Need Multimeter Reccomendations

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Need Multimeter Reccomendations (Page 1 of 2)

Posted: 11/30/2015 2:54:49 PM EDT

Going to attempt wiring up some lights in my garage and doing some hobbyist stuff and my old cheap HF multimeter ate shit and died. Looking to spend say $120 max.

Any Reccomendations?

Posted: 11/30/2015 2:58:05 PM EDT

[#1]

Find a used Fluke on ebay or at a pawn shop.

Posted: 11/30/2015 2:58:48 PM EDT

[#2]

Go Fluke or go home

http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-True-RMS-Multimeter-Backlight-Alkaline/dp/B004Q05ODI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1448909804&sr=8-7&keywords=fluke+multimeter+115

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:02:49 PM EDT

[#3]

With a budget of $115 I would buy a fluke t5-600.
I love this little thing. Great for around the house.
The 115 is nice too but the t5 has a built in clamp meter (not really a clamp though) and is handy as hell.
$89
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006Z3GZU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1448910064&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=fluke+t5&dpPl=1&dpID=41MNM4K0FAL&ref=plSrch

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:03:38 PM EDT

[#4]

Hard to go wrong with a Fluke.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:03:57 PM EDT

[#5]

I have a Klein branded one from Lowes that works well, ~$50 IIRC.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:04:40 PM EDT

[#6]

The budget Greenlee for about $30-35 at Lowes works solid . I have owned one for about 6-7 years with no problems

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:04:54 PM EDT

[#7]

I use a T5-1000 at work, so decided to go with the T5-600 at home. The 113 would probably be a good choice as well.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:07:30 PM EDT

[#8]

I have an old Fluke 77, the original one from 20 years ago. I use it regularly at work and it keeps going. I highly recommend them.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:07:41 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
Go Fluke or go home

http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-True-RMS-Multimeter-Backlight-Alkaline/dp/B004Q05ODI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1448909804&sr=8-7&keywords=fluke+multimeter+115

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For basic stuff, one doesn't need a Fluke, but since you brought up Fluke, I was looking on Ebay and saw some nice 87Vs and a 114 DMM for sale. I think that the 114 went for under $100 and the two 87Vs used and calibrated on a Fluke calibration unit owned by the seller went for $230-$270, IIRC.

I use a RatShack 22-805 and it's accurate enough for household duties.

Chris

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:08:48 PM EDT

[#10]

Fluke and only Fluke. T5-600 is what you seek. The Klein meters are sold by Home Depot, not lowes btw. I've used about every major brand you can name, and I will gladly spend double or triple for a fluke. I just don't trust any others, had too many wrong readings.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:10:47 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

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I use a T5-1000 at work, so decided to go with the T5-600 at home. The 113 would probably be a good choice as well.

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The t5-1000 and 376 are what I use the most.
For PLCs the 789 is my go to though. But they run $1000 or so.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:14:13 PM EDT

[#12]

I have used non-Fluke DMMs for years with no issues. I don't think I ever had a work issued DMM that wasn't a Fluke. Fluke is definitly standard for professional use.

But even the free Harborfreight DMMs will work for home use. Just be sure to verify you are getting the 120 VAC or 220 VAC reading when you should.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:16:05 PM EDT

[#13]

I got this one off the 'Zon

Mastech MS8211 Pen-Type Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter with Non-contact AC Voltage Detector

It's about $29.

My son liked it so much he got one. He works in the field, and having something portable and compact is important.

It's a great meter. It has a lighted and aural warning for voltage, in case you go rooting in boxes. It's a nice, compact model. It was highly rated where I looked, which may have been a thread here last year. Anyway, it's nice.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:25:00 PM EDT

[#14]

Ideal has some very nice offerings in your price range.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:30:14 PM EDT

[#15]

I've been using this one for awhile with no complaints, and no it is not a fluke https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12966

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:36:21 PM EDT

[#16]

A used Fluke, of any style if your budget is limited. Sperry used to make some decent cheap meters for keeping in the tool kit.

