What's the best multimeter to have in the toolbox

[m16ty]

I'm tired of fooling with these cheap or old multimeters. I've got a couple of cheap digital meters that don't seem to work very well and a couple of high end analog meters that are just very old. I need a decent multimeter. I'm tired of fooling with my MEP and MVs with a junk meter.

I've been looking at Fluke as that seems what the professionals use but there are many different models at all kinds of prices. What I need is something that will measure voltage (AC/DC), ohms ( I like the models that have a "beep" to let you know when you have continuity and you can't see the screen), and a clamp on ammeter would be nice.

What's a good Fluke meter that will meet my needs and not break the bank? Or are there other brands I should look at?

 

[cpf240]

Can't speak to the current models, but I *love* my old Fluke 77...

 

[whiskey357]

Howdy and I still use a Fluke 75 and a 77 at work ....you can get them from Radio shack for around 50 75 bucks....or cheaper ...work ,,last a long time .....

 

[m16ty]

I forgot to mention, I also need a Hz option for working on MEP generators. I like the 77 but it doesn't seem to have a Hz feature.

 

[tim292stro]

I like my Fluke 175. They can be had for less than $150 if you find the right seller (look for open box, etc...).

If you need a current clamp meter, you might consider the Fluke 375 - good up to 600Amps, and still multimeter + frequency-counter.

 

[tim292stro]

I forgot to mention, I also need a Hz option for working on MEP generators. I like the 77 but it doesn't seem to have a Hz feature.

Fluke 77-IV does have Frequency mode, but it's more expensive than the 175.

 

[Bill W]

Can't argue about Fluke quality but I've had a UEI multimeter for years and it still works fine

 

[Coffey1]

Fluke

 

[eagle4g63]

I love my fluke 87 III......has more stuff on it than I will use, and I can't say what they cost....my dad gave it to me, he used it for YEARS in the mill in the electronics department. Best meter I have ever owned.

 

[ARYankee]

I would have to say a Fluke as well. I have used other meters throughout my career but in my opinion nothing beats a Fluke. They are far worth the cost.

 

[renodogs]

Fluke 77, and sometimes you need an old analog meter to do sensitive adjustments based on .707 avg analog - use an old school Triplet.

 

[Speddmon]

Fluke is the only meter I will use...EVER. That are the best. I trust my life to them every day in the mill.

That being said the 179 is en excellent choice, and the one I carry daily at work. The 87v stays in the tool box until I need it. It has all the features of the 87v but a smaller package. Does Hz, has the diode check (Beeps when just checking continuity), does inline current up to 10 amps and a host of other features. But, it will not do current unless you get a separate amp clamp for it.

Now, I also have and use quite frequently, the 381 clampmeter. It is a bit more bulky, but will do everything you are wanting it to do. AC/DC volts, AC/DC amps up to 1000 amps, frequency, remote display for safe distance current measuring. A large current loop for excessively large wires, and will measure up to 2500 amps with the loop. Basically more than you'll ever use, and it is a bit spendy...but worth every penny!

The first one is the 179, the next one is the 381 and lastly the 87v.

 

[Warthog]

What's the best multimeter to have in the toolbox

One that works.

I have some bad ones that I always seem to pickup when I need one. I guess I should finally throw them away. I even have a dead Fluke.

 

[clinto]

I have a Fluke 73 or 77, I've had it for so long I can't even remember what model it is.

 

[Tow4]

I like Fluke meters and have several Fluke DMMs floating around from the model 77 up to the 8010 bench model and numerous old school Tripplet and Simpson analog meters. I use these for projects and AC voltage stuff around the house and a Fluke 77 rides around in my daily driver.

The meter that rides around in the MV's tool bag is the super cheap (free) Harbor Freight DMMs they were giving away last month. They work fine for DC voltage and continuity checks and if I lose or break it, I don't worry about it.

I stopped in every time I went by HF last month and picked one up, now I have a box full. I'm giving them as gifts etc. to people in need and I have spares for me.

 

[M35A2-AZ]

I have a Fluke also and it has been banged around,and dropped for 25 years.

 

[swbradley1]

You know what they say, " If it works, it's a Fluke."




I use the cheapest I can find that I like the looks of the case.

 

[steelandcanvas]

FLUKE, I have used them for years. Spendy, but well worth the price.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Guess I'm off the reservation on this one. Never owned a fluke, never needed to. Working in the pool business in the 80s I needed something tough and water resistent. The Beckman HD100 was that meter. Been using it ever since.

 

[tim292stro]

You haven't really spoken to the issue of your budget, so the criteria are:

• Cheap <-- kind of nebulous
• Multimeter functionality for all purposes
• Clamp meter for MEP diagnostic use
• Frequency counter for MEP diagnostic use
• Continuity function that "beeps"
• Reliable/tough

So just summarizing from the other posts here, it looks like the Fluke 375 will cover your needs. I'm sure you can find a used one on any popular auction site for under $200. If you really find you need the larger current loop that the 376 and 381 come with, you can buy that separately later for about $150 (it works with the 375, it's just not "included").