I need some advice I have always worked on my vehicles. One tool that I need is a multimeter for automotive and motorcycle work. I am not a professional but I do buy quality tools so what brand and model number would you suggest for light to medium maintenance. Thank You all.
Multimeters
- Thread starter BIG Eric
- Start date
I like my Craftsman 82369 a lot, its a basic meter with current clamp and unlike most less than $100 models the clamp is AC and DC. Any meter, even a $3 HF is better than no meter, but a nice meter with features pays for itself in the first few uses.
With the decent quality in cheap meters its EASY to spend more on the probes and leads than the meter itself (which often has cheap leads until $$$).
With the decent quality in cheap meters its EASY to spend more on the probes and leads than the meter itself (which often has cheap leads until $$$).
magova1104
Well-known member
Maybe this will sound aggravating for some but: "THERE IS ONLY ONE KIND OF MULTIMETERS: FLUKE!
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
I like Fluke meters (I have one myself) but there's plenty of other less expensive brands that will work just fine for most purposes (the Harbor Freight meters are surprisingly good, although the leads are cheap.)
I see haven't posted very much here - there's a search function in the upper right corner of the page, and this discussion has come up quite a few times in the past.
I see haven't posted very much here - there's a search function in the upper right corner of the page, and this discussion has come up quite a few times in the past.
mr.speaker
Well-known member
I'm assuming you don't want to spend much since it's more of a hobby ?
I have a $30 Klein and a $30 ideal at home . I bought both from Homedepot or Lowes years ago. I like the Klein a lot.
At work I have a Fluke 88 that I bought used on eBay for a good price.
I also have some of the harbor freights.
They all work for what I used them for.
For model numbers
Klein mm200
Ideal 61-310
Fluke 88 with Automotive accesories
Harbor freight $10 Centec
I have a $30 Klein and a $30 ideal at home . I bought both from Homedepot or Lowes years ago. I like the Klein a lot.
At work I have a Fluke 88 that I bought used on eBay for a good price.
I also have some of the harbor freights.
They all work for what I used them for.
For model numbers
Klein mm200
Ideal 61-310
Fluke 88 with Automotive accesories
Harbor freight $10 Centec
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If you want the best in multimeters, I recommend "FLUKE". http://goo.gl/GsNoP
Other brands to consider, cheaper and they work very well EXTECH and Klein with auto ranging. This brands are very good when you do not require precision to measure voltage, amperage, and resistance.
But, I like Fluke, they have a good price.
Other brands to consider, cheaper and they work very well EXTECH and Klein with auto ranging. This brands are very good when you do not require precision to measure voltage, amperage, and resistance.
But, I like Fluke, they have a good price.
shoturtle
Well-known member
If you do not want to spend the money for a fluke, the extech are pretty good, and the craftsman are pretty good for a low cost meter.
magova1104
Well-known member
Right! Sorry for be so IRRITANT! I am a fluke user since 1980's and the 88V is my main meter, but there are a few meters out there that you can rely on. Like the Meterman (Wavetek) http://www.ebay.com/itm/WAVETEK-METERMAN-DM9B-Digital-Multimeter-NEW-/110642474359?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c2ce2d77#ht_1330wt_1304 I have one of these in my house and is surprisingly accurate and well made.
TexasSlinger
New member
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2012
- Messages
- 1
i would agree with the fellow who mentioned leads. I go through leads like no one else. there are some nice european ones out there to backprobe and stick in the real small terminals.
Heres the thing
I need to SEE
12v
0v
5v
or 1v
my fav so far has actually been the analog one with the needle(got a northern tool for maybe $10) , it shows ohms and voltage And my 200 matco< prol rebranded cheapo, has lost the ability to show temperature. last time I by super expensive 1yr warranty BS from tool trucks
Heres the thing
I need to SEE
12v
0v
5v
or 1v
my fav so far has actually been the analog one with the needle(got a northern tool for maybe $10) , it shows ohms and voltage And my 200 matco< prol rebranded cheapo, has lost the ability to show temperature. last time I by super expensive 1yr warranty BS from tool trucks
Super Sport
Well-known member
Personally, I'm just a homeowner/DIYer and I use a cheap Craftsman. It cost me around $10 on sale. Extech makes them for Cman. Right now Sears has an Extech with a built in IR thermometer for around $30. I also occasionally use one of the cheap HF ones that I got free with a coupon. That seems to work pretty decent too.
