see if you can find a used Fluke 87V or the like. If you watch ebay, you might find one in your price range. If you only need the basics like volts, resistance, small amps. The older fluke 27fm meters are cheap, super accurate and dang near bomb proof. They were designed for the military back in the early 90's. Can usually find one on ebay for ~$50 shipped in a case. It is my go to meter for most stuff around the house.

 

[firebox40dash5]

http://testproductsintl.com/

I wish I knew about these guys before I bought my SO Meter... Don't get me wrong, my DMM works great, is really durable, and has never given me a single problem (other than a co-worker blowing the 500mA fuse and refusing to replace it).

TPI makes all the SO meters, and sells them for far, far less. they also have a full line of add-on's like am-clamps, temp sensors, hydraulic pressure transducers, etc.

Just my two cents, there are quite a few good brands out there besides Fluke, but I couldn't be happier with http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675528&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog other than the burning feeling in the back of my mind that I should have shopped around and bought the TPI equivalent.

You got any input on them vs. Extech? To be honest, I'm not particularly in love with Snap On's electronic products, even ignoring the price. The 183a does look about even with the EX520 in price and features, but I've never really been up close with one of their products with any nametag on it. Amazon sells a lot of it, but nothing has any reviews.