Hi - I am looking for a good general purpose multimeter I would use it for automotive testing ...

[G+_Gerry Morin]

Hi -

I am looking for a good general purpose multimeter. I would use it for automotive testing circuits, General household repairs and some electronic project building.

 

Quite a while ago I think there was a Know How show with a recommended electronics tool kit. Anyone remember or can provide link?

 

Thanks, Gerry

[G+_Todd Barnard]

Hi Gerry, There a many on Amazon for $25 or less. I was an RV tech for 20+ yrs and measured both AC and DC daily, and loved having the ability to measure DC amps. Most of my inexpensive meters went up to 10 amps DC and if I forgot to switch from one range to another, or touched the wrong thing in the dark, where I often worked, then I wasn't out a ton of money if some smoke rolled out!

 

I still have a few 20 yr old meters of this kind. I have a few newer ones I've picked from Sears when I found a deal, but usually grab the old timers for checking the kinds of things you mentioned. I have also put alligator clips on a few sets of leads so I always have one meter with clips and one with test leads at the ready!

 

One with a rubber bumper case is helpful for protection too.

[G+_John Sullivan]

Do you get the Harbor Freight ads? They usually have a coupon for a free multimeter with any purchase. I think you'll find it's good enough for what you want to do.

[G+_David Peach]

I have a couple of nicer meters but heavily rely on the free Harbor Freight ones for day to day stuff. It is nice having one in every place I may need a meter. I have 3 at my office (one is always in our on my desk). I probably have 4 at home that get regular use. I even have one hanging on a hook still in the package on the pegboard at my work bench just in case another is not handy.

 

I'm not knocking nicer meters, but the vast majority of the time a free Harbor Freight meter is all I need. And when you accidentally do something really stupid and the leads explode and the meter goes flying you will be grateful that it took the hit for you (true story).

[G+_Dan Hockey]

I have a Fluke 77 that my dad bought some time in the mid 80's. It's semi retired now in that I use it for home projects. I have a Fluke 88 that I use for my day job and I bought it used. Fuses and leads and the only things I've had to replace. If you buy a Fluke it'll probably be the last meter you''l have to buy. Sure they are expensive, but like they say, you get what you pay for.

[G+_Todd Barnard]

David Peach This is my feeling too, David. As you get proficient or require more accuracy, then spend the money. I literally have meters all over the house. The fewer steps you need to get one, the more likely you are to use it. One old timer is in the door pocket of my truck, one in the glove-box of my wifes car, the drawer where we store batteries...

[G+_Richard Bell]

I'm with Dan Hockey I finally purchased a Fluke 117 and will never go back to the less expensive ones. I been through dozens of them. This Fluke is likely to be the last one that I ever have to buy. No smoke, just popped fuses that are replaceable. And very accurate. While I got mine new, there are several on eBay used and in good shape.

[G+_K Branch jr]

I have 2 free ones . The good meter move out . ??#% well I can not found it.

This is what I did .. I when to the pawnshop. You can get two different ones. I suggest one with the amp probe circle.. The p-shop will save u some money, and u can try different makes and models..

 

I will post u some that I found and links , this week

[G+_Jeff Gros]

Dave Jones of the EEVBlog does multimeter shootouts. I picked up some Extech (EX330) meters a few years back on his recommendation. I'll agree with the others, Fluke is better (and it's what I use at work). But the Extech is pretty good value for money. And most importantly it has a non-contact voltage detector so you don't kill yourself probing where you shouldn't. :)

 

amazon.com - Amazon.com: Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini Multimeter with NCV and Type K Temperature: Home Improvement

[G+_Tom Apalenek]

I have used the free Harbor Freight meter at a friends house to help him with a project. The accuracy was fine for a home project, but I couldn’t get it to read consistently. It would jump between the actual voltage and zero. Playing with the leads and meter would get it to read again. I don’t know if it was a bad connection in one of the leads or the connection in the meter jack, but I wouldn’t use it for something my life depended on like confirming that a high voltage circuit is dead. I would at least go with something in the Extech quality range for anything serious or higher voltage. I have an Extech meter and it works pretty well. I also use Fluke meters for work and agree with the comments above on their quality.

[G+_Ben Reese]

I'll have to keep an eye on the Harbor Freight ad for one of those freebies. I could probably use a couple more around the house too.

[G+_John Moesner]

For a general purpose Home meter go to Harbor Freight. Their meters are cheap and will measure anything you need around the Home.

[G+_Stephen Hart]

Quick comment that you need to replace the battery in your multimeter before it dies. I had a multimeter that was reporting 900 ohms for 980 ohm resistors with a weak battery but was accurate with a new one.