Of course, they're no Fluke...but for the occasional use I don't think a Fluke is necessary.
Of course, they're no Fluke...but for the occasional use I don't think a Fluke is necessary.
BrokewrenchLS1
Well-known member
Fluke 117. Between Fluke, Agilent, and Extech, Fluke always ends up being the best - Agilent is nice, but expensive outside of a professional environment, and everything Extech I've ever used has just felt (and acted) cheap.
I love my Fluke 87V, but it's ~$500-600 with good cal, and that's pretty expensive if it's not a daily tool.
I love my Fluke 87V, but it's ~$500-600 with good cal, and that's pretty expensive if it's not a daily tool.
TwoInch
Well-known member
i have and use a fused craftsman. if i remember right, it cost me about $40
it came with a temp probe, and some other stuff. the thermometer reads about 10* to hot, but is within the stated accuracy range of like 9* plus like 3% reading i think it was.
i have had no problems with it. it does what i ask, but im no electrician thats for sure.
also curious who makes the Cman units. anyone know?
it came with a temp probe, and some other stuff. the thermometer reads about 10* to hot, but is within the stated accuracy range of like 9* plus like 3% reading i think it was.
i have had no problems with it. it does what i ask, but im no electrician thats for sure.
also curious who makes the Cman units. anyone know?
Super Sport
Well-known member
As far as I have read online, Extech makes most (if not all) of Cman's multimeters. Comparing them side by side shows they are identical minus the coloring.
TwoInch
Well-known member
i think you are right.
this one is nearly identical to my Cman, other than color.
http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=1XwHUL6cJ4WNrgG15_nrBA&ved=0CFEQ8wIwAA
kald
Well-known member
I use this http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=26&prodid=81
I going to get the next higher up model(830) with the built in IR.
The 730 had been great, have had it in service for about 4 years, and I went from carry 3 meters to one. But the resistance settings just took a dump when I put 480 VAC across it, imagine that.
Exetech will repair it (not fuse) but I'm going to put the money into new meter and let keep this one for the shop since all of the other functions work wine.
Edit: Once you have a ac/dc clamp meter built into your multi-meter you will be in amazement how you got along with out it.
I going to get the next higher up model(830) with the built in IR.
The 730 had been great, have had it in service for about 4 years, and I went from carry 3 meters to one. But the resistance settings just took a dump when I put 480 VAC across it, imagine that.
Exetech will repair it (not fuse) but I'm going to put the money into new meter and let keep this one for the shop since all of the other functions work wine.Edit: Once you have a ac/dc clamp meter built into your multi-meter you will be in amazement how you got along with out it.
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Coach James
Well-known member
At home I have three C-man(Extech) meters and they have been all I needed. I also have a Gardner Bender analog meter I use to trouble shoot water heaters and a few other things.
For my students at the high school, I have some from Sperry and a bunch of HF meters. For building and trouble shooting DC circuits, electromagnets, galvanometers etc, HF meters work fine.
Coach
For my students at the high school, I have some from Sperry and a bunch of HF meters. For building and trouble shooting DC circuits, electromagnets, galvanometers etc, HF meters work fine.
Coach
losttechnician
Active member
Extech makes a good unit worth the money.
I have a Mastech MS8226T that came in a great blow molded case. Bought through Amazon for way under $100. Works like a champ, comes with decent leads, and Fluke leads fit just fine.
It does not get used as much anymore, since I found an almost new Fluke 177 with leads and a case for $80.
Whichever way you decide to go, #1 thing (IMO) you should look for is AUTO-RANGING. Spend a few extra bucks, it makes life easier in the long run, but you don't need to spend massive dollars to get a good home use meter.
