What Brand of Multimeter Do You Suggest?

[C26Pinelake]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

There is a Sperry 152 on ebay now.

Yes there is for $29 dollars when new ones have sold recently on Ebay for about 8 or $ 9 dollars. Better to wait this one out !
Wayne
P.s. You will note that it is made in C H I N A.

[larrys40]

Originally Posted by C26Pinelake

Unless of course you drop it and break it and then you will wish you had bought the HF.
Wayne

Wayne
There are fluke models with a rubberized case that protect them
I wouldn't highly recommend them. Mine has seen rough duty service plenty
I was a computer tech in the earlier years and used them plenty
Mine is over 25 years old and still going strong

I gave a seminar last year at the MARC membership meet on how to use a voltmeter and we gave away a hRbor freight unit to all attending . Yes they do measure simple voltage , but are irradic and not that accurate at times from my experience , which is probably more than yours . A voltmeter is really one if the best troubleshooting tools you can have . Most don't know how to use them but can learn . It's really not that difficult to use one with a little instruction

It boils down to if you are cheap then go buy the harbor freight unit . If you want a quality measuring device go buy a fluke or another quality brand .

Larry Shepard

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by ericr

you are asking the type of questions that always puzzle me. I have a Radio Shack meter from years past and the instructions are minimal, the symbols on the unit are tiny and esoteric, the scale is confusing, etc. makes me want to test the storage battery by putting a pliers across the terminals.

Here you go, only $5.45 free delivery, tests up to 15 volts DC, and one basic scale. It also needs no battery.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-15V-Analo...ht_3620wt_1001

[Joe K]

It boils down to if you are cheap then go buy the harbor freight unit .

Ahem. Those of us who own (and tolerate) the HF meters prefer "frugal" as descriptive.

But this our excuse for financial challenge in other areas that prevent a better investment.

We will concede "The best tools are none too good."

I see a Simpson 260 down in Taxachusetts for $80. Wot a tool this craigslist!



My hero!

Joe K

[Minn-Tex Lee]

No matter which one you get - inspect and if needed solder the wire to connector ends. I have found they fail at the most inopportune times.
Lee

[C26Pinelake]

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Originally Posted by larrys40

Wayne
There are fluke models with a rubberized case that protect them
I wouldn't highly recommend them. Mine has seen rough duty service plenty
I was a computer tech in the earlier years and used them plenty
Mine is over 25 years old and still going strong

I gave a seminar last year at the MARC membership meet on how to use a voltmeter and we gave away a hRbor freight unit to all attending . Yes they do measure simple voltage , but are irradic and not that accurate at times from my experience , which is probably more than yours . A voltmeter is really one if the best troubleshooting tools you can have . Most don't know how to use them but can learn . It's really not that difficult to use one with a little instruction

It boils down to if you are cheap then go buy the harbor freight unit . If you want a quality measuring device go buy a fluke or another quality brand .

Larry Shepard

There is no contest that you have more experience using a voltmeter that I do. Having said that there is no need to buy a limousine to drive the kids to school when a minivan will do. I also don't buy tires that are 200 miles per hour speed rated.
So cheapness is a total inappropriate choice of words. To buy a device that suits your needs is far more logical and prudent than buying an excessive device just so you won't be called cheap. You have the status symbol, I have an appropriate device for my purpose and money in my pocket to spend on other model A purchases. IMHO
Wayne

[larrys40]

Wayne
I probably could have substituted "want" for "are" but I will still say that you get what you pay for wih a meter . I have thrown them in my to go toolbox at times to go on the road . And every time I used them I wish I had brought the fluke
Cheap screwdrivers are one thing, cheap meters are another .
Wasn't trying to step on anybody's toes but you really do get what you pay for . The cheap meters can be ok at times and then other times not be worth the trouble and lead you astray and not give proper readings
Larry

[The Hot Rod Grille]

Another vote for Fluke.

Jim

[mshmodela]

Simpson's are clearly the best....Though I think for model A cars they are tad over kill, less you do a lot of generator work (In the business repairing those) ... A $50-ish analog meter and cheap digital for quick check.

I have one these: $7 it's a toss away... and I have an OLD Harbor Freight Analog (Chinese Knockoff that was my late Father's that is 20 year old... works fine)

[Mitch//pa]

many digitals will give you false readings when the car is running due to ignition interference
some of the more expensive ones have a smooth button which helps with that