Multi meter recommendations

[meep]

my best meter has been a Klein, and it has an amp clamp (for AC only). Quality really counts above features for me. For amps, a volt meter with a simple shunt (resistor) can create an ammeter any day. The amp clamp is helpful around the house, evaluating the hvac compressor, and the like. But a solid dial, thick plastic, and replaceable leads are really good to have.

I also used a $15 micronta (radio shack) for years just fine until the metal fatigue killed the leads. It did fine.

a needle is super helpful for reading pulses which a digital meter can’t track.

 

[redbone3]

You should first decide: 1. I want a multimeter that I can use for simple troubleshooting on my vehicle. 2. I want a real automotive multimeter that will measure pulses, rpm, dwell, etc. Number one can be very inexpensive. Number two is more money.

 

[jayjr1105]

The two I use most are

UT61E:
https://www.amazon.com/UNI-T-Digita...d=1&keywords=Unit+ut61e&qid=1621740055&sr=8-2

and UT210e clamp meter:
https://www.amazon.com/Uni-T-B4Q094...=1&keywords=Unit+ut210e&qid=1621740157&sr=8-3

I second both of these. Especially the UT210e because it can clamp AC and DC for current measurement. I'm a bit of a meter snob and have an expensive Brymen for electronics troubleshooting but just about anything will do for auto use.

You should first decide: 1. I want a multimeter that I can use for simple troubleshooting on my vehicle. 2. I want a real automotive multimeter that will measure pulses, rpm, dwell, etc. Number one can be very inexpensive. Number two is more money.

This is a very good question. If 1. is your goal, you can get just about anything.

https://www.amazon.com/UNI-T-Digital-Frequency-Resistance-Capacitance/dp/B08PP15B87

 

[53' Stude]

Jayhr1105: I’m looking at that UTI you posted

 

[TMoto]

The two I use most are

UT61E:
https://www.amazon.com/UNI-T-Digita...d=1&keywords=Unit+ut61e&qid=1621740055&sr=8-2

and UT210e clamp meter:
https://www.amazon.com/Uni-T-B4Q094...=1&keywords=Unit+ut210e&qid=1621740157&sr=8-3

I have the UT210e and so far, for my DIY needs every once in a while, it works well. It's not perfect but for its features at that price point, it does a good job. There are some online reviews on it if you search.

Someone else suggested a probe set for various tasks including piercing and I agree with that as well.

 

[jayjr1105]

It comes with standard probes. But you can get more advanced probe kits with gator clips, bed of nails, etc. FYI it only measures current through it's clamp. This is good so you never need to mess with fuses but bad if you want to hard wire measure for current sometimes. A $10 regular meter can do this though.

 

[sloinker]

If you are going to do any sensor testing or control module(computer) I/O testing then be sure to get a high impedance meter. Nothing low impedance like a Simpson 260. Firstly it may cause false readings because of loading and It would be a drag to damage your drivetrain control module because you used a Harbor Freight give-away-free DMM. Make sure the input impedance is at the very least a Megohm. Not sure what it is on many of these cheaper models but you can rest assured the Fluke will be fine.

 

[JHZR2]

Uh oh....Everyone and there Grandma is gonna recommend Fluke

Yeah, fluke is excellent. Some are made in the USA too.

I’ve had a few HF freebies and they all lose calibration and stop working after about five years.

The Owon 35t+ is good because it logs data. I’ve used two of those for battery charger tests.

I have a Fluke dc clamp meter, but I also have a $50 dc clamp meter from Amazon that has multimeter leads. For most folks that is a best bet. Measure dc and ac current by clamp, voltages, etc.

 

[another Todd]

I agree with any from Home Depot, and probably Lowes. I have had several from Amazon that were complete junk. I have various brands and capabilities, my favorite in my stash is the only Fluke I have...an AC/DC Amp clamp that also has the ability to test volts, ohms, capacitors and more. I also have a couple Kliens that have been good too.

 

[jayjr1105]

I see car guys with these Innova 3320 and 3340's

https://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3320-Auto-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B000KIMHRQ

 

[NJC]

I bought a fluke about 20yrs ago that was stolen, and now borrow a Fluke 77 when I need it. I barely use most of the functions, resistance / continuity and DVC for batteries. I like them because of durability.

 

[chemman]

I have purchased a couple of the Innova 3320 auto ranging DMMs over the years and they are not a bad little digital multimeter to have on hand. It's relatively inexpensive, fairly accurate in voltage readings relative to my Fluke 87V, and if breaks, I wouldn't cry.

It also has a 10 megohm input impedance so it won't drag down circuits that are being tested.

 

[zzyzzx]

Those HF meters are poor quality and I have seen them bad even when new. If you don't want to spend much even a cheap $20 - $30 voltmeter purchased at WalMart or Home Depot is fine for most people. Having written that, I use a Fluke 77 that I bought in the 80's for over $100 back then.

 

[wtd]

Depends on budget, frequency of use, and whether you're a butterfingers who often knocks things so it needs built tough.

A basic DC-current (watch out for this, many are only AC-current) clamp meter would be most versatile and entry level automotive oriented. What the best deal is at any given moment, hard to say on amazon and depends on whether you'd wait 5+ weeks for something from a Chinese merchant.

Here's an example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721MKXBC?

However it is also helpful to have a 2nd meter for measuring current concurrent to voltage, but I'm thinking of other disciplines more than automotive, then a value leader on Amazon is the Aneng brand, but really, there are very many options though the Centek/etc cheapies from Harbor Freight tend to fall apart, unlikely to survive a drop and short, low quality probe leads.

There's the 2nd aspect to it, invest in a probe lead set with the hooks, needle piercing and alligator jaw tips, and lead extensions... or make your own.

I have this exact clamp meter that I bought for doing parasitic draws. I have several other multimeters. My Innova 3340 is automotive specific. I have a Craftsman Professional one that is no longer made but it's one of their high dollar ones and I also have one of their cheaper ones. I also have a couple HF ones and an old Equus one.

 

[Dave9]

a needle is super helpful for reading pulses which a digital meter can’t track.

It's amazing what ~$50 will buy these days.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4001290971616.html

 

[meep]

.unreal.

 

[Donald]

I have been using various meters since my Dad showed me how. Probably a vacuum tube VOM with analog meter. Probably early 1960s.

I have several including one of the better ones from HF that also measures capacitance. Also suggest a non conducting AC voltage tester. And a clamp on meter for measuring AC & DC amps.

 

[wdn]

I have a Fluke 87V and a Brymen BM867s for my multimeter needs.