Multimeter / what's the deal with them?

radrush · Sep 20, 2015

Should a good DIY'er have a good multimeter? And if so which one?

(No HF please.)

$55 - Craftsman #82324 Professional Multimeter, PC Interface RS-232, LCD Display with Bargraph, 0.5% Accuracy (VDC) & Auto Ranging. Contents of box includes: Meter, Software, PC Cable, Test Leads, Alligator Clips, Holster, Fuses, Manual and Case.

or

$55 Craftsman TRUE RMS INDUSTRIAL MULTIMETER 793950820032

or

other

FigureItOut · Sep 20, 2015

This is what I have and I'm very happy with it. If you're using it for automotive at all you'll eventually wish you had some wire piercing probes so I'd go ahead and pick those up as well.

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Kracin · Sep 20, 2015

really have to know what you are going to use the meter for before deciding which one to get.

what do you need one for? make a list of all the things you are going to need to do with a meter and find which one covers most of those.

FigureItOut · Sep 20, 2015

Oh, and for a DIYer who isn't sure they even need a multimeter, true RMS is overkill. Spend the same and get a meter with fewer features of higher quality.

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zkling · Sep 20, 2015

The 2nd craftsman isn't bad, it's a very feature packed meter with lower accuracy to get the cost down. Basically the poor mans fluke 87. They suffer a bit on the low range, but if you aren't doing much electronics work they are fine for around the house and general. I have one very similar, pro line, but it has the IR temp out the top. Only downside is when the battery gets drained the IR temp will give obscure readings. If you want an accurate, rugged, but limited feature meter a used fluke 27 would be a good choice. Just depends on what all features you need and the price point you are willing to go to.

Brownsfan · Sep 20, 2015

I would get that Craftsman Professional for $55. Way more than you will probably ever need but the features are there if you need them. That meter is normally $99 so at $55 it's a TON of meter for the money. Or look at home depot for the clearance Milwaukee meter for $33 . But the Craftsman for 55 is hard to beat.

dnschmidt · Sep 20, 2015

Whatever meter you get one having a min/max function is very handy. This is particularly true if you're doing automotive stuff particularly starting/charging system stuff.

Triple macs · Sep 20, 2015

Don't be too hard on the HF. I got mine free with a coupon. I also own a Fieldpiece. The HF actually does work, and might be the perfect meter for occasional use or to learn on. If and when you upgrade, it can be your back up or loaner.

Brownsfan · Sep 20, 2015

I was talking about the second one in my first post. The industrial meter with the temp probe and true RMS . Also it's weather proof. Good value for 55 bucks. He already said he didn't want the HF meter. He wants something better. Also look at the Klein meters at home depot. Pretty good meters for the money

Brownsfan · Sep 20, 2015

FigureItOut said:
This is what I have and I'm very happy with it. If you're using it for automotive at all you'll eventually wish you had some wire piercing probes so I'd go ahead and pick those up as well.

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I use this meter for continuity testing. IT has the loudest beeper. I bought this out of need because I forgot my meter and was 300 miles from the shop. I bought it at Wal-Mart. It's pretty good for 20 bucks.

theoldwizard1 · Sep 20, 2015

FigureItOut said:
Oh, and for a DIYer who isn't sure they even need a multimeter, true RMS is overkill. Spend the same and get a meter with fewer features of higher quality.

That is hard to do ! Got any specific recommendations ?

My Craftsman meter has most of those function but I bought it on sale for less than half of that (10+ years ago).

That meter has a lot of functions a typical homeowner/DIY will NEVER use. You can get a decent meter for around $20. The most important feature is a rubber "boot" so that it doesn't break when you drop it.

Next most important feature are good leads and various other "attachments". Extra long (>10') leads, alligator clips, etc. If you are going to be doing any automotive work, go to an office suppl store and buy a box of bulletin board "T pins". You can sneak them in the back of connectors when you need to check voltages.

decaf · Sep 20, 2015

Why not a Fluke or two, i love them, especially the USA made :drool:

Brownsfan · Sep 20, 2015

I really want that Fluke 233 with the detachable screen. That could be really handy in automotive electrical troubleshooting. I've gotten by without it but I still want it.

