Recommend (Cheap) Multimeter?

[greenrvgreen]

My cheap Lowes Multimeter seved its purpose and is pretty much shot. I use a Multimeter to check for hot wires as I putter. I would like this multimeter to ACCURATELY read low DC voltages, but other than that it just has to work. Any recommendations, maybe off of Amazon?

[wintersun]

My last one came from Amazon.com and it is 3/8" thick and has a hard shell case that contains the meter and the leads and the case is designed so it closes only when the switch is in the OFF position which saves on batteries. Autosensing which makes it more compact with fewer dials needed. Includes a continuity beeper which is very helpful when troubleshooting. Truly pocket sized.

Triplett 2030-C Autoranging Pocket Sized Digital Multimeter $25

[MEXICOWANDERER]

westend wrote:
My everyday meters are Flukes. I also have a drawer full of HF cheapies should I need to measure multiple voltages. I even have some analog meters should I need to see a needle move.
If I didn't need constant reliability for work situations, I think I'd get one of these Tenma meters. I know a couple of bench techs that swear they are good.

I keep those variable rate voltmeters around for folks that uh, don't tickle my fancy. Like when they argue after begging for free help. Keeps 'em happy!

[Almot]

Bumpyroad wrote:
and you know that {Tenma} is better than the $17 Equus 3320 Inova at walmart because?
are you positive that they didn't both come off the same assembly line in China?
bumpy

That's the thing - when it's made in China, you can't be sure of anything. Even then, same assembly line can produce products of different class on different days/shifts.

Greenlee is the brand 150 years old. Yes sir, established 1860. Tenma is 30-35 years old. Equus Innova - gee, I don't know.

[Bumpyroad]

westend wrote:
My everyday meters are Flukes. I also have a drawer full of HF cheapies should I need to measure multiple voltages. I even have some analog meters should I need to see a needle move.
If I didn't need constant reliability for work situations, I think I'd get one of these Tenma meters. I know a couple of bench techs that swear they are good.

and you know that is better than the $17 Equus 3320 Inova at walmart because?
are you positive that they didn't both come off the same assembly line in China?
bumpy

[Almot]

Yep. If you want cheap - get cheap. If you want good - prepare to pay upwards of 30 bucks.

[westend]

My everyday meters are Flukes. I also have a drawer full of HF cheapies should I need to measure multiple voltages. I even have some analog meters should I need to see a needle move.
If I didn't need constant reliability for work situations, I think I'd get one of these Tenma meters. I know a couple of bench techs that swear they are good.

[Almot]

OP, what do you mean "cheap" - under $10, $20? Aren't you interested in a good one, that is accurate and won't fail at exact moment when you need to do some urgent repairs?

I think all those under $10 are the same circuit board in different cases under different names. People are ordering such units for $4-5 at Ebay and Amazon in multiples like 2 or 3, in case if one or two will be dead or stop working - either scenario is not uncommon.

Last year I paid $29 on Amazon for Greenlee DM-60 meter, good brand, nearly professional grade, with useful features like "hold max". Audible signal - there is one, never felt like needing it, though it beeps on continuity test. In removable rubber-ish protective "glove" in case if I drop it. I expect this device to last 15 years or more. Today I see them at $45.

Case? No big deal. I made one out of cardboard and packing tape, took me 15 minutes, should last a few years.

[greenrvgreen]

I bought the Equus linkd by Don McL, on Amazon.

My thanks to all, and my condolences to those who lost flukes!

[Dog_Folks]

From free to $10.00. Just how cheap do you want? LOL

[SaltiDawg]

Don McL wrote:
i bought this one quite a few years ago for maybe 50$.

...walmart has it on sale at 17$.
...

Same price, at amazon.com - free Prime Shipping.

Based on your recommendation, and the recommendations at amazon.com, I ordered one.

Thanks.

[Don_McL]

i bought this one quite a few years ago for maybe 50$.

walmart has it on sale at 17$.

has the audible sound for cont and it has a auto shutdown feature where it beeps and the shuts itself off when you forget. (very handy)

don

[jbee]

I use my greenlee all the time. I've had it for over 15 years. It wasn't cheap but, has been a very good tool.

[j-d]

I'm crazy about the Cheap/Free HF ones. That said, a clamp-on ammeter (at least able to read AC Amps) is very valuable. Because? Because with that capability, plus at least one DVOM in your stable that can read MicroFarads (Capacitance) you can troubleshoot Air Conditioning.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

A four hundred dollar Fluke went overboard in six feet of salt water. That learned me. The captain of the dinghy grabbed for an oar and snagged the tool bag.

[TurnThePage]

My primary meter is a digital Heath Kit model I built in 1985. It's worked perfectly all these years. I have a Sperry unit in the RV. I've used a couple of the cheap, Harbor Freight type models too. They ALL are pretty darned close for basic voltage and resistance readings.