Multimeter Recommendations

[kupcar]

Hi All, I need to purchase a quality multimeter to track down a few ignition gremlins. I’m far from an electrical expert, so simplicity and functionality is what I’m looking for. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks in advance.

[PCA7GGR]

Get a HorrorFrieight one - free with coupon. Has all the basic functions and is accurate enough for th basic stuff. I carry one in each car.

[old man neri]

I ended up getting a Power Probe III. Expensive but it has been nice to use. It's more than a multimeter.

As for a regular multimeter. There are millions out there. I certainly wouldn't get the most expensive and I wouldn't get the absolute cheapest either. They will all do what you need to do for car work. 1) check for voltage, 2) check for resistance/continuity.

[RedCoupe]

Look at the ranges for the functions you will be using. For example, some of the cheaper units only have one or two resistances settings (ohms). But, I use these settings a lot to check the resistance of many different components (plug wires, sensors, etc.) so my most recent multi-meter has five different resistance ranges. Also, be sure that there are plenty of voltage ranges for everything that you will be testing.

[Dr J]

Originally Posted by PCA7GGR

Get a HorrorFrieight one - free with coupon. Has all the basic functions and is accurate enough for th basic stuff. I carry one in each car.

This is actually not a bad idea. I do the same and it covers the basics. It just depends on what you want in the multimeter. The HF one does all the basics.

If you are thinking of future possible uses beyond the scope of the present project you need to ask: Do I want temperature measurement as well? Frequency measurement? High amps? Computer interface? Waveforms? All can be had for a higher price.

In addition to the HF I have owned an Omega HHM 590 for many years. Because of my engineering background I often need more than the basic MM. For that I use the Omega HHM590.

https://www.omega.com/pptst/HHM590.html

If you want a MM from a company with solid reputation check out Fluke.

Finally, for looking at changing signals, an analog multimeter is more useful than watching a bunch of numbers continually changing in a digital MM.

With all that said, for a basic project the HF should work fine.

[sugarwood]

You can get a digital one for $10

[OldSpool87]

Possibly more important are the test leads. Get a good assortment to back probe connectors, alligator clips, etc. I have heard good things about the power probe. I’d get that if I did all over. Plus the name is *****’n.

[trond]

radio shack has,or used to have a very compact foldable one with the basic functions. I got 3 and all have lasted well. affordable too

[jlex]

I have a Fluke 88 automotive meter but usually end up grabbing the free Harbor Freight MM to do a quick test so I don't have to open the case & attach leads to the Fluke. When I want to be sure about a reading, I'll use the Fluke. May want to think of a gently used one from Fleabay if you want to go quality without breaking the bank.

[Ronbo]

Originally Posted by PCA7GGR

Get a HorrorFrieight one - free with coupon. Has all the basic functions and is accurate enough for th basic stuff. I carry one in each car.

I have one of these too. It seems accurate enough and you can't beat the price.


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[trond]

put one in the glove compartment !

https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-22-range-pocket-digital-multimeter

[kupcar]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I actually have a Harbor Freight freebie that I have used in the past. I do like the idea of keeping one in the glovebox or the frunk. It seems as these cars age, the electrical system becomes more problematic. I’ve had a couple of issues with CDI boxes and coils this summer. Thought it would be time to get a simple yet reliable meter to keep in the garage for testing anything that would be necessary in an air cooled car. I do like the idea of alligator clips on a set of leads. Maybe something that has an audible for continuity as well as a reading? What things should I be looking for in a meter to make it easy to use? Decent quality. Thanks.

[EdRogers]

I am constantly using a multimeter. Between my old houses wiring, building tube amplifiers, fixing espresso machines as part of my job, air conditioning repair, etc. I need them. I have one in the glove compartment of all my cars, bench multimeters in the house and garage, I am always needing to use one. I've a ton of rechargable 9v batteries also, use them for guitar pedals also.
I was told a long time ago that if you don't buy a Fluke, you will soon. Drop into any pawnshop, they will have five or more to pick from, usually around 40-80 . They are good tools, you will be surprised at how often they come in handy. And a Fluke is reliable, accurate, durable.. And, while you are at it, buy a soldering iron, they go hand in hand.

[hcoles]

Consider getting one with direct DC amps measurement, the higher AMPs the better.

[jlex]

Originally Posted by EdRogers

I am constantly using a multimeter. Between my old houses wiring, building tube amplifiers, fixing espresso machines as part of my job, air conditioning repair, etc. I need them. I have one in the glove compartment of all my cars, bench multimeters in the house and garage, I am always needing to use one. I've a ton of rechargable 9v batteries also, use them for guitar pedals also.
I was told a long time ago that if you don't buy a Fluke, you will soon. Drop into any pawnshop, they will have five or more to pick from, usually around 40-80 . They are good tools, you will be surprised at how often they come in handy. And a Fluke is reliable, accurate, durable.. And, while you are at it, buy a soldering iron, they go hand in hand.

Anyone who can build a tube amplifier knows what they're talking about. I'd follow Ed's advice & get something (even if used) with quality.
Written in the glow of my McIntosh 240 tube amp.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by hcoles

Consider getting one with direct DC amps measurement, the higher AMPs the better.

This. Clamp on DC amps, so you can measure battery drain, charging current, etc.

Most clamp-on meters are AC only, you have to check specs to make sure it's DC.

[UROParts]

Originally Posted by PCA7GGR

Get a HorrorFrieight one - free with coupon. Has all the basic functions and is accurate enough for th basic stuff. I carry one in each car.

Our engineers use Fluke, but the price is definitely right to carry one of those HF units in each car, too bad they don't have a continuity tone. They probably leave out a feature or two to help sell the next best model.

[kevingross]

Fluke.

[85911]

I see quite a few references to a free HF meter wit a coupon. How do you get the coupon? I went to their website and didn't see one. Does it only come out once in awhile?

Thanks.

[donporfi]

here you have
https://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/7+FUNCTION+DIGITAL+MULTIMETER