Multimeter Recommendations: My multimeter of 15 years died on me yesterday. Unfortunately, and not unexpectedly, they don't make that model any longer. My main use of these meters is...

bobforman Loc: Anacortes, Washington State

My multimeter of 15 years died on me yesterday. Unfortunately, and not unexpectedly, they don't make that model any longer. My main use of these meters is automotive and some general stuff around the house. Does anyone have a recommendation for a mid-priced unit ($50 - $100) of decent quality?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Funny timing, there is a thread about Radio Shack (& others) running concurrently.

I'd just BTB and go to Lowes/Home Depot and see what they have, and pick one...
(Mine are 30+ years old.)

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

We use Fluke meters at work but, they are probably a little more expensive than what you're looking for. They are however, very rugged, dependable and fairly accurate.

davesit Loc: Lansing, New York

You can pick up a multimeter for $15 these days and the quality is surprisingly decent. But if you want a name-brand, here is one made by Klein for $40. Amazon link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Electrical-Test-Klein-Tools-69149/dp/B07BVXBQJD/ref=sr_1_10?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1550525848&sr=1-10&keywords=multimeter

John Lash

We use Fluke too. Pay the price and cry once...

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If you want an analog VOM as opposed to a DVM, the standards are the Simpson 260 or the Triplett 630. If you want a decent DVM, Fluke or Simpson or Wavetek - all old-line names that build quality products. I sold test and measurement equipment for 12 years for Tektronix, and the conventional wisdom was Tek for scopes, HP for spectrum analyzers, Wavetek for signal/function generators and John Fluke for DVMs. I have a Wavetek model 27XT (in addition to several Tek TM500 DVMs) that measures frequency, capacitance and inductance as well, and I like it a lot, but my Triplett 630 is still working fine after 45 years.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

bobforman wrote:

My multimeter of 15 years died on me yesterday. Unfortunately, and not unexpectedly, they don't make that model any longer. My main use of these meters is automotive and some general stuff around the house. Does anyone have a recommendation for a mid-priced unit ($50 - $100) of decent quality?

I got a cheap one from the hardware store about 6-8 years ago. It was dead about a year ago. Picked up another at Lowes. Still working so far.
The Heathkit multimeter I built around 1950 is still working fine. But it's not digital.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

DirtFarmer wrote:

I got a cheap one from the hardware store about 6-8 years ago. It was dead about a year ago. Picked up another at Lowes. Still working so far.
The Heathkit multimeter I built around 1950 is still working fine. But it's not digital.

(Smile) just sold my old Heathkit VTVM at last year’s hamfest...

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

TriX wrote:

(Smile) just sold my old Heathkit VTVM at last year’s hamfest...

This was before the VTVM. d'Arsenval movement. Bakelite case (somewhat worn by now). I believe it was the first thing I built from a kit (based on my aging memory).

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

If you want the versatilty and are willing to spend your $100 the Craftsman Pro Series 1000A will do most anything and has a built clamp for amperage readings. It’s very convenient when wanting to test for parasitic draw. I have used this for sereral years without problems. I too have a Fluke I used when working but today find the Craftsman convenient for its versatility at a fraction of the Fluke’s cost. Sort of a jack of all trades meter. Good luck.

pendennis

Got all the meter I need with the Klein MM1000. I think I paid $90 +/- for it at Home Depot. As a back-up, though, I still have a Radio Shack digital that works.

A local camera dealer has a Simpson 260 Multimeter. It's exactly the one my dad used when he was a journeyman electrician. Don't know what I'd do with it, though, other than admire it on the shelf. Those jeweled movements were superb in their day. I see that they're still sold today.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

pendennis wrote:

Got all the meter I need with the Klein MM1000. I think I paid $90 +/- for it at Home Depot. As a back-up, though, I still have a Radio Shack digital that works.

A local camera dealer has a Simpson 260 Multimeter. It's exactly the one my dad used when he was a journeyman electrician. Don't know what I'd do with it, though, other than admire it on the shelf. Those jeweled movements were superb in their day. I see that they're still sold today.

The Simpson is still very usable. The only issue is the battery used on the high resistance ranges that can be hard to find.

Largobob

Depending on the degree of accuracy you need, Harbor Freight has a small digital multimeter that they GIVE AWAY FREE, with other purchase. I have several and they work fine for automotive and household use.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DirtFarmer wrote:

But it's not digital.

There's something nice about seeing that big needle move. You know something is actually happening.

DaveC1 Loc: South East US

TriX wrote:

If you want an analog VOM as opposed to a DVM, the... (show quote)

The man knows his test equipment!