LEVE · Sep 20, 2015

I'll chime in here. I'm a geek, always have been, always will be. I cut my teeth on wire recorders and vacuum tubes. I made my living working on networks, servers, computers, software programming and hardware engineering. I needed good tools and I knew how to use them.

Now, for the DIY'r in the average garage I'll have to ask. Do you know how to use a DVM or other electronic measuring tools? If not, then a cheap HF DVM will do just fine. I carry one in each tool kit and have them on my bench and in my tool boxes.

But I also have my Fluke and Simpson meters as well as oscilloscopes. But for most projects/jobs I don't need to use them. A cheaper meter will do just fine.

So, I'll ask again. Do you know how to use a meter? If not, get a HV cheapie and learn. Then, once you've learned you'll know more about what to buy. I guess, if you have to ask which meter to buy... don't buy one just yet. Learn and then buy.

Fordman7795 · Sep 20, 2015

I bought a used fluke 23 at an auction that has served me well. I believe i paid around $25 for it. Should be able to find a nice one on ebay for not much more.

Mr. T · Sep 20, 2015

I'm a fan of Fluke but no matter what you get I would highly recommend something with at least a CAT III 600V rating if you're going to be testing anything hooked up to the power grid.

DonPowers · Sep 20, 2015

Have a digital but still like my Simpson 260. If buying a new one today, would go for the Fluke 233 for not only its remote display but its ability to measure capacitance and temperature.

FigureItOut · Sep 20, 2015

theoldwizard1 said:
That is hard to do ! Got any specific recommendations ?

Not right off hand, I suppose if I had a specific in mind I'd have it and would have mentioned it. I stand by the Innova I mentioned as a great meter for general use, though there may be much better choices.

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scissorman · Sep 20, 2015

Me personally, buying a DVOM is where you want the best no matter what you're doing so Fluke all the way. I have a Fluke 375 amp clamp meter and does everything i need it to do and very accurate as well.

BMack37 · Sep 20, 2015

Fluke is the best IMO. The Milwaukee meters that are being clearance at Home Depot are decent. My biggest pet peeve with multimeters is the speed at which the screens update. When you have pulsing voltage, you really want a quick response from the meter. Fluke, in my experience, is the fastest. You can find older Flukes for cheap in pawn shops or on eBay. I passed up two older Flukes this weekend in two different pawn shops, both were under $40(but one was missing leads and the other had trash leads). I'd buy a used Fluke every time compared to a new Craftsman every time, Flukes don't die they only get killed by user error.

FullRaceMerc · Sep 20, 2015

If you're talking AC, I like one with a clamp on ammeter. Nice for checking actual draw or balancing loads.

For DC I use the same MM, & am starting to use a PowerProbe 3 for some stuff. Mostly trailer wiring so far. It has been handy, but I'm used to using a MM & 20' pair of alligator clip jumpers, & haven't completely learned all the PP tricks yet. I did buy some blade & piercing hook probes for it, along with a switch lock. Being able to lock it on will help with trailer light checking.

theoldwizard1 · Sep 20, 2015

DonPowers said:
Have a digital but still like my Simpson 260.

Most people could not figure out how to read it ! :bounce:

theoldwizard1 · Sep 20, 2015

I still say $20-$30 will get you a decent homeowner/DIY meter. Spend the other $20 ($30 or $50) on "accessories".

There are now "special" meters for A/C guys that read thermocouples and measure capacitance and have "amp clamps". Cool if you are in that business.

Rarified27 · Sep 20, 2015

I'm the DIY'er guy and after almost 20yrs of cheap, even non-digital meters, I bought a Fluke 115.

Learning on a cheap meter that doesn't auto range really helps you later on when troubleshooting.

LumpyMusic · Sep 20, 2015

theoldwizard1 said:
I still say $20-$30 will get you a decent homeowner/DIY meter...

100% Agreed.

When installing a duplex outlet, or troubleshooting your car battery, the need for True RMS, Sound Pressure Level, Light Lumens, Duty Cycle, Frequency, Diode and Transistor test, even Capacitance and Inductance, and really Resistance, is nothing but bloating on the readout/controls.

