Need a new multimeter/voltmeter - any suggestions on brands?

[tankman1989]

I have had a few different multimeters/voltmeter, usually less expensive models and they all seem to go bad after a little while giving bad readings. I need to get one that I can rely on. I'm not keen on spending $150-300 or so that a Fluke costs so I'm looking for suggestions of reliable brands/models if anyone knows them.

 

[mr m]

You said it. Fluke.

I own two. One of them is in my toolbox since 1982. It's a quality instrument well worth the price.

 

[Martyn]

I think we can all tell the same story. I've had a fluke from the early 90s and it has seen other multimeters come and go.

 

[tankman1989]

So this isn't an uncommon occurrence with them going bad (the cheaper ones)? Can someone suggest a Fluke model that they like that is good for computer and electronics? I don't need all the bells and whistles and found this one:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_235709-11906-FLUKE-113/RL_?PL=1&productId=3306068

What do you think about buying used equipment? It seems that they are 1/3-1/2 the price.

I think the two most expensive equipment manufacturers for our industry are Fluke and Ideal. Both are crazy expensive, especially when bought at specialty retailers. My original Cat5 crimper (Ideal) I got back in 1998 was about $150 and the coax/RG6 adapter was $55 or so. Now I can get a nicer crimper for about $25-30...

 

[mraikes]

If you're open to used, I've been happy with my Fluke 110.

Like this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-110-T...655?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item258423308f

 

[altrenda]

You don't say what you are using it for, nor how accurate you need. Are you looking for just the prescence of voltage or continuity, or are you making precise measurments?

The Fluke 113 is a great basic multimeter. There are cheaper ones that work as well, but with Fluke you pay for the longevity.

It can be had for around $115 online, list price is $129.

 

[madcow007]

fluke is king but if you are looking for a decent quality feature loaded meter on the cheap I would suggest checking out the UNI-T UT61E

http://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut61e-multimeter-teardown-photos/ < tear down and backlight mod can be found here

 

[Krynn72]

Speaking of the EEVBlog, I bought my first one based off Dave's video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-_dUB8vy8U&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PL4F0B97C59B1D2509

Been pretty happy with it, the continuity tester on my particular one seems significantly slower than the one he tested, but oh well. Works well enough, and for $85 bucks I can't complain.

 

[Rosco]

i have been super happy with my radioshack. Very well made.

 

[inlinetech]

I have a Fluke 287. It's great and use it a lot.

 

[rottenit]

I have had a fluke for 15 years. So id agree going that direction.

On top of what everyone said keep in mind some of the non-test related features like a backlit LCD, data hold, etc. that you might like.

 

[frederick]

I've been using a Ryobi TEK4 Multimeter for about 2 years now after my RadioShack died. It's been die hard. Dropped who knows how many times now. My buddy has a fluke, and they both read near equal in all areas. I've gone weeks without recharging it, and it keeps going like a champ until I remember to charge it.