What Brand Multimeter do you use?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
What Brand Multimeter do you use?
I had a nice Sunpro multimeter since I graduated and has given me great service until last week. It died on me. Checked the batteries and fuses to no avail. So I am in the market for a new multimeter, was looking at a Fluke 115. I can get a new one off eBay for around $100. But want to get your guys opinions, what meters do you guys use and why?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,536
Likes: 200
From: southeast PA
I have a Fluke 88. But I'm a heavy equipment mechanic and use it all the time. It has not been given an easy life. 4 years at a car dealer, 2 years in a heavy equipment shop, and 6 years in a heavy equipment field service truck. It's been dropped, abused, exposed to the elements, heat, cold everything. I try my best to keep it out of the rain and such, but it's happened. I can't believe its really 12 years old. Still works great and going strong. It was expensive, around $600 I think, but lasting 12+ years justifies the price IMO. I have no doubt that one for occasional (homeowner) use would last nearly forever.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spanaway
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Semper Fi tell I die!
i run a couple craftsmans, one with the amp clamp and one without. i suggest what ever you get make sure it has amp clamp as that is great for finding battery drainers
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 164
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From: Arizona
I used to have a Wavetek that was fully manual, none of the auto ranging stuff most new ones have but after 10 years it started giving me phantom readings. I replaced it with a collection of Fluke meters. For most stuff I used a Fluke 233a which is 4 digit with a detachable wireless display. Its great for working on the truck or checking for voltage at the trailer lights without a helper. For other measurements I use a Fluke 123s which is their cheep ($1500) portable o-scope. I also have a Fluke clamp that can hook up to either meter, I think its a i410 but its not near by right now.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2014
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I have a Fluke and a Craftsman. The Fluke is exceptionally durable and can take punishment and hold up. The Craftsman is fine for the occasional use around the house and is fairly inexpensive. The Fluke is normally much more expensive, but worth it if you use it often and want to have it for years to come. Either way, invest in the amp clamp to go with it.
Gunny Mike
Gunny Mike
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
For the majority of automotive use, a cheap HF analog multimeter will work OK. A lot of times you can get them free. They often do not survive being beaten around in the tool box, but they are basically worth what you pay for them. 
If you want something with a little more precision and durability, Fluke is a highly recommended brand, but you're going to drop a few hundred dollars on a good meter. Multimeters sensitivity is rated by "ohms per volt". The more ohms the better.
If you want something with a little more precision and durability, Fluke is a highly recommended brand, but you're going to drop a few hundred dollars on a good meter. Multimeters sensitivity is rated by "ohms per volt". The more ohms the better.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
This is the meter I have been looking at. You Fluke guys are all the meter capatable with a amp clamp? Or should I just get an amp clamp multimeter? Are there pros and cons to both?
http://m.ebay.com/itm/380983187121?nav=SEARCH
http://m.ebay.com/itm/380983187121?nav=SEARCH
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 13,710
Likes: 5
From: Manchester, CT
^ That one is nice, i have 3 fluke meters but im in electrical work so ive just had them with me. I actually have a cheap autozone meter in my truck that bounces around the tool box lol
I would get one with a seperate amp clamp, one of my meters has the amp clamp built into it but it doesn't work so well on my truck because i cant fit it around anything...if i had just the lead with the clamp i could
I would get one with a seperate amp clamp, one of my meters has the amp clamp built into it but it doesn't work so well on my truck because i cant fit it around anything...if i had just the lead with the clamp i could
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,372
Likes: 108
From: Northern Indiana
^ That one is nice, i have 3 fluke meters but im in electrical work so ive just had them with me. I actually have a cheap autozone meter in my truck that bounces around the tool box lol
I would get one with a seperate amp clamp, one of my meters has the amp clamp built into it but it doesn't work so well on my truck because i cant fit it around anything...if i had just the lead with the clamp i could
I would get one with a seperate amp clamp, one of my meters has the amp clamp built into it but it doesn't work so well on my truck because i cant fit it around anything...if i had just the lead with the clamp i could
