Good multimeter?

patooyee · May 5, 2013

I've had a crappy multimeter that I've always used. Now that I have an EFI engine and need to perform more and more tests of various types I've realized how powerful they can be and how many different options you can get on them. The crappy one finally broke a week or two ago and its time to buy new. Is there a good one that people prefer?

ranger11 · May 5, 2013

Re: Re: Good multimeter?

I have a fluke 87. It has a record feature that can be used to record voltage spikes or drops. I didn't buy it for auto use though so there may be something better

Rokcrler · May 5, 2013

Re: Re: Good multimeter?

X2 on the 87 8)

RustyC · May 5, 2013

Some of the newer models offer a IR thermometer. Very useful for comparing temps between cylinder and across coolers. Caterpillar make one like that, I'm sure it is from another manufacturer and just re-badged. Something to consider.

patooyee · May 5, 2013

I"m sorry, I guess I should specify that I want one in the $50 - $100 range. I didn't realize they got so expensive.

Technician · May 5, 2013

Check the pawn shops. Make sure it's a fluke. I use an 87 III and very happy.

ranger11 · May 5, 2013

Technician said:
Check the pawn shops. Make sure it's a fluke.

Yep.

grcthird · May 5, 2013

Technician said:
Check the pawn shops. Make sure it's a fluke. I use an 87 III and very happy.

This, get one with an integrated amp probe or clamp. I have an older bluepoint with auto settings, been great for about the past 13 years. I also just got a power probe amd cant believe how long I went without one! Get several of the cheap freebies from harbor freight to keep in each vehicle as well. A meter is one of the most valuable tools when it comes to diagnosis. :dblthumb:

TBItoy · May 5, 2013

There is a Craftsman that is in the price range you want, and has most all the features of the high dollar fluke meters.

I have a fluke, the craftsman, and about a dozen of the free harbor freight ones.

The craftsman is my favorite.

I got all of them for free, so no comparison on "value" for me

patooyee · May 5, 2013

grcthird said:
This, get one with an integrated amp probe or clamp. I have an older bluepoint with auto settings, been great for about the past 13 years. I also just got a power probe amd cant believe how long I went without one! Get several of the cheap freebies from harbor freight to keep in each vehicle as well. A meter is one of the most valuable tools when it comes to diagnosis.

I have a power probe III and love it.

jp fan · May 5, 2013

I bought a Radio Shack one years ago and have been working on heavy equiment with it and am very pleased with it, but I think any good meter will do a fine job

Neal3000 · May 6, 2013

Buy 7$ worth of **** at harbor freight and you can get a fawking sweet free multimeter

TBItoy · May 6, 2013

Neal3000 said:
Buy 7$ worth of **** at harbor freight and you can get a fawking sweet free multimeter

But the screen isn't backlit, so you gotta buy $7 more **** and get the fawking sweet free led work light too. :flipoff1:

patooyee · May 6, 2013

What would the difference be between a $40 HF unit that does all the same **** as a $500 Fluke?

86tank · May 6, 2013

patooyee said:
What would the difference be between a $40 HF unit that does all the same **** as a $500 Fluke?

Dads an electrician and has got both and likes the HF one just as good as the fluke. One of the guys he used to work with had one and that's the only reason he even tried it.

TBItoy · May 6, 2013

patooyee said:
What would the difference be between a $40 HF unit that does all the same **** as a $500 Fluke?

Something like this http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482334000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kispla=03482334000P&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-134732765-2&PDP_REDIRECT=false&s_tnt=39869:4:0

Looks and feels like a fluke

The free hf units I have are real cheap and crappy feeling

jayphizzle · May 6, 2013

patooyee said:
What would the difference be between a $40 HF unit that does all the same **** as a $500 Fluke?

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with automotive use but I work on high voltage equipment and the reason I choose Fluke over a HF meter is TRUST! Ive got a mangled right index finger from an electrical burn and it is not fun. But I use Fluke no matter what. I would scan the local pawn shops in the P'cola area, I'm sure there are crack/meth head electricians who pawn their meters on a daily basis. Fluke 87 III is what I use. Hell Patooyee, as smart as you are, just build one! :driving:

Only my .02

patooyee · May 6, 2013

jayphizzle said:
I know this has absolutely nothing to do with automotive use but I work on high voltage equipment and the reason I choose Fluke over a HF meter is TRUST! Ive got a mangled right index finger from an electrical burn and it is not fun. But I use Fluke no matter what. I would scan the local pawn shops in the P'cola area, I'm sure there are crack/meth head electricians who pawn their meters on a daily basis. Fluke 87 III is what I use. Hell Patooyee, as smart as you are, just build one! Only my .02

I wish I knew more about circuits / electrical. Having the EFI is teaching me new stuff every day and I love it! But I have heard people say some meters are not "true DRM", whatever that means, others have lower frequencies, etc and that is why they are priced the way they are. I just don't know how much any of that matters to a guy like me who doesn't make a living with it though. The Actron that recently broke did most of what I needed but I do appreciate and value quality tools. If a reading was .002 volts high or low I probably wouldn't know any better though, nor would I know when or where it ever mattered.

Addison66 · May 6, 2013

I have a craftsman and its a full volt off sometimes which isn't a lot but when it says 13.2 and the battery is at 12.2 you don't know its dead. I have Fluke now and its been true. Spend the extra money and get a Fluke.

patooyee · May 6, 2013

What o the clamp meters do that the regular ones don't? And generally speaking do they do everything the normal ones do? A pawn shop near me is asking $50 for a Fluke 322. They're a little over $100 new online.