Multi Meter Suggestions that won't break the bank...

[Storage Man]

Is it necessary to spend $100.00 on one of these?

I'm a novice but any features that are good to have and that I should look for?
RPM's?

I like the Fluke but it's $$$$.
thanks

[1990C4S]

I have an extensive collection of meters, I like the Fluke 75 for high voltage work, but I often use my Harbor Freight meter that was about $6.00. It works quite well.

While I don't use it for 600 volt line measurements, it seems to do everything 'automotive' quite well.

7 Function Multimeter

[tirwin]

If you have a CIS car and you want a meter that can do double duty as a way to measure duty cycle, check out the Innova 3340. It's about $70 and some change. Also has a temp probe capability. Pretty slick meter for the price.

Flukes are great but may be overkill for the non-professional.

[dicklague]

I have had a Fluke for years.

But I also have a collection of great meters I bought on that auction site. they all work well.

[timmy2]

I bought my government surplus used Fluke on eBay for $75.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dad911]

Get one with a clamp-on DC Ammeter, so you can debug current draw.

Last I checked, Sears and Harbor freight had them for around $60.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-clamp-on-ammeter/p-03482369000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I couldn't find it at HF.

[Dave Colangelo]

Throughout my years as an electrical engineer I have used quite a few meters from $1000 bench units that are quite precise to a $10 Radio shack unit that works for what it is. I will say the following,

I have used Fluke meters extensively and they are great. Well built and will last you until they stop making AA batteries. That being said there are lots of cheaper units out there if you dont want to drop the money. I have a few old Simpson Multi Meters (the analog style ones) in my garage. These can be had for less than $40 at a flea market or yard sale if you know what you are looking for. The read out is a nice and big needle which I like and considering what I paid for them I dont mind getting them greasy or possibly blowing them out. I once had a Radio Shack Digital MM that cost maybe $30 and it worked fine. It was good to 1/10 of a volt and although I never tested it against some of the better units (dident have them at the time) it worked for what I needed it for and always seemed more or less accurate. That being said it had some what of a cheap feel to it and I would not trust it's accuracy beyond basic testing.

As long as you can do AC/DV voltage, continuity, resistance and potentially current you will be fine.

Another way to get decent stuff is see if there is a local university or school near you dumping some old equipment. Before the multi meter days the meters were single function so you may end up with 4 or 5 different ones but they will have all the key functions and that sweet retro look. Luckily a volt has always been a volt...


Regards
Dave


“We crave for new sensations but soon become indifferent to them. The wonders of yesterday are today common occurrences” Tesla

[scarceller]

Since it's for automotive it may be nice to have RPM ability built in like this unit:
Deluxe Multimeter Kit Automotive Meter with RPM and T | eBay

Or this one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/230867476169

These are real good choice for automotive since they go beyond the standard voltage, amps and ohms.

[gwmac]

I have bought a few flukes at the pawn shop for thirty or forty bucks.

[theiceman]

There is no question the Fluke is an outstanding product. If you can stretch it see if you can get one .. others will work .. but pull a fluke out of your tool kit and people witll take you seriously

[Quickstep192]

I bought one of these Greenlee Basic Electrical Tool Kit-TK-30 at The Home Depot at Home Depot. It's got a rubber shell so it can survive a fall, does diode check and continuity test as well as volts AC, DC and ohms. I bought it on a lark, but it has become my go-to meter. I just wish it had the opportunity to replace the probes with alligator clips.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by Dave Colangelo

I have used Fluke meters extensively and they are great. Well built and will last you until they stop making AA batteries.

Exactly. After my 3rd $40 DMM didn't work when I wanted to use it (the really cheap ones obviously aren't going to last, but even the "not garbage" ones only seem to last 5-7 years each), I gave up and bought a government surplus Fluke 77 for $77.

Don't expect to ever have to buy another. It's already lasted longer than any of the previous ones in my ownership - and it wasn't new to start with...

[scarceller]

I own 2 fluke meters for over 25 years and they work perfect every time! but they are expensive!

[grizzfan]

1990C4S says: ...but I often use my Harbor Freight meter that was about $6.00. It works quite well.

+1

Right now the $6 HF model is free for just walking in the door!

Tom

[jpnovak]

For most everything automotive the cheap HF units will more than measure within the tolerance of what you are trying to check.

Ground checks, continuity, voltage, fuses, high resistance contacts and connectors, spark plug wire resistance, etc. These can all be done on the most basic meter.

I buy the cheap ones and leave them in the car as part of my tool kit. I keep a handheld oscilloscope/meter on the shelf for the more involved trouble shooting.

[PushingMyLuck]

Any reason why this $20 MM isn't ok for OP?
8-Function Digital Multimeter: Important, Accurate Info From Kmart

[redridge]

Im an Instrumentation and controls engineer and use all sorts of precision meters... but for garage work, the cheap stuff is just fine (as long as you know how to use it). In fact get two! One option I like is the beep for continuity... no need to look at the meter, just listen for the beep.

[rusnak]

I like my Fluke multimeter. I even got the Fluke zippered case for it, haha!

IMO, get the Radio Shack portable multimeter that comes in it's own folding case. It has an auto-range feature. You'll be using it long after you buy a more expensive one.

[allaircooled]

I use a Fluke for work. For home I bought a Mac Tools automotive meter off eBay for around $50. Made by Tektronix. In the pic I am using it to check RPM's at idle.

[jasonfc99]

Hi there
Does anyone have recommendation for a decent but not overly expensive dwell meter for '82 targa US car
Thanks