Multimeter Recommendation

[cardinal]

Hey there,
I need to take care of a charging issue with my CB160 so I need to buy a multimeter. I like good tools, and don't want to spend money on something that I won't like. Any of you people have something you really like? Something that you would stay away from?
Thanks

 

[Sonreir]

If money isn't a big deal, go with Fluke.

 

[krafty]

I'll second the Fluke. I have a Blue Point (Snap On) one that has served me well, but if it dies I'll probably buy a Fluke.

 

[canyoncarver]

If money isn't a big deal, go with Fluke.

Yep, I like Fluke

 

[bradj]

I got a used bluepoint 15 years ago im not sure how old it was when i got it off the snap on guy it still works as good as i know how tk use it

 

[crazypj]

Blue Point/SnapOn is Fluke (at least the older ones)
They are expensive but do seem to last forever, even if you drop them
The only thing that 'kills' them is leaking batteries
If you don't want to spend much, the higher range Chinese stuff works OK but doesn't like being dropped -you can't really expect the same quality from a $30~$75 meter as a $200 one (last time I priced Fluke ;D )

 

[johngofast]

I have a $450 Fluke that gets used daily, dropped and abused, going on 6 years now with no issues.

I would like to say however, my work gave out a bunch of Southwire test kits and I've been pretty impressed with the multimeter so far. I have also dropped it from a ladder once , no issues. It's no Fluke, but for this kind of stuff I think it's pretty good. Rubber case and corners, flip stand, backlight..

http://www.lowes.com/pd_464310-295-10035K_0__?productId=50125855&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-ElectricalTesters-_-50125855&CAWELAID=320011480001726986&kpid=50125855&CAGPSPN=pla

 

[SONICJK]

2 dollar harbor freight works just fine for my uses

 

[wahvtec]

I also second the cheapo for just checking voltage. Not a very demanding task. Unless you just wanted a fluke id rather just get the cheap one and spend more money on parts. Mines been rustling around in a tool bag full of wrenches for a while with no damage.

 

[DrJ]

Any meter with autoranging.

 

[crazypj]

Personally I don't like auto-ranging too much, if you don't get a real expensive one the cycle rate can be real slow
The cheap $5.00 meters work almost as well although readings can be variable, some can't get within 25% of actual resistance and others are just about dead on

 

[1969Honda]

Fluke, there a reason the military like them as well as electricians

 

[SONICJK]

What are you going to do with it?
If you want to know if your battery is dead, or if your charging system is working, or you're getting power to wire A or B etc, there is no reason to spend 200 dollars on a meter.
If you're an electrician, or tinker with electronics and circuits then sure by all means grab a Fluke.
But my HF meter has never led me astray. I HAVE had 5 or 6 of them because I drop them and step on them and run them over etc, but who cares? They are FREE at HF several times a month.

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

I have a half dozen meters. Flukes are the best. I have a Fluke Scopemeter 123, a 179 RMS, a 27, and a 21.

Then I have a variety of HF meters, all were free with coupon.

The better meters are great for the more complicated projects. However, for checking battery volts, continuity, and resistance in general, the HF cheapos work as well. I do check their accuracy against the Flukes, but for checking a Battery, the RMS and Scopemeter are way overkill.

If you have none, I would recommend a better meter. The Fluke averaging meters are fine for normal work. (RMS meters are overkill, and have no advantage when measuring DC volts or resistance). Wait for HF coupons then, and get a second HF free meter. Then you can measure 2 places at once. For instance, I can measure amps and volts simultaneously wiith 2 meters.

Buy a couple of alligator clip jumpers too....

When you have the money, a good set of test leads, along with a wire piercing adaptor allows you to check volts on wires without disconnecting anything.

 

[crazypj]

2 dollar harbor freight works just fine for my uses

That's what I use probably 90% of the time. Pocket HF meter I bought ? yrs ago still works fine, haven't even changed battery yet

 

[abacb_07]

Here's another vote for Fluke if you want to spend the money and have a solid purpose for it.

I normally chose to buy cheap tools, due to the fact that I do really stupid things with them. I have a ExTech meter that I have had for a couple of years and have not had any issues with it. It also has an internal non-contacting voltage detector which comes in handy when working with home projects.

 

[irk miller]

For me it depends on who's buying. I have an Ideal meter I bought 8 years ago that Does everything I need but no clamp. Then, my job got me a Fluke with the clamp 4 years ago. One cost $100 the other $250. I don't think either is better than the other.