A Fluke T5-1000 is about the best for fall around use I've seen. Back in the old days we had a VOM style bench meter, Amprobe jaw meter and a wiggy. Fluke took all the best, most useful attributes and combined them in the T5. Continuity-resistance, AC/DC voltage and a fork for reading current. Love mine. Wish they'd been around decades ago. Money well spent.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:39:08 PM EDT

[#17]

If you bump your price range up just a bit you can find a Fluke 115. They've always been rock solid for me. It may not last a lifetime, but I'm still using a Fluke I bought 15 years ago that sees a lot of use and abuse.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:40:01 PM EDT

[#18]

Op, if you use it more then once in a great while..buy a good one, heck even entry level Flukes aren't that spendy..... it will last you a life time and you can pass it on to your son..I prefer Fluke, and use an 88 which is one of their best for automotive use..not much it can't do anyways but its tailored for auto use..somewhere I have a low amp probe for it as well...

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:44:15 PM EDT

[#19]

87

(fluke)

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:46:02 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
87

(fluke)

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For $120?

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:48:58 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:

For $120?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
87

(fluke)

For $120?

buying shit new?

they go on ebay routinely for ~150, sometimes close to 120

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:50:47 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:

For $120?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
87

(fluke)

For $120?

$125 in my neck of the woods. I'm sure he'd take $120 if I asked nicely.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/5275897476.html

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:51:48 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:

$125 in my neck of the woods. I'm sure he'd take $120 if I asked nicely.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/5275897476.html

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Quoted:

Quoted:
87

(fluke)

For $120?

$125 in my neck of the woods. I'm sure he'd take $120 if I asked nicely.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/5275897476.html

If I knew the guy, maybe.
Too many people do stupid shit to multimeters.

Posted: 11/30/2015 3:52:29 PM EDT

[#24]

If you are good with the $120 budget, I'd go with the other suggestions to source a used Fluke or spend a bit more and get a new one. Lifetime multimeter.

Myself, I have a Mastech MAS838. About $15-20. It has worked great for me for years. All I am doing is checking voltages, resistances and continuity so it does the trick. It's a great diagnostic tool.

Posted: 11/30/2015 4:03:12 PM EDT

[#25]

This guy is a bit of a nut and his voice is annoying as hell, but he knows his stuff.
BK Precision BK2709B
http://www.tequipment.net/BK2709B.html
Extech EX505
http://www.tequipment.net/ExtechEX505.asp
Amprobe 34XR-A
http://www.tequipment.net/Amprobe34XR-A.html
UEi DM391
http://www.tequipment.net/UEiDM391.html
IDEAL 61-342
http://www.tequipment.net/Ideal61-342.asp
UNI-T UT61D
http://www.uni-trend.com/UT61D.html

Posted: 11/30/2015 4:05:15 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
This guy is a bit of a nut and his voice is annoying as hell, but he knows his stuff.
BK Precision BK2709B
http://www.tequipment.net/BK2709B.html
Extech EX505
http://www.tequipment.net/ExtechEX505.asp
Amprobe 34XR-A
http://www.tequipment.net/Amprobe34XR-A.html
UEi DM391
http://www.tequipment.net/UEiDM391.html
IDEAL 61-342
http://www.tequipment.net/Ideal61-342.asp
UNI-T UT61D
http://www.uni-trend.com/UT61D.html

https://youtu.be/n3WGaiYF2sk

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I've been subscribed to Dave's channel for 3 years.

Posted: 11/30/2015 4:53:41 PM EDT

[#27]

Got one for free at Harbor Freight, it reads voltage and resistance just as good as a Fluke.

Posted: 11/30/2015 5:11:48 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
The budget Greenlee for about $30-35 at Lowes works solid . I have owned one for about 6-7 years with no problems

View Quote

Posted: 11/30/2015 5:54:05 PM EDT

[#29]

Kinda surprised no one has mentioned Fluke. Oh well, different strokes I guess.....

