Recommendations for a good digital multimeter?

MrUnix · May 24, 2013

You can run the gambit from way expensive (Fluke, Beckman, etc..) to free.. but for infrequent around the house (or car/boat) stuff, cheaper is better since you don't need the super accuracy and mega features of the expensive ones. I loaded up with those cheap 7 function ones from Harbor Freight, all for free with a coupon. Got one in every car and boat, in my tool box and two in the garage. And since they were free, I could care less if I drop, smash or toast one by accident. In fact, this weekend at my local HF, they are again giving them away for free with any purchase.

Cheers,
Brad

heart of gold · May 24, 2013

I am an electrician, for what its worth, and normally I would buy a Fluke or equal for trade use but I bought one of these for the boat. http://www.viot.us/showproduct.php?model=C9&sw=0

The things I like about it is that it has a DC clamp as well as AC and also came with a thermocouple for reading temperatures. For what it is, its pretty good. I have been using mine for a few years now.

Chris Patterson · May 25, 2013

Fluke. I like the 73, FM27, and the 88. No mistakes ever.
The meter can work a thousand times right....

But it doesn't need to be wrong EVER.

(Is your electrical system worth 5 dollars)?

kloudie1 · May 25, 2013

Brad.. Same here. I have one of the little Harbor Freight meters in the boat and it has been working well for over 10 years. On the boat, ya really need to know things like "is 12V there?" or "is 120V there?" or is there a connection and is the connection good.. I have a great Omega meter for really fine measurements but it has never been needed at the boat. The only consideration is for batteries. If you are often attempting to measure battery state and need absolute accuuracy, the little meter can be a tenth or two off in that 12 volt range. I have compared the little cheapie to the Omega and I find the cheapie is off by a very small amount .. but it is off consistently the same amount.. in other words, it is repeatable but not absolutely accurate.. That works OK for me.

KD3PC · May 25, 2013

Fluke will last you a lifetime, I still have my 8000A from an earlier career. The 7X series can not be beat, and you can find them quite affordably on the ham lists, or auction sites.

Bob R. · May 25, 2013

I took a class on boat electrical systems from Bob Campbell at the Annapolis School of Seamanship a few years ago. His recommendation and requirement for the class (if you didn't already have a meter) was the Craftsman 82369 clamp on ammeter. I have been very pleased with mine and keep it on the boat. I think Sears sells them for about $60.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-clamp-on-ammeter/p-03482369000P

Stu Jackson · May 25, 2013

Radio Shack. I've had mine for 20+ years. There's not much more "most of us" need to do on a boat electrical system than read voltage, like Claude said (unless you're Maine Sail!!!

).

Chris Patterson · May 25, 2013

Hmm. That Sears meter looks pretty neat. I just looked at their site, and it's on sale for $53.99

weinie · May 25, 2013

An audible continuity function is also useful on board to find shorts.

Mark Maulden · May 25, 2013

I bought an expendable HF to keep on the boat. It reads accurately, however, it's not very responsive to flucuations. Also, the test leads came out of the probes. And the test leads were "short".....

Ross · May 25, 2013

As with most things you don't get more than you pay for.

anchorclanker · May 25, 2013

Sears and Harbor Freight. I wont walk into a sears, and try not to support the Chinese any more than possible so avoid HF as much as possible. I dont think anything at HF "isnt" Chinese.

Anyway, I have a Fluke 78 and it has served me well for over 20 years. That said, I wouldnt mind a DC clamp amp meter and that VIOT looks pretty good for the money.

My Dad left me some good tools, and taught me that good tools pay for themselves in many more ways than simple math. Cost isnt always a factor, and you dont always get what you pay for. But its a pretty safe bet that something with a good name will give decent service.

In electricity, a meter that gives faulty readings can be worse than no meter at all. Just because its free doesnt mean you want one.

jibes138 · May 27, 2013

What's your beef with Sears? They are folding up all over the country, only one store left in my area, but I still think craftsman tools are up there with the best. And you can get a forged craftsman bottle opener that is guaranteed for life for only 35 bucks. Or you can be a cheapskate and get the 7 dollar version.

kenn · May 27, 2013

I suspect that just about candidate meters are made in China now, even the Flukes. This, plus the fact that many meters are based on all-in-one ICs from only a few manufacturers has made me reasonably comfortable with the off-brands, if their physical construction is up to the job.

I won't buy or recommend the cheapest of the cheap. I usually look for an upscale model from a chain, like Radio Shack or (in Canada Mastercraft). I imagine that the better Sears Craftsman meters may be pretty good.The nice thing about these places is that they will periodically use their better meters as loss-leader specials - eg a $60 meter on for $20.

Among my collection I have a Radio Shack meter that looks like a clone of the Fluke 77, that's going on 20 years old. Still accurate. Has a fast-responding "analogue" bargraph, and beeping continuity.

Ross · May 27, 2013

Having an automatic "off" on them is a very real plus.

KD3PC · May 27, 2013

jibes138 said:
And you can get a forged craftsman bottle opener that is guaranteed for life for only 35 bucks. Or you can be a cheapskate and get the 7 dollar version.

the "life" guarantee has been useless for decades....ask to see the box of ratchet handles they have under every check out counter....they go back and are refurbed and are as useless as when new. Some are just sold to the local flea market tool guy as they are not worth the cost of transport and repair.

Junk

Until you hurt your self when one (ratchet or wrench) lets go or breaks under some heavy pulls, you may never know the difference between them and a name brand tool. But the dozen stitches in your hand or arm (or head) will cost a fair amount more than the better tool.

YMMV

Chief RA · May 28, 2013

It is my experience that learning to effectively use a multimeter is far more important than the make/cost of the meter! Chief

H45DS · May 28, 2013

KD3PC said:
Fluke will last you a lifetime, I still have my 8000A from an earlier career. The 7X series can not be beat, and you can find them quite affordably on the ham lists, or auction sites.

+1

rgarrison@gmail.com · Jun 23, 2013

I agree, $5 at Harbor freight.