What is a good multimeter

[VMAX1]

I need to buy a multimeter and there are a bunch of different types out there. Need one to work on the Carrera. What brand do you pro's suggest getting?

[al lkosmal]

Fluke has always made a very nice multimeter.

Regards,

Al

[gsmith660]

Originally Posted by al lkosmal

fluke has always made a very nice multimeter.

Regards,

al

+1

[Targa Me]

+2 on the Fluke.
Actually almost any MM that reads true RMS should do well for you. MM's that read true rms tend to be a little better than the others.

[dad911]

Fluke may be the best.....
but you probably don't need that precision. Buy a cheaper one, and you won't be upset if you blow it up by trying to measure resistance on a live circuit or set the meter to amps instead of volts.

Sears has a decent meter often on sale.
I also use test lights for most troubleshooting instead of reaching for the meter first.

[tharbert]

The Fluke 77 and 177 multimeters are great. They are also upwards of $250.

The inexpensive multimeters at Radio shack will do everything a novice electrical gremlin hunter needs. Volt, ohm meter and circut tester will be the most used functions. Most all have those. Just don't throw away the user's manual!

[wwest]

Hate to say it, admit it, but Radio Shack has a rather good one for under $50.

Includes amp connection failsafe warning and frequency measurement.

Fluke has a good name, reputation, but fewer functions and more expensive.

My professional tool kit includes a Fluke but my garage has the Radio Shack.

[kodioneill]

Lowes has a Greenlee Meter for a reasonable price. Around $35.00 it's a nice middle of the road meter.

[irl]

This is one of the coolest products I've seen for many of these needs. No affiliation but its been on my list.
PP319FTC Power Probe III ....“Powers up Components!”

[RWebb]

or buy a used Fluke or other quality one

what you want is one that has a nice rubbery case around it so you can bounce it off the concrete floor and still use it

[pplkook]

Every lab I have been to (been in a bunch all over the World - literally everywhere but Africa and Antarctica) has a Fluke in it....

Now the question is, on a car, do you really need the precision (vs. accuracy) that a Fluke will provide, they do cost more.

I my garage, I use a cheap-o radio crack multimeter.

-Jack

[HarryD]

IMHO, all you really need is the cheap Harbor Freight meter for your needs.

This has all the functionality you need: 7 Function Digital Multimeter



Typically on sale for under $4.

[RWebb]

buy 2 - when you drop one, grab the other one

in the spirit of full, I have a Fluke, a Beckmann, a Radio Shack, an even cheaper no-name one, a 4.5 digit Tek and probably some other stuff floating around somewhere

an analog, needle based thing can be handy too, esp. for O2 sensor testing

[porschenut]

I got a great Craftsman one from Sears that was about $80 and I love it. It's paid for itself about 25 times I figure.

[euro911sc]

I had a cheapo Shack meter. Lasted about 8 months... then it started registering the incorrect voltages. I knew this as I borrowed a fluke from work after getting odd readings. I did not screw up measuring in the chepo unit or blow it up or anything like that. so I got a nice rubber covered unit used off craigs list. Its great.

-Michael

[911pcars]

+1 with HarryD's HF special. I have a Fluke as well as the red one from HF (a gift). It does the job; not sure about it's longevity, not as convenient to read as the autoranging fluke; probably not as robust, as accurate or can measure as much. The Fluke can also measure temperature wih an optional thermocouple; other accessories as well. Keep one in the trunk for roadside repairs/diagnosis. Will ultimately tell you more about a circuit than a test light. The HF version might provide you with variable service depending on when/who put it together or how many times you drop it or switch it ON or OFF. On newer vehicles with computer controls, make sure the meter's internal resistance is high.

Sherwood

[David]

Fluke.

I found if you work for a large company they probably get a good discount at Grainger. Flash your company ID for a 10 to 20% discount.

[Jim75911S]

Get one that is fused internally and has a rubber surround on the case. Using it around the house or garage the batteries will fail and ruin it before you wear it out. The greenlee one I have used, not bad for the money.

[daniel911T]

Flukes kick ass. I used them to work on submarine sonar gear in the Navy. They are also pretty expensive.

That said, around the house I have an Acutron, which I think I got from a NAPA. It has a temp probe, all the normal ranges, and has a tachometer attachment.

I like it.

Harbor Freight's nicest one will also do great for you and will be cheap. I would strongly suggest you go the HF route. Like Randy said, buy two, or three.

Dan

[Joe Bob]

Fluke...eBay special....got 2.