need a new multimeter for work

[joedodge]

Hey guys im a pro auto truck tech, I currently have a electronic specialties multimeter it has served me well but the leads are tore up and I gotsomething on the display that hazed it no idea what. Im looking to get a new one I want auto ranging this time and prolly min/max function. I work on alot of gm vehicles they recomend true rms meter like the fluke 87. Is it worth it for the fluke Ive never had one befor but im willing to look into it are they worth the extra money honestly.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

I have used many meters including cheap HF $3.99 units as well as $5,000 Fluke scope meters and I can tell you that NOTHING compares to a Fluke. They are the market leader for a reason. It's not just build quality either - their meter's perform much better with much "cleaner" readings than anything else I've used.

I'm sure there are meters out there that are as good but probably not in the rugged build quality that Fluke uses - which is going to be a seriously important factor for you.

As far as leads go - just figure on buying a new set from time to time. Even the fluke leads will break down and have to be replaced. It's just the way it is when doing automotive and industrial work.

Also - if you don't already have a set of the LoadPro test leads. GET THEM:

http://www.esitest.com/180.html

GD

 

[firebox40dash5]

We've got the Matco/OTC at the shop, whatever the "top of the line" is. It's still under $200 if you buy the OTC version. I'd also check out Extech if you want a true RMS meter.

Grainger sells both Extech and Fluke... I asked one of the counter guys if he liked Extechs, and he said he'd recommend a Fluke first. But he also chuckled and confirmed when I asked him if most of his customers bought them with company money, and didn't care what they cost. Take it for what it's worth. I've got a friend that works in a power plant, and he's told me the company buys Fluke, but if he were paying out of pocket, it'd be an Extech... and he could afford a Fluke just fine.

 

[rider9195]

I like my Fluke 115 very much.

 

[joedodge]

Ya leads are a consumable for sure I like the 87 just wondering if its worth the extra 150 over the others. You are right about the rugged needs thanks for the reply

 

[littletoes]

The only thing I've noticed is my great faith in the Fluke meter, compared to other brands. Crazy, yes I know but whenever I use one of my other ones, I always go back to the Fluke.

 

[xj31]

I bought a Fluke 88 back in 1989 and I am glad I did. I am a Chrysler tech but at the time I was working at a GM dealer and the Fluke was recomended to me back then. I upgraded the display but other than that it still works fine after 23 years with no problems. Just don't let anyone else use it cuz they always blow the fuses.

 

[Davefr]

Yes, I'd get the 87V since you'd be using it for your actual profession. (might be overkill for a home DIY'er)

They pop up on Ebay if you want to try and save a few bucks.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

I've used the Extech's - they have been a lot more fragile than the Fluke's I've used. Accurate but not very rugged.

GD

 

[joedodge]

Fluke 87 is $306 on tooltopia ill prolly end up gettin that since everyone else thinks so highly of them......gggrrr lol

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've got a Mac ET955 (rebadged Fluke) that has been with me for years.

I've also got a Bluepoint MT596A that I picked up from a guy leaving the shop for $20 and it is a surprisingly good/accurate unit for the money.

 

[joedodge]

Thanks for the help guys ive looked into the snappy meters also

 

[rusty65]

Extech for ******** home diyers and fluke for the pros.

 

[neonnblack]

My walmart innova unit has never let me down!

 

[joedodge]

Ya I'm leaning on the fluke the es is lookin worse and worse lol I just eanted to make aure I'm not just paying for the name

 

[franzdom]

You won't regret the Fluke 87V, I have one and it's pretty much all they use at work, $305 is a great price too.

 

[Brownsfan]

I recommend the fluke 233 if you are a automotive tech. That thing is very handy when you need to be in 2 places. If you dont think you need that the Fluke 117 is great.

 

[richfinn]

I recommend the fluke 233 if you are a automotive tech. That thing is very handy when you need to be in 2 places. If you dont think you need that the Fluke 117 is great.

