best multimeter

[Cdnone1]

My old old old analog volt meter finally gave up the ghost.
I am looking for recommendations on a good digital multimeter for a weekend handyman.
I don't need anything fancy or really expensive, just something for around the house and working on the Porsche.
I am presently trying to track down an electrical problem I am having with one of my gauges
Speedo acting up w lights on
so I would like to be able to pick one up tomorrow. I usually buy my tools a Sears.
If anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate it
Thanks
Steve

[SXSMAN]

If this was my purchase I'd wait and pick up a used Fluke off ebay .

But again that is me .

Come to think of it our shop has been using an old Radioshack VOM for over 30 years and that thing has been bullet proof .

Just a second idea .

SxS

[equality72521]

For what you seem to need any name brand meter will be fine.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Fluke is the gold standard, as far as I know. May be more than you need, but then so is a Porsche.

[Canada Kev]

I have a collection of them. I keep my reliable, bulletproof Fluke at home, but have a small cheap one for more portable applications like keeping in the vehicle tool kit.

For a DMM, pick just about any one. The $10 Radio Shack version is likely as good as Weldmuller or Fluke.

Most people will only ever use one for reading voltage and checking continuity. One thing i would recommend is to get one with auto range sensing, which most do.

-kevin

[69911e]

I prefer to have an analog and digital around. The analog will sometimes display transients the DMM will filter out. The cheap one are just about as good as the expensive ones as long as they are used at room temp. Some of the cheap DMMs will give inaccurate readings at cold and hot temps.
Ed

[donporfi]

Sears sells Fluke multimeters. Probably you will not use all the functions on a Fluke, a Craftsman multimeter will do.

[RWebb]

There is nothing like a good analog meter - a good one will have a mirror behind the scales.

[Nine9six]

Originally Posted by SXSMAN

If this was my purchase I'd wait and pick up a used Fluke off ebay .

But again that is me .

Come to think of it our shop has been using an old Radioshack VOM for over 30 years and that thing has been bullet proof .

Just a second idea .

SxS

+1 on what SXSMAN said.
I got a great Fluke for not a lot of money on fleabay

[Porsche_monkey]

Please don't take this the wrong way: Since you don't know what you need you only need a basic meter.

Volts, ohms, and (if you are brave) amps. It's unlikely you need 1% accuracy, or any great repeatability. You just need a basic $30 meter.

The one thing an expensive meter might offer is 'protection' from high voltages and overcurrent conditions. I doubt you'll need those features repairing a dash instrument. Don't buy a cheap meter and use it on 600 Volts, but for your needs get this:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00999446000P

And it's only $20.

And I'll be priming the cab this weekend, it's almost done.

[Tim Polzin]

Originally Posted by RWebb

There is nothing like a good analog meter - a good one will have a mirror behind the scales.

Probably have to go back to an old Simpson to find something decent.


Does everyone know how to read an analogue meter?

Tim

[equality72521]

Originally Posted by Tim Polzin

Does everyone know how to read an analogue meter?

Tim

Yup, I still use my old Simpson 260 Series 7 meter for a lot of things.

[Rusty Heap]

I know it's comparing apples and oranges, but the harbor freight digitals at $4 each are within 2 tenths of a volt co my $200 fluke 77 meter. When the H.F models go on sale at $2.99, I buy them in bulk and give them away as gifts........

It's not the meter, it's the guy knowing how to use it..........80% of the people don't have a clue what an amp or ohm is, watts wrong with my car is all they ask, (yes thats a joke, watts wrong)

[dw1]

My "old reliable" has been a Fluke 77.

I also have a Fluke 87, and that is the one pictured in the Bentley service book applicable to my car ('87 3.2).

Flukes are readily available, but eBay is probably your friend here, as they are not cheap. But you get what you pay for. I've had several Radio Shack meters that didn't last, usually breaking at the least convenient time.

[RWebb]

yup - Simpson was the biggest quality seller - I used to have a meter built into a wooden case.

I also agree with PBH with 1 exception - a quality meter may well have better shock absorbency.

maybe a moot point since you can find nice Flukes that are not the latest model for $30...

[Travis Neff]

HF has a MM for about $23.00 in addition to the standard features it measures dwell and RPM. It's nice if you get a meter that can also do an audible sound when you are testing grounds - not need to look at the gauge.

[sig_a]

Fluke. Made in USA. Get as many features as you can afford including temp probe for tires, engine, etc. Much better than the east asian junk.

[billybek]

One good thing about a Fluke meter is that they are very repairable and fused very well so you are less likely to have a smoking pile of junk in your hands when you screw up (and you will!)!!
I have had a couple of Beckman meters, I liked the way you were able to select ranges, but they were not as durable as the Fluke. Home meter is a Fluke 77 and work is an old 83, both have been flawless..
If you can find a good used Fluke at a pawn shop or E-Bay, snap it up...

[pwd72s]

Sears sell a great basic book on how to use multimeters...well worth the $10 IMO.

[phiba]

Cheap voltmeters are dangerous. I had a Radio Shack one that quit after a couple months - it read 0V on a live AC wall socket. Get a Fluke. The 179 is a good all-around model with a lot of nice features.