What multimeters do y'all like?

[slomaro3.4]

My 10 year old HF multimeter finally bit the dust, the batteries leaked, but in my defense the battery compartment had a tiny phillips screw. I also never liked the automatic function aspect of it.

Not sure I have a budget really under $50 probably. Any recommendations? Almost exclusively auto and boat usage.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Not really the guy to ask. I’ve got 2 old Fluke 77s likely 30+ years old. Sort of the old cry once and like the old Timex add says keeps on ticking.

 

[Sbusmech]

At work we use Snap On DMM's, but for home use I bought a highly rated AstroAi DMM from Amazon, to replace my Bluepoint I was given at UTI. It has large easily readable digits that are backlit when needed. Also true RMS if that's what you need. Had almost two years and works well without having to spend too much dough. Should be under or around $40

 

[Callelle]

I use a Mac EM721 pretty much daily at work. When that kicks the bucket, a Fluke will probably replace it if I don't find another 721.

 

[slomaro3.4]

Not really the guy to ask. I’ve got 2 old Fluke 77s likely 30+ years old. Sort of the old cry once and like the old Timex add says keeps on ticking.

If I were more of an electronics guy I'd probably be spending more coin on it.

At work we use Snap On DMM's, but for home use I bought a highly rated AstroAi DMM from Amazon, to replace my Bluepoint I was given at UTI. It has large easily readable digits that are backlit when needed. Also true RMS if that's what you need. Had almost two years and works well without having to spend too much dough. Should be under or around $40

A backlight would be awesome I'll give that one a look.

 

[niget2002]

I have the older version of this one. Probably more capabilities than what you're looking for, but it's served me very well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JL6LLL?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M.Brane]

Fluke FTW.

 

[tarmy]

Yeppers…Fluke.

 

[Steve_P]

I have mostly Flukes, but also an Astro AI that is all anyone needs for home use. It doesn't have a massive rubber boot like my 2 flukes, so I keep the Flukes in the garage where they're much more likely to be dropped, and the Astro upstairs.

 

[MOS3522]

I have mostly Flukes, but also an Astro AI that is all anyone needs for home use. It doesn't have a massive rubber boot like my 2 flukes, so I keep the Flukes in the garage where they're much more likely to be dropped, and the Astro upstairs.

I relegated my Astro AI to alkaline battery testing after comparing some ohm readings vs my Fluke 87v. Way way off.

 

[strutaeng]

I bought a Fluke 114 basic multimeter in 2018 (around $110). A few years later I bought a Klein for around $100 because I needed to use DC ammeter function.

Use mine for basic automotive diagnosing and simple home wiring. I think my BIL once talked me through how to test the capacitor on my AC condensing unit that had failed over the phone.

I think HF recently came out with a nice multimeter line and are very affordable.

 

[ecotec]

I use a Fluke 117. While I would happily recommend it, the retail price has doubled since I have owned it.

I also use a 1990’s Craftsman multimeter that has been very good. I haven’t touched it in years. I should make sure the batteries in it are not leaking.

 

[Sbusmech]

If I were more of an electronics guy I'd probably be spending more coin on it.

A backlight would be awesome I'll give that one a look.

It's a game changer, especially with the large screen.

 

[Sbusmech]

I have mostly Flukes, but also an Astro AI that is all anyone needs for home use. It doesn't have a massive rubber boot like my 2 flukes, so I keep the Flukes in the garage where they're much more likely to be dropped, and the Astro upstairs.

Agreed, those Astro Ai's have a lot of back for your buck and durable.

 

[Murby]

Fluke when it's important.

When it's not important, I have a variety of other mid-quality meters I can use. Ideal, Gardner Bender, Harbor Freight, etc.

 

[Mr_B]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008236943792.html?

 

[gleman]

Flukes are nice but if your a weekender, a plain old Klein should work well.



In your budget

 

[JohnX14]

Fluke. I have a number of Flukes. Some with more features than others. Last 2 I bought were Fluke 323's on Amazon. Last 2 were somehow only $119 each (within last 2 months). Today they are $189. Previously that's what I paid. I have no idea how they dropped to $119, but when they did, I scooped up one for each of my other vans.

 

[Wrench97]

Here's a basic Fluke 101 for less then $80 > https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-FLUKE-101-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B00HE6MIJY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[n8n]

DMM I'll second Fluke. Analog Simpson or Triplett. I've had exceptionally good luck in thrift stores.

 

[Outlier]

The absolute cheapest meter I would even give a shot to would be the AstroAI. Maybe some of the Klein or TPI meters in the $60-70 range.

Anything in the just over the $100 range, it's hard to recommend anything other than the entry-level Fluke meters, but I have been very pleased with my Matco MD257. You can find new ones on Ebay for $100. They appear to be Brymen/Greenlee based meters.

 

[cgrutt]

I've had a Fluke 77 since 1985 its great and still works. But recently purchased a $50 Finrisi that was reviewed by one of the popular auto mechanics (want to say south main auto?) and it's all Ive been using (primarily on my boat but also some vehicle work). Does everything I've needed and seems as accurate as the old Fluke 77. Also has a built in amp clamp which is awesome. Highly recommended.

https://www.fnirsi.com/products/dmc-100

Believe I ordered a different set of leads for it based on recommendation in the YouTube review IIRC.

