Your meter is most likely in a 200V range, and it is sometimes able to resolve a reading at terminal 21, and at other times it goes over limit, which it displays as a 1 on the left side of the display (as opposed to 1V, which would be a 1 at the right side of the display).
The spark was most likely caused by your probe slipping. This is why we suggest using clips to secure your probe. Go to RadioShack and buy some. I will postulate that most of your measuring issues have been caused by an insecure probe connection, rather than a faulty solder joint.