I would rather be given three $20 meters than one $200 meter (unless I could sell the $200 meter and get four or more $20 meters), provided that the $20 meters actually had the features I need (not want, but need). Having said that, if someone actually gave me a $200 meter, I doubt seriously I would trade if for a bunch of cheaper meters, but that's because I have enough meters to make multiple measurements simultaneously on a system and therefore having a $200 meter available has value to me. But if I didn't have any meters and someone gave me a choice of a $200 meter and, say, four $45 meters, I think I would go for the four cheaper meters.

 

Fluke 787 Process Meter and a couple of Fluke 10s for quickie use. Fluke 8020A (1981) for backup.
Not a surprise that Fluke is well represented in the favorites.

 

I have two Fluke 88's that I have had for years and wouldn't do without them. Costly, yes but very durable and worth every penny. Can I still say that seen as we don't have any pennies? Anyways, Fluke is without doubt tops in their class but for beginner, $20-50 meter will suffice to get going. Also allows you to understand ranges and zeroing functions before higher end does it for you. Good luck in your search.

 

I would recommend a used fluke or Uni-T61E meter.. My favorite. is my fluke 87 and fluke 77 and my ampro pocket meter..Personal I get a couple HF meter for free with the coupons and that way if you don't spend to much money if it doesn't work out.. I am still a newbie and way to much to learn but for me the meters serve many rolls ..



Jay Sr

 

I would buy a fluke, because you'll only need to buy it once. And for the same reason, I would get something other than the barebones fluke; you might not need a meter with 10 µV resolution right now, or likely ever, but sure enough if you don't buy the meter with 10 µV resolution, a month or a year from now, you'll need it, and you'll be kicking yourself for spending your hard earned money on something that doesn't meet your needs. I suggest trolling ebay for a used fluke 87V or 187 or 189. Don't be afraid to buy one that looks like someone wiped their ass with it and tried to clean it off with an angle grinder; probably still works just fine.

 

If a used meter looked like someone used it as toilet paper, I would not buy it. Just a personal preference.

 

If a used meter looked like someone used it as toilet paper, I would not buy it. Just a personal preference.

True for all used things I buy. I might make an exception, however, if I was looking for used toilet paper.

I said, "might!"

 

If a used meter looked like someone used it as toilet paper, I would not buy it. Just a personal preference.

Ah, c'mon, man. You would miss out on some real diamonds in the rough. Anyway it's not likely actual swamp chocolate on the meters (unless they came from a waste treatment plant); flukes just tend to have some magical osmotic property whereby they leach any minor amount of filth that might be on your hands and then display it proudly in contrast against their bright yellow cases. Either that or I just have terrible hygiene and perpetually filthy hands. My meters always end up looking disgusting. Like this (but worse):

 

This is about the limit though. I would not buy this one.

 

Nothing that bleach can't fix!

 

Ah, c'mon, man. You would miss out on some real diamonds in the rough. Anyway it's not likely actual swamp chocolate on the meters (unless they came from a waste treatment plant); flukes just tend to have some magical osmotic property whereby they leach any minor amount of filth that might be on your hands and then display it proudly in contrast against their bright yellow cases. Either that or I just have terrible hygiene and perpetually filthy hands. My meters always end up looking disgusting. Like this (but worse):

Mine was as dirty as those - or worse. Big black marker writing on it too. Engine degreaser was the nearest spray can to my wash tub in the garage when I brought it home. Smelled "fresh" for a while but looks new today.

 

fluke FTW (thats 'for the win') the 77 i have is pushing decades and the only one i'd trust to measure hf voltages

 

Fluke has been my choice for years. If I am not mistaken Sears sells some Fluke meters.

 

There's an overwhelming number of different fluke multimeters, what's the best way to find out which one will fit my needs?

Fluke.com there should a comparison chart. I would narrow the selection by using your price range.

 

My favorite multimeter is a Simpson 260.

 

In high school, my father got me this multimeter (so I would stop using his multimeter). I really liked it. Of course, that was a long time ago.

 

This is my first multimeter which I still use when the others run out of batteries:

 

Man....those Brits sure know how to make a good looking meter.

 

My favorite multimeter is a Simpson 260.

Mine was too, until I got into 1% work. Still, not throwing rocks at it. I walked into a TV shop in Warsaw Indiana and fixed 394 out of 400 broken, backlogged TV's with nothing but a Simpson 260. (Just killing time until Mardi Gras.)

 

Man....those Brits sure know how to make a good looking meter.

My first meter was a good old AVO 8!

Max.