Which multimeter to buy?

[IDVortex]

Im not a electrician or mechanic. First off.

Im needing a new multimeter, I use to own a Klien tough meter (cl700) but it died on me. It'll primarily be used on vehicles (i own a Ford, so it'll be used almost daily, who am I kidding.) and some electrical testing in homes. Wanting a decent meter that can also test for amps and have a range of uses. I dont see my need to buy a Fluke. Or am I still better to buy a fluke?

My level of electrical work is like my hunting, l claim to know what im doing, but im just winging it and the history doesnt support the claim.

 

[pacoalcracker]

I only own Fluke. There is a valid reason why pro's use Fluke. You only have one life and mine is worth every bit of that price difference.

 

[Steve300xcw]

I like my Fluke.

Theres been a pile o stuff fixed with the help of a harbor freight meter though.............

 

[IDVortex]

I only own Fluke. There is a valid reason why pro's use Fluke. You only have one life and mine is worth every bit of that price difference.

I mean, if I get a meter that doesnt read correctly and it kills me, my wife becomes a millionaire and I no longer have to work on my Ford. Totally calling that a win.

 

[pacoalcracker]

it will be a bigger win for the new guy though.

 

[AZ Gator]

I think another Klein is a good fit. Quality, but not a premium price. I think they are a nice balance of quality and value.

But if you are looking for a reason to splurge, don’t let me stop you…

 

[Yoder]

It doesn't matter that much for almost everything. 99% of the time you are just checking for 12vdc or 115ac. You need a Fluke like you need a $3k Nightforce scope to hunt whitetails.

 

[Jpsmith1]

It doesn't matter that much for almost everything. 99% of the time you are just checking for 12vdc or 115ac. You need a Fluke like you need a $3k Nightforce scope to hunt whitetails.

Very well said.

I use Fluke meters daily as an Refrigeration tech. There is a Klien meter at home in the drawer. It's FINE for that application. I don't need Fluke's reliability and ruggedness.

Heck, before I found the Klien on a job and nobody claimed it, I was looking at meters at HF.

 

[BLJ]

I’ve had an Ideal for years.
Was about $70 at Lowe’s and I’ve used it a lot. No issues.

Check the meter on a known live circuit before and after whatever you’re testing.
Regardless of which one you buy. Every time you use it.

 

[merkedmallard]

I use fluke t5-1000 at work. I have the milwaukee one at home.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I have a Sperry DM6400 that I really like and it won't break the bank like a Fluke.

 

[The_Jim]

I’ve used the same fluke 77 for probably 20 years. The labels are worn off the dial, I dropped into a flooded pit once - finished what I was doing and fished it out an hour later, it’s been in the rain, cold, I’ve dropped it. It’s virtually indestructible and I use it nearly every day.

It doesn’t matter if it’s just hobby use, those cheap ideal, Klein, etc are trash.

 

[BLJ]

I guess I’m lucky to be alive after using my trash.