 

[Torque&Recoil]

Depends on what you need the meter for. If you just want to know if a 120v circuit is live, or if there is 12 volts at a turn signal socket - anything will work.

But... I probably own 5 DMMs, and when I compare them... guess what, I get 5 different answers. If you really want to know "The Real Answer", then there is only one brand to consider. Fluke. Buy once, cry once.

 

[joecon]

I have the Klein with the amp clamp, it's nice for the price, and the amp clamp is worth the money. My Fluke 87 is 40 years old and is still working great if you calculate the cost over the years, it was cheap. You can also buy used.

 

[Cruzan80]

But... I probably own 5 DMMs, and when I compare them... guess what, I get 5 different answers. If you really want to know "The Real Answer", then there is only one brand to consider. Fluke. Buy once, cry once.

Funny, I go to my HP/Agilent 34410.Not really portable like the others I have, though.

IYKYK...

 

[a6hux]

Fluke 113 True-RMS Digital Multimeter, it’s pretty sweet.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Fluke meters are OVERKILL for the average DIYer ! They are common in industrial applications because they can be calibrated, which is required in some jobs.

The only thing I will say is spend a little more and get a meter with a built in AC/DC "amp clamp" and one that has a rubber cover.

One other feature to consider is a meter that has a low impedance (Lo Z) setting. It prevents "ghost voltage" readings.

 

[willf650]

I've got about 8-10 different Fluke meters of different types and they are the standard in the electrical industry. A couple of them are 30 years old at this point.

Fluke makes meters at many different price points.

I also have Klein, Field Piece and UEI meters but they are at a different price point. Field Piece makes meters specificly aimed at the HVAC industry.

 

[rcktpwrd]

I use this Southwire DMM at work all the time, has a ton of features and works well for me.

 

[MovingAlong]

If you've been working with an HF meter for the last 10 yrs, I'd expect this $35 Klein at Home Depot to work very well for the 12vdc systems you primarily work on.

This meter also has manual ranging, which I strongly prefer. Some other nice features on this one as well.

 

[Just_Steve]

Fluke, buy once, cry once.

 

[Murby]

Flukes are nice but if your a weekender, a plain old Klein should work well.



In your budget

I have one of those Klein meters.. The temperature probe is 8 degrees inaccurate at 200 degreesF and there's no way to correct the offset, and the stupid safety plastic around the tips of the probes won't allow them to go into small places.

 

[rkevins]

Digital Multimeters - UNI-T Meters | Test & Measurement Tools and Solutions

Digital multimeter is a must-have tool for professional electrical engineers, electrical technicians and electronics engineers. Multimeters are tools used to detect and troubleshoot electrical and electronic devices. UNI-T's wide range of multimeter selection guarantees that you can find the...

meters.uni-trend.com

I have 2 UNI T meters

 

[MovingAlong]

Digital Multimeters - UNI-T Meters | Test & Measurement Tools and Solutions

Digital multimeter is a must-have tool for professional electrical engineers, electrical technicians and electronics engineers. Multimeters are tools used to detect and troubleshoot electrical and electronic devices. UNI-T's wide range of multimeter selection guarantees that you can find the...

meters.uni-trend.com

I have 2 UNI T meters

Their automotive meters (UT105+/UT107+) look really interesting!

 

[bwringer]

I asked a similar question aeons ago, and ended up with the large display Klein MM450 ($80), which coddles my rheumy ancient eyes with giant bright numbers:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-600-Volt-Slim-Digital-Multimeter-TRMS-Auto-Ranging-with-Temp-MM450/320822819

However, as others have noted above, having an amp clamp that works with DC is a real game-changer for vehicle work. (Mine is an ancient Craftsman, no longer made.) If I had to replace mine, I'd look at the Klein CL390 ($100) at Home Despot:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-AC-DC-Digital-Clamp-Meter-TRMS-Auto-Ranging-400-Amp-CL390/312649921

Or perhaps the Klein CL800 for $150, but that probably mega-overkill unless the OP needs some of the more esoteric functions:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-600-Amp-AC-DC-True-RMS-Auto-Ranging-Digital-Clamp-Meter-CL800/206517428

Yeah, I know, Fluke Fluke Flukity Fluke... quite honestly if ya just gotta have yella, their pricing isn't Snap-On levels of insane. This is a basic AC/DC amp clamp for $140, but only a 300V rating. They go up from there.

https://www.tequipment.net/Fluke/301D/Clamp-Meters/

I think the rock bottom would be the newer Doyle meters at Horrible Fright. They're actually quite skookum, and $65 will fetch you a DC amp clamp model rated at 600V:

https://www.harborfreight.com/400a-acdc-true-rms-auto-ranging-digital-clamp-meter-59457.html

Some of the older HF stuff was kinda skeery, but the newer stuff is quite nice.

 

[gleman]

I have one of those Klein meters.. The temperature probe is 8 degrees inaccurate at 200 degreesF and there's no way to correct the offset, and the stupid safety plastic around the tips of the probes won't allow them to go into small places.

Both of mine are pretty spot on. Did you try a different thermo-coupler?

The probes are pretty standard, not as nice as premium Pomona test leads but very serviceable.