If you do something more specialized where you DO need C and L etc, then I'd STILL want a simple, cheap E-I-R(audible continuity) for my troubleshooting bag. My 50 year old Amprobe works perfect for that.

I especially want a simple meter for working on cars. When I'm upside down, under a truck, with oil and sweat in my eyes, and my glasses are slipping, I don't want thirty rotary switch positions. I just wanna know if I've got 12 volts.

Sgt Lumpy

radrush · Sep 20, 2015

Good suggestions all.

What's "auto range"?

FigureItOut · Sep 20, 2015

Auto range means you don't have to tell the meter what general reading you expect. For example, on automotive you'd set it for 0-20 VDC. If you're wrong, it's not harmful but the meters more accurate when set correctly.

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rodsnratfinks · Sep 20, 2015

Autoranging is where the meter automatically selects the testing range when you connect your leads to a test source. Manual ranging meters require you to set the dial to the correct range to get a useful readout. It's a convenience thing, mostly.

Brownsfan · Sep 20, 2015

I have never owned a non auto ranging meter. It's so much nicer not to have to set the range. It's not a huge deal but most decent meters will be auto ranging. This is a Klein meter I would recommend. I have the step up with true RMS but for a basic all around meter it's not needed. Heck I really don't need it. I got it for the temperature capabilities. http://m.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Digital-Multimeter-MM1000/202521270/

rodsnratfinks · Sep 20, 2015

My suggestion:

90% of the features on low cost multimeters is fluff. Buying upmarket gives you three things:

Accuracy - the meter is more sensitive and accurate; not necessary for most hobbyists
SAFETY - uses high rupture capacity/fast blow fuses and properly insulated terminals, as well as shielding and reinforcement to hopefully contain arcing if the unit is severely overloaded. Also, the quality leads are shielded to prevent arcing at the terminals and the wires are insulated with high temp silicone. These safety features ARE worthwhile for any hobbyist or professional working with mains voltages.
Specific features - Things that hobbyists don't use: oscilloscope, duty cycle, data logging, etc.

...So, my advice? I would rather buy a used cat III rated Fluke or equivalent than mess with pretty much any meter that sells for >$100 new. There are so many nice Flukes on the used market for next to nothing. I bought a 73III for my secondary meter for just $20 (without leads) right here on GJ. That unit would satisfy the needs of just about any hobbyist and is far safer and more accurate than a cheapie. I bought a nice set of premium Fluke leads for $15 to round it out. Can't beat that.
Look for pretty much any 73, 77, 8x, 11x, or 27 (especially the 27). Great meters that will likely outlast you.

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MDK22 · Sep 20, 2015

Both are rebranded Extech meters good company. Get the True RMS one. Much better meter and more functionality.

tshetter · Sep 20, 2015

Like has been said it depends what you will do with it and therefore which features you will need.

If you only need to measure voltage, amperage, and check continuity maybe a Fluke T5-600 is your best bet. Auto ranging, auto detecting AC/DC.

That would run you $100 from Amazon. Very solid and dependable tool. It would last you many many years.

I have the T5-1000 that I use for basic industrial electrical testing and it has been great to me.

MikeF2316 · Sep 20, 2015

I'm going to be with the guys that suggest starting out with a cheapie. By the time you're ready for a good one, you'll be in situations where you want to have 2 meters. As well as a good one, I have 3 of what I think is the same as the one Harbor Freight gives away, they go on sale for $5 at Princess Auto in Canada. They're surprisingly accurate too.

Whatever you get, find out what fuse blows when you hook it up to a voltage source while it's configured to read current. You'll need a few of those as you learn.

theoldwizard1 · Sep 20, 2015

MikeF2316 said:
;;;As well as a good one, I have 3 of what I think is the same as the one Harbor Freight gives away, they go on sale for $5 at Princess Auto in Canada. They're surprisingly accurate too.

Yep, they are worth $5 ! Of course FREE is better !!

