Hey Multimeter Gurus

[allz28]

Any suggestions on a good, easy-to-use, digital multimeter?

I'm a beginner and will mostly use it on cars.

While cheaper is better, I'm willing to spend money on a good one.

Also, anyone know of some good resources to teach yourself how to use one real well? (websites, books, etc.)

Thanks.

 

[pedro]

I bought a $10 multimeter from Autozone and has worked wonders. I just use it occasionally for the Stang and my DD Cavalier, though.

 

[jrichker]

Check out eBay for a DMM. I got a used Fluke 27 (high end meter, ruggedized, auto ranges and great accuracy). cost me $37 shipped to my door. It had some dings and scratches, but it works great. The cost for the same model new was over $400.

Fluke and Tripplet are two of the best brands.

 

[1991notchbackLX]

+1 for a Fluke meter. I have a few and they're all great tools. They last forever and give reliable readings.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Another vote for a used fluke off bay

 

[nisreo]

yup go with fluke. I have an 88V but I need it for work, so dont go crazy for just home use.

 

[Stever89]

I write electronic calibration procedures for Nasa, DMMs amongst many other items. It's true, Fluke is the "end all be all" for multimeters, they're the most durable and accurate.

DMMs do many things these days, but for automotive use, you'll probably be using the VDC and continuity functions the most. Those can be found on meters that don't cost nearly as much. If you can find a deal on a Fluke, by all means pick it up. I don't know about you, but finding a real deal on fleabay isn't what it used to be, seems like everyone knows what's up these days.

I've got a Fluke 87 and and a 77, but I also have one from Radio Shack that's just as good for automotive use, and damn near as accurate. The only differences are the readout takes maybe a half-second longer to to display, and it's not as rugged.

Flukes are great, but they're not indestructible. I dropped one from 5 levels up on a Space Shuttle engine stand. It exploded when it hit the deck.

 

[aar0s]

I write electronic calibration procedures for Nasa, DMMs amongst many other items. It's true, Fluke is the "end all be all" for multimeters, they're the most durable and accurate.

DMMs do many things these days, but for automotive use, you'll probably be using the VDC and continuity functions the most. Those can be found on meters that don't cost nearly as much. If you can find a deal on a Fluke, by all means pick it up. I don't know about you, but finding a real deal on fleabay isn't what it used to be, seems like everyone knows what's up these days.

I've got a Fluke 87 and and a 77, but I also have one from Radio Shack that's just as good for automotive use, and damn near as accurate. The only differences are the readout takes maybe a half-second longer to to display, and it's not as rugged.

Flukes are great, but they're not indestructible. I dropped one from 5 levels up on a Space Shuttle engine stand. It exploded when it hit the deck.

You, sir, probably have one of the coolest of all jobs.
damnit, ive been watching some flukes on eBay and now this thread pops up and prices go up