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Multi meter recommendation?

  • Thread starter Thread starter seano
  • Start date Start date
S

seano

Guest
Can anyone recommend a good, reasonably priced, user friendly multi meter? Electrical issues are not my thing, so I need all the help I can get :)
 
They all are very similar, and in the lower price range have very similar functions, and are easy to use

Check out Radio Shack if you have one close by they have this one on sale $14.99

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4214667

pRS1-7922775w345.jpg
 
I'm old school I guess, but I like the analog meters, I just prefer seeing the needle move rather than reading numbers off a LCD screen.
 
sedelen said:
I'm old school I guess, but I like the analog meters, I just prefer seeing the needle move rather than reading numbers off a LCD screen.
Click to expand...

There is something to this, especially when you are measuring a voltage or something which is jumping around all over the place... CAn you still byuy analog ones without spending an arm and a leg?

Digital ones are cheap and work well enough.

The one for six bucks or so at HF works OK, the red one for $2 is a piece of crap, it failed right away.
Auto parts store, hardware store, whatever has some that will work.
Any cheap one is good enough for old bike use, you don't need any fancy features or exceptional accuracy.

I have a really expensive one and a bunch of cheapos laying around. I always use whichever one I find first.
 
sedelen said:
I'm old school I guess, but I like the analog meters, I just prefer seeing the needle move rather than reading numbers off a LCD screen.
Click to expand...

I've owned a Simpson 260 for years and years....still the best one out there.
 
I have a Fluke digital, but I'm assuming that's out of your price range.
 
Look for ones that have right-angled reinforced connector/leads on the meter end-those are much more durable in the average usage pattern, storage, etc
 
You can get a fluke for around $120. It's a worthy investment.

Lowes also sells Greenline ones for around $40, which are nice. Ideal is also a good cheap brand.
 
Sometimes the needle is better, sometimes the digital is what you need. Digital works best 99% of the time. Any of the $10-$20 meters will give you everything a GS mechanic needs...

The freebies from Harbor Freight work fine -- look for coupons in the back of your motorcycle mags.

If you're going to spend actual money, a decent auto-ranging meter (with range lock) is a bit more convenient. Some also have useful magnets, clips, and lighted displays that are handy at times.

I like to put an alligator clip on the negative wire, since I don't have three hands to juggle two leads plus the meter.
 
Alligator clips are a good thing. You "normally" have to buy them separately, but they are a good thing to have. I have and use both.
And I got rid of my analog meter decades ago and do not miss it, but that is just me.
Auto-range is good for some, especially those who do not know what they are doing. I seldom use it, although it is available on my meters.
 
Last edited:
gripweed said:
You can get a fluke for around $120. It's a worthy investment.

Lowes also sells Greenline ones for around $40, which are nice. Ideal is also a good cheap brand.
Click to expand...

Sometimes I wonder why they came up with the name "Fluke?":lol::lol:
 
The Harbor Fright yellow cheap one is fine. I had to re-solder the leads, but otherwise it has been good.

Some nice features to look for are continuity alarm (very nice to have), high current DC (20amps), and light up display.

There are electronic stores and swap-meets here in CA that are good sources, maybe there are similar places in CT.
 
Thanks for all of your input. As soon as I get a chance, I'll pick one up.
 
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