Buying a multitester, what to look for??
 

This seems like the right place to start this thread. I'm not a new member, but I ask alot of newbie questions....this being one of them.

I've been borrowing my bro-in-laws multitester for too long and need to get it back to him. I'm being OCD worrying this much about what to get...but I have to follow my compulsion.

Basically I see them from anywhere from $20 to well over $100 and I'm too inexperienced with electronics to know which one is best for my purposes. I've got a pretty big draw on my electrical system with 3 amps and would like to add a Taurus efan. All I want to be able to do is check resistance, voltage, continuity and how many amps I'm pulling. I was all set just to get a midrange Craftsman, then I see in store they have an Ammeter that also lists that it performs resistance, voltage, etc. I was going to provide a link to Craftsman's site and a couple of their tools. But the site keeps timing out on me.

I know I'm thinking too hard about it, but want to make sure I get a tool I can grow into and not have to shop for again.

Any electrical gurus that can get me started would be much appreciated

Hey!


There are a lot of tester out there but taking the time to get a good one will pay for itself.
First, pick a good brand for future repairs if needed. I like and use FLUKE almost exclusively in work and play. Very high grade test meters. And they're bright yellow if you're prone to misplace stuff,,,like me. They most all have the basic functions you mentioned. I like lab meters with the push button range selection. But the dial is good when wearing gloves.

Second, how much capacity do you need to go through the unit for current measuring? You can buy an external amp clamp for most anything over 10 amps.

Third, Do you need it to be a tach or measure frequency? (Hz).

Finally, If you need it to measure house stuff, make sure it's good to at least 500V insulation.

GD

Buying a Multitester
 

The craftsman is OK but a little pricy. The Fluke is pretty good too. I use a Blue Point Digital multi-meter. It is not very cheap but it is very rugged, especially for a ham handed gearhead like me. It holds up very well to abuse (read- dropped, hit by fan, left on hood all day, dropped wrenches on, etc).

Just make sure it is digital and has volt/ohms/amp settings. Almost everything on a car is covered by what the meter can do. Make sure you read the manual with the meter you get as some use different settings than others to do the same thing.

I have the blue point, but the best thing for anyone to get is a cheep autoranging fluk. It works without you having to think about it and you can get the fuses for it anywhere. All I use to find a draw is a test light.

i have a meterman 38xr used often for years, good price, acurate and reliable it will do everything you would want to do. the ammeter is something i think you are over thinking if worried about amp draw just use common sense and you should be fine

i think for the most part jeff just pick up something that will do everything you want it to. maybe your best bet would be go to an electrician store. there they should have almost any kind of meter that will do almost anything you want. and they should know what they are talking about. but if you really must radioshack might not be too bad, only bad thing is that they hire anyone that can pass the interview(no offense to anyone working there) and they might not know as much about the meter or its functions.. thought i'd add my two cents into this

Look at a dedicated Auto meter. I have a Fluke 88. Comes with tach lead and has a 10 A pass through ammeter. Does the rest as well. Might look into a T-couple read out feature . It does come in handy for absolute final word on temps.

GD

Thanks for the responses. I have been over at the12volt.com and that site suggests a Fluke 88. I don't see myself dropping over $200 on one, my needs just don't merit that kind of tool. From what I've seen getting one that's between $40-80 will probably perform all the functions I'll ever need.

I use Fluke. The auto ranging feature is worth the money, so look for that.
If you are interested I have a used Fluke 77 for sale. Pm me if you are interested.

Well you need to get what fits your needs and budget. However, I have had two meters and use them for practically everything electrical. Even in the house.

But more than the functionality of the unit you DO buy, is that need for it to be calibrate-able. What good is the unit if you don't know if it's right or not.? I had my Fluke checked for cal each year and it has never had to have the "CAL" sticker taken off. So for about 9 years, it's been dead on the money to .0001 V.

That means alot to me.

GD

If I were you I'd buy the best compact multimeter that fits in your budget.

Then later if it's warranted you can buy the Fluke 88 and toss the compact in the toolbox that goes with you to events. A fluke 88 does fancy stuff like signals (injectors, metering pump control, etc) that beginning mechanics won't be using right away.

Dave