Good for throwing one in the kitchen junk drawer.

peteco · Sep 20, 2015

I am not a pro. The 2 Craftsman meters I have had lasted about 10 years before corrosion got them. I got a used Fluke about 6 years ago, it's great and should outlast me. I have a few HF freebies and they are OK for most jobs. Have your wife, family, somebody, or yourself get you a Fluke for Christmas or birthday. It's worth having a quality meter.

toolslinger · Sep 21, 2015

I've got a bunch of Fluke, and several Beckman meters. All good quality. One of the Beckmans has been with me since 1989 or so. No fancy rubber boot on that, just take care of your meter...
On the other hand, I've had a number of cheapie things I've bought in a pinch, and some not so cheapie that I bought in a pinch, but thought I'd hang on to... You buy ****, you get ****, it lets you down. When I need a meter, I want it to be accurate, and I don't want to second guess if it is reading right. I don't have any of the garbage any more.

Now, that said... Whatever meter you get, for the love of god, put a good quality battery in it, and/or take the battery out when you're not using it. These things don't get used all that often by most folks... They get put in a drawer, or on a shelf and just sit... What happens when you do that with a ****** battery?... They leak. Then, you need the meter, and it is behaving strangely, or is dead because the bargain basement battery in there leaked, and wrecked the meter...
I went through a cheap period, using Kirkland (Cosco) batteries. Those ****** things wrecked flashlights, remote controls, portable audio gear, you name it... They didn't turn out to be such a bargain... Fortunately, I never put them in any of my meters...

Shadowdog500 · Sep 21, 2015

Get a Fluke and be done with it.

I bought my Fluke DMM in college for my first electronics class. The Fluke rep came to our class and demoed the product. He showed how sturdy it was by throwing it against the wall as hard as he could and didn't even put a mark on the thing. It has served me well for 3 decades so far and is still my go to DMM. I have several others that I picked up while on the road that include Radio Shack, Ideal (from lowes) and the free HF ones because they were free. The Radio Shack one died and went in the trash after a few years. The Ideal one is in the basement of my motorhome as part of my portable tool kit. The HF one is also in the Motorhome as a backup.

My BIL worked in the calibration lab for a major aerospace company for 10 years and said he never saw a Fluke meter that was out of calibration.

Get a Fluke, and be done with it.

Chris

LumpyMusic · Sep 21, 2015

toolslinger said:
...When I need a meter, I want it to be accurate, and I don't want to second guess if it is reading right...

I'd be interested to hear how you define "accurate" and under what kind of usage? ie are you measuring voltage? Current? Resistance? etc...

Sgt Lumpy

tac · Sep 21, 2015

LEVE said:
I'll chime in here. I'm a geek, always have been, always will be. I cut my teeth on wire recorders and vacuum tubes. I made my living working on networks, servers, computers, software programming and hardware engineering. I needed good tools and I knew how to use them.

Now, for the DIY'r in the average garage I'll have to ask. Do you know how to use a DVM or other electronic measuring tools? If not, then a cheap HF DVM will do just fine. I carry one in each tool kit and have them on my bench and in my tool boxes.

But I also have my Fluke and Simpson meters as well as oscilloscopes. But for most projects/jobs I don't need to use them. A cheaper meter will do just fine.

So, I'll ask again. Do you know how to use a meter? If not, get a HV cheapie and learn. Then, once you've learned you'll know more about what to buy. I guess, if you have to ask which meter to buy... don't buy one just yet. Learn and then buy.

OK, I'm glad I'm not the only one here that has an oscilloscope in the garage and knows that a ******** isn't x-rated.

toolslinger · Sep 21, 2015

Mostly voltage, and resistance for me... When I have to deal with current, I use a clamp on meter since the only current I have to check is way above the standard VOM test lead capacity.
Usage for me could be just about anything from cars to electronics, to 3 phase power.
Accuracy is relative I suppose. Do I need the stated accuracy of my Fluke 88 all the time, no, but it doesn't hurt. Occasionally when troubleshooting something beyond my ability, the guy on the other end of the phone wants that kind of detail. Yes, I do send my 88 to have it calibrated. I check my other meters against that occasionally.
Mostly what it comes down to, and I suppose I may have worded it badly, is that I want to trust the meter. Having a bunch of cheap meters fail over the years has me a bit gun shy on them. None of the good meters have failed.
Buy a quality instrument, and it will serve you well, unless you try to wreck it.

Multimeter / what's the deal with them?

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