Thread: Need to buy a multimeter - what is best?

I have a Dick Smith badged multimeter that was a bit of a step up from the Jaycar junk I used previously. It's a rebadged Uni-T and I haven't had any issues with it over the past 3-4 years. While it isn't a Fluke by any means it still a reasonable device.

Uni-T do automotive multimeters that would probably be what I'd purchase if I was buy something specifically for working on cars.

An example: Uni-Trend Group Limited

UT107 UNI-T DMM AUTOMOTIVE MULTI-PURPOSE DIGITAL METER | eBay

+1 for Fluke, I've had my one for about 10 years now and it has really stood the test of time. They are expensive, but as JustinC said, time does dilute the cost.

Cheers,

Spend about $12 on a cheap meter and close to $50 on some really good leads.
A Sparky I know has the same set up (I copied) with a set of very long and HD leads.

Originally Posted by Fluids

I have an old University analogue, a $50 digital which I got as it had a good range for measuring capacitance, but the one I use the most on the car for 12v is this one ....

AC/DC CLAMP MULTIMETER DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM TESTING ABR - NEW 12V FRIDGE TESTING | eBay

Having the clamp meter for measuring amps is brilliant, especially since it does both AC & DC volts/amps, plus the usual Ohms, Capacitance, temperature, diode/continuity tester (with buzzer) & also measures frequency.

SWEET, Thanks Always wanted a clamp meter but could never afford, just snapped one of the ebay ABR ones.

Fluke have dropped some models in the last two years or so (good, simple ones, like the 12) and the replacements are now made in China with not so stellar reviews.......

I have a 12 and can't recall what the other one is and they are both excellent.

I'm ticked off they've dropped the 12 as that means I can't get mine repaired.
I dropped it off a ladder and destroyed the case, it hit front first, avoiding the rubber shock case.

Originally Posted by rick130

Fluke have dropped some models in the last two years or so (good, simple ones, like the 12) and the replacements are now made in China with not so stellar reviews.......

I have a 12 and can't recall what the other one is and they are both excellent.

I'm ticked off they've dropped the 12 as that means I can't get mine repaired.
I dropped it off a ladder and destroyed the case, it hit front first, avoiding the rubber shock case.

Yep,my 12 is still going,used every day,around 10yrs old i recon,at least.Nice & simple & easy to use.Some of the guys also have the 11,which is similar,but has a couple of less features than the 12.

The new models are supposed to have a lifetime warranty,whatever that is.They also do some good combo kits as well.

Originally Posted by scarry

Yep,my 12 is still going,used every day,around 10yrs old i recon,at least.Nice & simple & easy to use.Some of the guys also have the 11,which is similar,but has a couple of less features than the 12.

The new models are supposed to have a lifetime warranty,whatever that is.They also do some good combo kits as well.

The 12 is great, that capacitance function gets used almost every day

The other one I have is a 23.
That's my go to meter now that the 12 is only just sort of hanging together, and as Matt/Rovercare said earlier on, leads other than Fluke are junk.