Looking for a budget multimeter for simple electrical issues around the house and with vehicles. What is your go to under $100?

rao11010 said:

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Looking for a budget multimeter for simple electrical issues around the house and with vehicles. What is your go to under $100?

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Harbor Freight.

Bought this one after a lot of research. Only things it doesn't have that I wish it did were an amp clamp and more thorough capacitor testing capabilities.

AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JL6LLL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Pour one out for Sears.... I picked this one up several years ago for $11.50 and it's almost $200 now on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-34-82141-Digital-Multimeter-Functions/dp/B000X5TSUA

Dill-Ag13 said:

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Bought this one after a lot of research. Only things it doesn't have that I wish it did were an amp clamp and more thorough capacitor testing capabilities.

AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JL6LLL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

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I have this same one. Works well for my needs. Next one I buy will have a wireless display. Would make one man diags easier.

I like Klein Tools. Has completely changed my troubleshooting abilities. Seems like new cars are just computers that have 4 tires.

https://www.amazon.com/Multimeter-Auto-Ranging-Klein-Tools-MM600/dp/B018CLOSTC/ref=asc_df_B018CLOSTC/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309768150198&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14912826574487303348&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027891&hvtargid=pla-384202826118&psc=1

Buy once, cry once.... Fluke is the way

Fluke is very good, but i have friends that also like Klein. Someone recommended the MM600, but the MM400 is good too.

https://www.amazon.com/Multimeter-Auto-Ranging-Klein-Tools-MM400/dp/B018EXZO8M/

I've been using those $7 digital display ones for 2 decades. They're fine for 99% of work.

I've seen the Kleins over the years and wandered what they can do that my cheap 'nicer' (than my first) Craftsman can't.

This would be a good choice

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Multi-Meter-Voltage-Tester-and-Outlet-Tester-Premium-Electrical-Tool-Set-69355/316913518

drumboy said:

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Pour one out for Sears.... I picked this one up several years ago for $11.50 and it's almost $200 now on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-34-82141-Digital-Multimeter-Functions/dp/B000X5TSUA

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I have the same one. Don't remember how much I paid for it, but it was WAY closer to $11.50 than $200!

91AggieLawyer said:

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drumboy said:

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Pour one out for Sears.... I picked this one up several years ago for $11.50 and it's almost $200 now on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-34-82141-Digital-Multimeter-Functions/dp/B000X5TSUA

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I have the same one. Don't remember how much I paid for it, but it was WAY closer to $11.50 than $200!

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Likewise. Bought mine ~10 years ago.

It's like Microsoft Word to me.

Have a Klein that has done plenty of work around the house and on an old car and have never had any issues.

Exotech has some decent stuff. Our guys ran through them, demanded Fluke and had same early failures.

They make compact meter that's ~30 bucks that's does most functions a home mechanic needs and it's super compact.

HalifaxAg said:

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Buy once, cry once.... Fluke is the way

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This is my favorite:

Fluke T5-1000

I've used it at work for over 15 years. I think there is a lower voltage one for less money.

Every budget multimeter that I've used has ended up in the trash after a year or two.

I use Flukes, Klein and my personal one is a Fieldpiece model HB74.

The Fieldpiece has served me well on the job, able to reliably measure milliamps.

Picked it up at a pawn shop in 2014 and going strong.

Greenlee has a good test and meter line. Lifetime warranty as well

Klein user here.

+1


I have had expensive ones and this one does 99% of what the expensive ones do. Great for troubleshooting 12v as well as 120/240.


https://www.harborfreight.com/electrical/electrician-s-tools/multimeters-testers/7-function-digital-multimeter-63759.html

Any multimeter from Walmart.

Quickly determined my alternator was failing on my budget work mobile. Works well.

If you're doing diy stuff around the home, a voltage pen & magnetic Stud Buddy are also excellent budget tools.

Under 100 bucks?


KLEIN. All day long. I use my for troubleshooting and my job. It's never let me down.

drumboy said:

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I've seen the Kleins over the years and wandered what they can do that my cheap 'nicer' (than my first) Craftsman can't.

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The cost difference is usually in longevity and durability. $100 will get most people a very good quality meter. I have a Klein that includes an AC amperage clamp, that I think I paid $80 for. I also have a cheapo ching chong unit that I had to buy in a pinch for $10 that I keep in the tool junk drawer in the house. It does almost all the same things except for the amperage.