Thoughts for a half decent multimeter??

[Guest]

For years at work I used a fluke 87 but don't really want to spend several hundred bucks for one now.
The HF ones do the job but I have had 20 or so lol..the ohms won't auto zero... then they only last 3 months any ways.
I see sears has some but the reviews are mixed. I know you get what you pay for BUT TODAY YOU NEVER KNOW.. The high priced ones might just be a come on. I'd spend 50-75 if I had to.
I'd just like it to last.

[Steve]

Why not get an 87 of your own?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GREAT-Fluke-87-True-RMS-Multimeter-Tested-Great-Condition-With-Case-Leads-/151843842804?hash=item235a992af4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-87-True-RMS-Multimeter-with-yellow-shock-case-only-1-test-lead-included-/111793111531?hash=item1a076381eb&item=111793111531&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-87-III-True-RMS-Multimeter-Meter-With-Test-Leads-FREE-SHIPPING-/252112295320?hash=item3ab3105598

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-87-V-True-RMS-Multimeter-w-Leads-N3071-/161852512318?hash=item25af29583e

etc., etc., etc.

I am still using a 77 that was retired from our test equipment inventory back about 20 years ago.
It gets calibrated every year along with our current test equipment, but it's MINE.

.

[barnbiketom]

Hmmmm. I actually never searched for a used one...now I might take a look.
They are built for a beating...

[tatu]

Mine came from ebay second hand years ago and has been excellent value, still going strong.

I have an Avo 8 in my shed some place, the best multi meter ever, you cant give them away these days.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avometer-Eight-Mk-V-electrical-test-meter-Avo-8-Mark-5-multimeter-volts-amps-ohm-/131620068390?hash=item1ea52adc26

[rustybronco]

Still can't beat a properly calibrated Simpson 260 analogue meter for use around the house. It may not be as accurate as today's digital models but still extremely useful. Great for a visual capacitance check if you ever need it. You can pick up a good used one for $25 and get a fairly decent calibration on it using some 1% resistors.

Yes I have a digital, I just find myself using it more often than than the DVOM.

[tatu]

I have an Avo 8 in my shed some place, the best multi meter ever, you cant give them away these days.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avometer-Eight-Mk-V-electrical-test-meter-Avo-8-Mark-5-multimeter-volts-amps-ohm-/131620068390?hash=item1ea52adc26

[robertbarr]

Why not get an 87 of your own?


etc., etc., etc.

I am still using a 77 that was retired from our test equipment inventory back about 20 years ago.
It gets calibrated every year along with our current test equipment, but it's MINE.

.

That's the way I decided to go. If you're going to shell out for an 87, I think it's worth a little extra to hold out for an 87v. Since these are flash-memory calibrated, and have no internal calibration pots, there should be no need for routine calibration -- ever -- except for commercial users whose employers need certification for one reason or another.

I got an 87V indistinguishable from brand new for something like $165. You have to keep an eye out, but patience pays off.

On a budget? You'll find nice 'retired' military 27/FM's in the $65 vicinity. They have a rabid fan base (for a meter!) and can double as an anvil when needed.

[robertbarr]

Still can't beat a properly calibrated Simpson 260 analogue meter for use around the house.

Does it make you feel 15 again?

I mean, I get nostalgic just looking at a 260, but a mirrored analog scale for a guy who's post-cataract & needs multiple readers just to see my own wristwatch, well, nice clean DIGITS became affordable just in time! Next stop: talking meters that understand English.

[jabcb]

I’m on my second Sears Craftsman multimeter.
The first was analog & purchased presumably before quite a few forum members were born.
The second is digital auto-ranging.


If your intended purpose is stuff around the house & work on your bikes, then I would expect an auto-ranging Sears Craftsman in your $50-75 range to be just fine.


I would stay away from the cheapie <$30 units for the same reasons as those from HF.


Post a link if you have questions about specific multimeter.

[Grimly]

For general automotive workshop use, I find the 30quid Lidl DVM perfectly adequate, and a step up from the chuckaway 7quid cheapies. If I want some connections ancient, I can always pull one of the mirrored analogue meters out of the drawer, but they don't get used in the workshop - they're not exactly delicate, but too much chance of them getting dropped or dropped on.
I might pick up an AVO for old times sake - like an old pal I haven't seen for years, kind of thing.

[1_v8_merc]

The $30 wal-mart ones work fine. I've had mine for over 5 years, I've thrown it, stepped on it, left it out in the snow, And it still works fine.
Unless you're an electrician or absolutely "obsessed" with having a good brand, you don't need to drop mega bucks.
Me personally, I usually don't bring expensive tools to a job unless absolutely necessary, things get broken, ruined or always end up walking.

[barnbiketom]

a mirrored analog scale for a guy who's post-cataract & needs multiple readers just to see my own wristwatch, well, nice clean DIGITS became affordable just in time! Next stop: talking meters that understand English.

I am in the same boat!!

[60ratrod]

I have a craftsman multimeter my dad gave me for Christmas 10 years ago and it's on it's second battery and has never let me down

[barnbiketom]

I am seeing around the forums that UNI-T seem to be decent ones. more robust than most EXTECH makes sears and they are all over.. unless I get a used fluke...I'm watching a few on fleebay
UT106_L.jpghttp://uni-trend.com/UT106.html#

[gs11ezrydr]

s-l300.jpgThe Snap on guy found me a decently priced DVM It Is An INNOVA 3320.Small ,light ,and compact, It has a battery load tester 1.5v,6v,9v,and 12v, DC mA,DC10A,Condinuity beeper, Diode tester, AC mA, Ohms, AC V, 10 meg ohm, input DCV, Auto power off, A stand Or elastic band to hold in place while working with it. It rated highly with some independent testing as far as accuracy against several other brand names. The test leads that were plenty long enough and came with protective caps for the leads. web site www.iEquus.com I also have a Fluke for more sensitive readings and a SUNPRO automotive tester witch does not have AC v input so that is a draw back . But real sensitive when testing fuel injectors etc. I also own a Matco amp clamp when looking for parasitic draws or amperage out put with charging systems.. On the Ebay auction site The INNOVA 3320 sells for 26.99 with free shipping. Do some research and see how it compares to much higher priced DVM's