I've had a Fluke for precisely 35 years. Commercial use. It is one of the best tools i have ever had. Did I mention
it's been used by many different people in a commercial setting?

Anyway.......... Let me be the first to recommend Fluke.

All you other slackers who have not mentioned Fluke in this thread.... You oughta try one.

Posted: 11/30/2015 6:39:08 PM EDT

[#30]

Alright so a fluke then

Let's say I bump my price range up to $150, and I specify that I'll mostly be dealing with residential 110 and 220 wiring and possibly do some blacksmith forge fans and maybe some small electronic diagnosing is the 115 what I should shoot for?

Posted: 11/30/2015 7:02:38 PM EDT

[#31]

Journeyman electrician here and another vote for fluke. I use an F 374 which you can get off ebay in good shape within your budget. In all honesty if this is something you are not going to use that often and don't need to read amps I would recommend the small Greenlee kit that has a small meter/non-contact tester/outlet tester for around $30. I bought a similar kit from sears on sale to keep in my Jeep in case I have a small service call on my way home and it works fine for basic troubleshooting.

Posted: 11/30/2015 7:09:52 PM EDT

[#32]

Fluke is great, but UEI makes a great meter for the $$.

Posted: 11/30/2015 7:25:58 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
Alright so a fluke then

Let's say I bump my price range up to $150, and I specify that I'll mostly be dealing with residential 110 and 220 wiring and possibly do some blacksmith forge fans and maybe some small electronic diagnosing is the 115 what I should shoot for?

View Quote

You don't need a Fluke, especially for handyman around the home work. I use Flukes at work and cheaper brands at home and there ain't a nickle's worth of difference in how they read. Fluke has a bulletproof reputation in industry, but I use an Ideal meter nearly everyday in my home workshop and have been pretty harsh on it. Its treated me well for ten years now. It also is packed full of features that would be hundreds more in a comparable Fluke.

Here is what I have. $90

Posted: 11/30/2015 7:45:44 PM EDT

[#34]

I like my Fluke 117, but no idea what it cost.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 11/30/2015 7:54:02 PM EDT

[#35]

When working with voltages that can kill you, I wouldn't trust anything but a Fluke, but for low voltage DC hobby stuff I would have no problem using a cheaper brand.

Posted: 11/30/2015 7:58:14 PM EDT

[#36]

I use an analog one that I got off of amazon for like 6 or 7 bucks....

but I only use it for appliance trouble shooting to see if sensors have gone bad...

or other small mundane crap ....
http://www.amazon.com/Mibuka-6-function-13-Range-Analog-Multimeter/dp/B000S01VQY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1448927847&sr=8-3&keywords=analog+multimeter

Posted: 11/30/2015 8:16:10 PM EDT

[#37]

BK Precision makes some really great meters and they stand behind them as well. The 2709 referenced earlier passed Dave Jones' scrutiny and he only gives negative feedback.

IIRC, Amprobe is a division of Fluke.

If you look on eBay, there are lots of Fluke 27/FM units that are former .mil. They come with a case, a high voltage probe, and are overall a top notch meter. Beware, the 27 (non-FM) is not true RMS so any AC outside of 60Hz will not be accurate. The FM is TRMS. These former .mil meters are very strong and will take abuse.

ETA : With Fluke and other top meters, the most important thing you are buying is safety. Even older Flukes weren't category rated and Fluke recommends against their use in high current environments. For those that don't know, meters are now rated by category numbers. CAT II is wall outlet and low voltage inside appliances. Cat III is main distribution behind the main breaker. CAT IV is behind the meter and in front of the main breaker on the primary distribution panel. Generalities sure, but they hold nearly all the time. The safety comes in when you have a meter set for amps and you connect it across a bar that can deliver 100+ amps. That meter can literally explode in your face and permanently disfigure you. Flukes and other top units are correctly fused and have internal arc shielding, routed circuit boards, etc. to spare the user serious injury. This is why I cannot in any good conscience tell anyone to get a $5 Harbor Freight meter. Watch the EEVBlog on YouTube. Dave has a moldy-meatah fetish and reviews lots of them in various price ranges with teardowns. He even occasionally blows them up for science. MJLorton reviews quite a few as well.

