Thread: Multi-meter suggestions?

I need a multimeter as I want to ground my MAF.

Here is the Harbor Freight selection:

Search results for: 'multimeter'

From $5.00 to $45.00. Too many selections for me on a tool I have never used.

I can afford the 14-function $45.00 if that is what I need, but the little 5-function $12.00 clamp-on looks like it got even better reviews. 4.5 stars, is that the one I should buy?

Is there some other superior brands I should look into?

How much multimeter do I need?

Beyond the MAF issue, I don't even know what else I could (or would) check with a multimeter.

Recommendations and/or your expertise if greatly appreciated.



Shawn The Bumbling Mechanical Noob

shawn those cheap meters are not very accurate. A good multimeter can be used to diagnose all kinds of electrical issues. I would suggest some thing made by fluke. the 112 is a good cheaper unit but its still around $100. If you buy fluke you will only buy it once. I have never seen a fluke meter go out of spec in the seven years I ran a cal lab. The only thing I would ever have to do was replace the test leads or replace the internal fuse when some one did something dumb.

I agree, if you are looking for something you will only use once in awhile then go with the harbor freight. If you want a meter that will last your lifetime and be accurate, buy a Fluke. We only use Flukes at work and have owned a Fluke personally for 10 years and never an issue.

Well thank you gentlemen.

That is exactly the type of advice I needed.

I am determined to be doing my own fixes, repairs or maintenance. And I am both clueless and a bit intimidated under the hood of a vehicle.

I can spring for a Fluke if that is the way to go. I am not into buying tools twice, I surely don't want to be second-guessing my tools for accuracy. That would be a PITA, in particular for a noob.

I can also write off pretty much any tool on planet earth.

Fluke. I'll go look at Amazon and see what's up. I'll look for that 112 model.

Gracias!

Hey Shawn.

Sears has a deal of the day on a multimeter. It will be over in about 5 hours. Normal price is $30, its going for $15 w free pickup. If you ship they might charge you.

Extech Multimeter

I have a craftman one i use around home that is perfect for just basic stuff

I have a snap on multimeter I am selling, but it may be way overkill for what you need. Check out flukes or craftsman.

Shawn, get a Fluke and never look back! I've been using them for the last 12 yrs in my line of work and have never seen 1 gone bad, aside from terminal leads.

I came in here to recommend whatever is cheapest (but still digital). I've been using a cheap multimeter from Radio Shack for maybe 10 or more years and while I've had to replace the battery once or twice it has never failed me, nor given grossly inaccurate results as far as I know (unless the battery is about to die which it warns you about on the screen).

After reading these other nice folks post, I'm still a bit hesitant to recommend even something above the $15 range. I know we all want quality and stuff to last forever, but for the use you'd get out of it, I think a cheap-o unit would still suffice. Not to mention if you're just getting in to this I'd recommend a unit that isn't going to overwhelm you with features.

This is the exact unit I have. The updated unit model number is 22-182.


I wouldn't necessarily recommend it simply because the leads don't detach and they don't store well in the flip-case. I would spend a little more to find one that stores better.


My 2¢ for whatever that's worth. I'm curious what others think of my multimeter or Radio Shack meters in general.



Edit: Maybe I was wrong and it's a decent multimeter all along. It is $25 for what looks like the updated model.

Interesting.

Well, I went looking for Fluke on Amazon. I appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Came up with these items.

Cheapest Fluke model. $135. 4 1/2-Stars. 84-reviews. Best selling model. ALL the Fluke models were indeed greatly praised.
Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter - Amazon.com

Mastech unit. $40-dollars. 4 1/2-Stars. 82-reviews. Best Selling model.
Mastech MS8268 Digital AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter Meter: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Extech unit. $20-dollars. 4-Stars. 40-reviews. Best Selling model.
Extech MN35 Digital Mini MultiMeter - Amazon.com

I am definitely all about quality tools. At the same time, this MAF-grounding is the first time I have ever required such a unit. I am also all about bang-for-the-buck and smart shopping (re: 1993 SE-R).

I am a fledgling, newb, ain't got a clue, starting to work on my own shit out of necessity kind of wrench.

Further, I am able to breathe again with my farms finances (they were scary-stupid-tight for a while), but cannot afford any foolish, extravagant or unnecessary expenses. I am hoping to once again have a bit more (OK, a lot more...) discretionary income in the future.

With that information, how do you gentlemen feel about that Mastech or Extech unit? Both seem like pretty legit options at their price-point when you scan the reviews.

Thanks again guys. I'd be utterly and completely lost on the most minor fixes without your greatly appreciated direction and help.

Shawn B