I use a Fluke 87V for a living, and while the Mastech I have is nowhere near the quality of a Fluke, it was good enough for me to use at home. I was perfectly happy with it until the 177 magically appeared.
I have a Mastech MS8226T that came in a great blow molded case. Bought through Amazon for way under $100. Works like a champ, comes with decent leads, and Fluke leads fit just fine.
It does not get used as much anymore, since I found an almost new Fluke 177 with leads and a case for $80.
Whichever way you decide to go, #1 thing (IMO) you should look for is AUTO-RANGING. Spend a few extra bucks, it makes life easier in the long run, but you don't need to spend massive dollars to get a good home use meter.
I use a Fluke 87V for a living, and while the Mastech I have is nowhere near the quality of a Fluke, it was good enough for me to use at home. I was perfectly happy with it until the 177 magically appeared.
vintagefan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 2, 2012
- Messages
- 613
The very best non-Fluke meters I've used (excluding Agilent, which are even pricier than Fluke in some cases), are UEi meters, they OEM for Klein, and I want to say that they do some of the Snap-on stuff, or have done it in the past at least.
AFAIK the UEi stuff is made in Korea instead of China, and all the examples I've seen have been extremely high build quality, and very durable.
Extech meters are mostly Chinese rebadges, but they typically offer good value for the money. The Extech/Craftsman pro meters for example, are a rebadge of a meter made by a Chinese OEM.
I used to be a huge Fluke fan, but since they caught Danaheritis and started going to China, I'm not quite so sprung on them. They seem to be staying good quality, but it's hard to justify the extra cost, when there are other good Chinese made meters on the market for much less.
AFAIK the UEi stuff is made in Korea instead of China, and all the examples I've seen have been extremely high build quality, and very durable.
Extech meters are mostly Chinese rebadges, but they typically offer good value for the money. The Extech/Craftsman pro meters for example, are a rebadge of a meter made by a Chinese OEM.
I used to be a huge Fluke fan, but since they caught Danaheritis and started going to China, I'm not quite so sprung on them. They seem to be staying good quality, but it's hard to justify the extra cost, when there are other good Chinese made meters on the market for much less.
There's an Australian guy on youtube who does (almost) nothing but review multimeters. The 'EEV' blog or something like that. He's funny as heck and very opinionated.
One of his blogs was a review of < $50 multimeters. The Extech came out on top, and a couple of them he shredded. His videos can stretch for an hour each so be prepared to fast forward at points.
One of his blogs was a review of < $50 multimeters. The Extech came out on top, and a couple of them he shredded. His videos can stretch for an hour each so be prepared to fast forward at points.
Do any of the multimeters have a way of including some finite resistance to load the circuit a little? One problem I have with a high impedance meter is that if you have a bad connection, sometimes there is voltage, but it won't support any current load.
Tarheelgarage
Well-known member
I use a Fluke 88V.
I am a professional and demand only the best made in USA tools for my trade...
I also have a UEI; great DMM also.
I am a professional and demand only the best made in USA tools for my trade...
I also have a UEI; great DMM also.
Greatbear
Well-known member
The Fluke 114, 116, 117 and 289 have a low impedance voltage input function meant to eliminate "ghost voltages" and leakage currents in circuits. This is meant primarily for electrical supply mains testing and the like, but is useful in other settings like automotive and electronics troubleshooting. I have a 114 set aside solely for electrical work, the low z input comes in handy.
I made up a couple load resistor adapters on dual banana plug/jacks that I use for circuit loading. Plug the resistor into the DMM then plug the leads into the resistor.
I made up a couple load resistor adapters on dual banana plug/jacks that I use for circuit loading. Plug the resistor into the DMM then plug the leads into the resistor.