Posted: 11/30/2015 11:15:18 PM EDT

[#38]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a fluke 117

Posted: 11/30/2015 11:17:05 PM EDT

[#39]

I have a Fluke 16 and I love it, I also have a fieldpiece that works very well but for under 70 bucks you can get a UEI that can do everything you will need and then some.

Posted: 12/1/2015 1:53:34 PM EDT

[#40]

The OP is looking for a good meter on a budget. Since you like Harbor Freight, check out this -

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html

It's actually a relabeled Mastech MS8229. I have a bunch of Fluke and Fieldpiece, but I end up reaching for this Mastech first because I won't be out over $300 if it gets fried or stolen. For $60 it's an excellent meter. Use a 20% coupon and the price comes down to $48.

Posted: 12/1/2015 2:13:00 PM EDT

[#41]

Here OP,

The Fluke Store..allows you to look at all the Fluke meters and toys...

http://www.myflukestore.com

And for fun.. their reconditioned store for stuff with cosmetic marks for less money...

http://www.flukeonlinestore.com/flin.html

Posted: 12/1/2015 2:44:36 PM EDT

[#42]

A Simpson 260.

Posted: 12/1/2015 2:49:10 PM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

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A Simpson 260.

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Great meter for its day; but there are better choices for around the house and general field work.

BTW: if you know what a Simpson 260 is, you are giving away your age.

Posted: 12/1/2015 2:51:56 PM EDT

[#44]

I still have a fluke 88 and bluepoint meter from my dealership days.

Go Flukeg

Posted: 12/1/2015 2:59:17 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:

The OP is looking for a good meter on a budget. Since you like Harbor Freight, check out this -

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html

It's actually a relabeled Mastech MS8229. I have a bunch of Fluke and Fieldpiece, but I end up reaching for this Mastech first because I won't be out over $300 if it gets fried or stolen. For $60 it's an excellent meter. Use a 20% coupon and the price comes down to $48.

View Quote

I have that one from HF. For around the house/hobby stuff it's just fine.

Posted: 12/1/2015 3:00:13 PM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:

Great meter for its day; but there are better choices for around the house and general field work.

BTW: if you know what a Simpson 260 is, you are giving away your age.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
A Simpson 260.

Great meter for its day; but there are better choices for around the house and general field work.

BTW: if you know what a Simpson 260 is, you are giving away your age.

I had to google it, lol analog

Posted: 12/1/2015 3:01:29 PM EDT

[#47]

Posted: 12/1/2015 3:01:48 PM EDT

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:
Go Fluke or go home

View Quote

This.
Get a good one.

Posted: 12/1/2015 5:08:06 PM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:

Great meter for its day; but there are better choices for around the house and general field work.

BTW: if you know what a Simpson 260 is, you are giving away your age.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
A Simpson 260.

Great meter for its day; but there are better choices for around the house and general field work.

BTW: if you know what a Simpson 260 is, you are giving away your age.

I use a Simpson TS-111 at work a lot. It's really great for grounds tests when you have a couple hundred terminals to hit. The fast response vs. digital makes it very practical for the test.

Posted: 12/1/2015 5:44:42 PM EDT

[#50]

Ordered a Fluke 117

Let's wire a garage that was done half ass by an electrician I know and thought wasn't a half ass tradesman. He's always done quality work at my office, but my garage looks like something out of a horror movie.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Need Multimeter Reccomendations (Page 1 of 2)

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