I use some extra long leads or min/max in my Fluke 78

To the OP you wont go wrong with a Fluke, take a look at the loadpro test leads they work with any meter and can save you hours.

 

[daveblank]

I'm getting a Fluke 87 in a few weeks. I just got a new box that will be delivered tomorrow so I need to wait just a bit. I had already planned on ordering it from Tooltopia.

 

[Vvmvbb]

Fluke 87 is $306 on tooltopia ill prolly end up gettin that since everyone else thinks so highly of them......gggrrr lol

Yuu might look at the Fluke 110 series (Fluke 115, 117, for instance). They are excellent and much less pricy than the Fluke 87. Not sure what additional features the 87 has that you think you might need.

 

[kossuth]

Long story short, purchase a Fluke. It's worth the extra cash.

 

[Hootbro]

Yuu might look at the Fluke 110 series (Fluke 115, 117, for instance). They are excellent and much less pricy than the Fluke 87. Not sure what additional features the 87 has that you think you might need.

Fluke 110 series is mainly for the electrical contractor types and lacks dwell features and measuring in milliamps and millivolts. Great meters none the less but they are not suited if electronic level type measurements are needed.

 

[oldtools]

Other brands to consider other than Fluke:

Gossen Metrawatt
Agilent
Extech

 

[jrlp]

I've had my Fluke 189 for years now. Used it for everything from electronic repair to mechanic work. It's never let me down.. And I've never wished I had 'more meter'

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Pointsnorth]

Another vote for the Fluke 233. It's what I have, and saves time.

 

[nanofrog]

Other brands to consider other than Fluke:

Gossen Metrawatt
Agilent
Extech

I'd add UEi to that list (the DM393 in particular for the OP; it's rugged, has TRMS, and is a good value).

I really like Gossen (sold as Dranetz in the US), but they're quite expensive, even compared to Fluke.

BTW, Agilent bought up ****** (handheld DMM market). Some may not like them due to the ****** heritage, but the U1252B I own is a good meter, and a better value than the competing Fluke (287/9).

 

[KSB]

I have owned a 80 Series Fluke for 15 years or so. That meter along with my DC clamp Fluke has been the best investment in tooling i have made.

 

[TireTracks]

Go fluke if you can afford it. I'm amazed how much nicer a flukes are compaired to my cheap craftsman branded meter, reads everything much faster, less time waiting for it to get a measurement.

 

[darkk]

Fluke is top of the line. I've had a Wavetek 27XT for about 15 years and it has served me well. I used to do electronic repair of specialized equipment for several Casinos and several manufacturers before retiring.

 

[Airborne Ed]

Fluke over anything else !!!--- More expensive but will take the abuse .

 

[Vvmvbb]

Fluke 110 series is mainly for the electrical contractor types and lacks dwell features and measuring in milliamps and millivolts. Great meters none the less but they are not suited if electronic level type measurements are needed.

Helpful, thanks (I wasn't sure what the biggest feature differences were...).
110 series might be perfect for the OP (automotive work).
To be clear, you can measure mA and mV with the 110's, just not as accurately. You'll certainly measure the difference between, say, 22mA and 25mA drain current when in series with the battery for example.

But agree, for lab work, something better like the '87.

 

[mrjaw14]

I have a TrippLite True TMS clamp style meter that I really like. It'll do current (ac and dc) up to 1,000a. If I need to hang it somewhere I can 'clamp" it around something.

BUT if I had to do it over again I'd buy a Fluke.

I've had a $4 HF meter literally fall apart in my hands. Exentech is ok for personal use, but if I make money with a tool I want something like a Fluke that I know I can trust the readings

 

[plierwire]

Lots of good meters mentioned here. BUT, many of them are not "true RMS." If you want to follow the GM guidelines and use a "True RMS" multimeter, then you might want to look at the Craftsman Professional. Its a rebrand of an extech model. It has auto ranging and min/max. Its even on sale!

EXTECH:
http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=48&prodid=265

Craftsman Professional:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-03482003000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1


Don't forget the test leads!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012W2QCK/?tag=atomicindus08-20