Thanks for all the great responces. Although I would like to own a Fluke I can't see the cost for the limited use it would get it would be like buying a toy and leave it in the package. I guess for the money the Craftsman/Extech meter will be the one for me.
soloz2
Well-known member
Fluke is what I would recommend, but any decent name will get the job done for automotive work. I use my fluke when I need to match resisters... but if I'm testing continuity one of my cheap meters works just fine.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
TwoInch
Well-known member
watched one of his videos.
man he gets excited about the cheap meter... them aussies are hilarious
here is the video, its a Digital meter "buying guide", with a break down of what makes a decent meter, and what makes a **** meter. pretty interesting, and i laughed quite a bit. pretty entertaining, in a nerdy way.
http://www.eevblog.com/2010/04/14/eevblog-75-digital-multimeter-buying-guide/
TwoInch
Well-known member
and here is a video of a DMM blowing up when overloaded.
http://gossenmetrawatt.com/english/seiten/cautiondangerousmultimeters.htm
yowzers, i knew they could fry, but i didnt realize it was that violent.
http://gossenmetrawatt.com/english/seiten/cautiondangerousmultimeters.htm
yowzers, i knew they could fry, but i didnt realize it was that violent.
kc-steve
Well-known member
^^^ That zapping multimeter is interesting, but you might notice they held the voltage to it for several seconds. In reality, anyone would pull away at the first tiny pop, ending any further meltdown.
I agree with most guys here, if you are using it around the house and car even a cheap HF Cen-tech will do the job adequately. I have 3 Cen-techs, Fluke 111, Fluke 70, Triplett 2202, and a desktop Beckman RMS 3060. Quality vintage stuff. I need to sell some of these, too many. I was an electronics tech for over 30 years.
Steve
I agree with most guys here, if you are using it around the house and car even a cheap HF Cen-tech will do the job adequately. I have 3 Cen-techs, Fluke 111, Fluke 70, Triplett 2202, and a desktop Beckman RMS 3060. Quality vintage stuff. I need to sell some of these, too many. I was an electronics tech for over 30 years.
Steve
kc-steve
Well-known member
That zapping multimeter reminded me of a joke we used to pull in an engineering dept back in the day when you could smoke a cigarette while working. Some of us would fish a plastic tube through to other people's electronic kluge and blow smoke so it appeared their set up was in a meltdown. It was fun to watch the guy start pulling plugs as fast as he could.
I was young.
Steve
I was young.
Steve
TwoInch
Well-known member
^^^ That zapping multimeter is interesting, but you might notice they held the voltage to it for several seconds. In reality, anyone would pull away at the first tiny pop, ending any further meltdown.
I agree with most guys here, if you are using it around the house and car even a cheap HF Cen-tech will do the job adequately. I have 3 Cen-techs, Fluke 111, Fluke 70, Triplett 2202, and a desktop Beckman RMS 3060. Quality vintage stuff. I need to sell some of these, too many. I was an electronics tech for over 30 years.
Steve
from what i understand, normally when a DMM goes bang, it is the first pop when the fuses blow, this is what will get you. obviously anyone holding it is going to drop it after that point. one reason its not good to strap them to your arm i guess. and this scenario would also be much more likely with alligator clip leads.
wouldnt it be the current they held to it that smoked it? popping the fuse and arcing across internals smoking shunts etc..?
Have you guys ever seen a video of arc flash? That is the newest work hazard that the national fire protection agency and OSHA are regulating now. It has completely changed what we wear and who goes where at my work place. The videos of arc flash are frightful.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I own 2 Klein meters and they are great. I have an AC/DC true rms clamp meter for 140. I also have a DMM true rms etc. for 120. Got both from Home Depot. For the money they are great imo.
TwoInch
Well-known member
arc flash like this?
yikes!
yikes!
TwoInch
Well-known member
heres a good video of a guy seriously contemplating climbing on to an energized back hoe, to save his bucket that is being fried. the guy video taping tells him he is an idiot in nicer words.
Original Man
Well-known member
I was in your position about two weeks ago. I ended up purchasing an extech ex430 http://extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=48&prodid=272. It retails for $95 but if you look around you can find it for less. I was able to find a used one on ebay for $50. I'm very happy with it.