Bottlehead Forum

General Category => Tech Tools => Topic started by: Clover on September 15, 2021, 10:42:14 AM

Title: Multimeter buying advice
Post by: Clover on September 15, 2021, 10:42:14 AM

I ordered my first kit, partially to learn new skills.  When I went and checked my multimeter, I realized it only goes to 300 V DC so I am going to need to buy a new multimeter that will work for the S.E.X build.  Part of this was to learn how to use these tools and I am also planning to use the multimeter for the wiring on a kit car build I am doing.  I honestly have no idea how to use the thing and have a pretty limited understanding of circuits so I'm not even really sure what I need.  I saw suggestions for a used Fluke but everything I am seeing around me are the more professional models that are not real affordable.  I starting looking at the 117 and and 106 and 87  which seem more affordable but since I don't really understand the tool and how it is used for various things, I'm not sure what I need.

Is there a specific Fluke models people recommend for kit building/automotive/general use?  I'm not exactly looking for the cheapest in the world and I want to get a quality tool that will last me and not leave me wanting something else better next year.  At the same time, I know I don't need some of these things I am coming across.  I'm not even sure where to start or what to look for.

Thanks for the guidance. 

Title: Re: Multimeter buying advice
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 15, 2021, 11:07:13 AM

I would buy one of these:
https://www.harborfreight.com/11-function-digital-multimeter-with-audible-continuity-61593.html (https://www.harborfreight.com/11-function-digital-multimeter-with-audible-continuity-61593.html)

and put these probes on it:

https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Multimeter-Precision-Gold-Plated-Alligator/dp/B082L2SVGB (https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Multimeter-Precision-Gold-Plated-Alligator/dp/B082L2SVGB)

When the Fluke 174 that I have dies, I will replace it with a HFT meter.

Title: Re: Multimeter buying advice
Post by: Clover on September 16, 2021, 04:28:53 AM

Thanks.  Always nice when a HF tool is a good option.

Title: Re: Multimeter buying advice
Post by: Paul Birkeland on September 16, 2021, 04:46:32 AM

There are higher priced meters at HFT that are autoranging, but that one is going to do the job just fine.

Title: Re: Multimeter buying advice
Post by: Tabaia on February 23, 2025, 10:53:51 PM

Hi,
I coudn't find the multimeter you recommended.
As I am from Australia, would you kindly recommend one for me.
Perhaps on Amazon or Ebay could make it easier.

Ta Beia

Title: Re: Multimeter buying advice
Post by: Paul Birkeland on February 24, 2025, 04:29:44 AM

I don't know much about Australian retailers, but you could try something like this:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806596701667.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.19.76291016TIp2Nt&algo_pvid=8255352e-3415-4345-bbea-10a95aff49ac&algo_exp_id=8255352e-3415-4345-bbea-10a95aff49ac-9&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2210853%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22orig_sl_item_id%22%3A%221005006783016419%22%2C%22orig_item_id%22%3A%221005005948230492%22%7D&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2139.03%2119.13%21%21%21281.38%21137.88%21%402101c72a17404108770628764ec070%2112000038282001806%21sea%21US%211982106386%21X&curPageLogUid=rAI56Sn08MoF&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A&_gl=1*8c7yti*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NDAyOTkyNTAuQ2p3S0NBaUFpT2E5QmhCcUVpd0FCQ2RHOHc4V202Z3pzbFlvVUY2OEZvcEdoN09hU2ZSVU96Q2FkUFBqcmpJLWNTS3JkdGZEdENfMVlSb0NQSG9RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE3NDAyOTkyNTAuQ2p3S0NBaUFpT2E5QmhCcUVpd0FCQ2RHOHc4V202Z3pzbFlvVUY2OEZvcEdoN09hU2ZSVU96Q2FkUFBqcmpJLWNTS3JkdGZEdENfMVlSb0NQSG9RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*NzQ5MjAyNjE1LjE3MzUxNzIwOTI.*_ga*YzM2MTI3MGMtNTQwZi00MmYwLWJkNzUtMDI3ZmIyZTI4MGUyLjE3MDMwOTE1NTE1MjA.*_ga_VED1YSGNC7*MTc0MDQxMDg2NC40MzQuMS4xNzQwNDEwODc2LjQ4LjAuMA..#nav-review (https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806596701667.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.19.76291016TIp2Nt&algo_pvid=8255352e-3415-4345-bbea-10a95aff49ac&algo_exp_id=8255352e-3415-4345-bbea-10a95aff49ac-9&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22order%22%3A%2210853%22%2C%22eval%22%3A%221%22%2C%22orig_sl_item_id%22%3A%221005006783016419%22%2C%22orig_item_id%22%3A%221005005948230492%22%7D&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%2139.03%2119.13%21%21%21281.38%21137.88%21%402101c72a17404108770628764ec070%2112000038282001806%21sea%21US%211982106386%21X&curPageLogUid=rAI56Sn08MoF&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A&_gl=1*8c7yti*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NDAyOTkyNTAuQ2p3S0NBaUFpT2E5QmhCcUVpd0FCQ2RHOHc4V202Z3pzbFlvVUY2OEZvcEdoN09hU2ZSVU96Q2FkUFBqcmpJLWNTS3JkdGZEdENfMVlSb0NQSG9RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_dc*R0NMLjE3NDAyOTkyNTAuQ2p3S0NBaUFpT2E5QmhCcUVpd0FCQ2RHOHc4V202Z3pzbFlvVUY2OEZvcEdoN09hU2ZSVU96Q2FkUFBqcmpJLWNTS3JkdGZEdENfMVlSb0NQSG9RQXZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*NzQ5MjAyNjE1LjE3MzUxNzIwOTI.*_ga*YzM2MTI3MGMtNTQwZi00MmYwLWJkNzUtMDI3ZmIyZTI4MGUyLjE3MDMwOTE1NTE1MjA.*_ga_VED1YSGNC7*MTc0MDQxMDg2NC40MzQuMS4xNzQwNDEwODc2LjQ4LjAuMA..#nav-review)

Title: Re: Multimeter buying advice
Post by: Tabaia on February 26, 2025, 06:09:23 PM

Thanks for the info.
I ended up getting a fluke 101 .
Hope that will do the trick.
I know nothing but am courageous.
Learning and experience will come
 :)