Depends on what you're using it for. General household and automotive i have a craftsman one. Works fine. For work i have a green one from home depot also good. All in the $30 range. Craftsman can be had for less when there's a holiday sale. Also I've learned w craftsman see something you want in store look it up on their site and if it's less they price match. I've saved quite a few dollars on things
Nobody hates a Fluke, just a bit pricey. Many cheaper meters have very slow continuity reaction- it's maddening.
Personally hate autoranging.
Been buying B&K for work but I don't much like the latest ones.
This older one is still quite good: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/2860A/BK2860A-ND/227488
If you want something for above 220VAC interrupt capacity arc-over becomes important, most cheap meters inc above won't do.
cheap meters tend to be crappy at measuring low ohms so if that is how you check grounds beware
I have an old Fluke 77 from the 80's that's still kicking. One of the reasons I got it is treated properly it will probably/hopefully be the first and last one I buy.
I have an old Fluke 77 from the 80's that's still kicking. One of the reasons I got is treated properly it will probably/hopefully be the first and last one I buy.
I have a Fluke 75 I think from the early 90's that's still working well. Can't go wrong with Fluke. If I recall correctly, you can get Fluke from Sears.
AG.
I have a fluke 87 also but I have left it in the sun a few times too many and one corner of the screen is dark. Still works flawlessly. I also have a Harbor Freight Special, the loaded green one with temp probes and stuff. With the monthly mailer of a 20% coupon it comes out to about $19. The audible continuity is priceless for wire troubleshooting. Whatever meter you decide to buy make sure you get some long leads ( or make some up) with the alligator clips.
Ive had 2 used Fluke 87s for a while(15yrs) finally went out... I bought a new clamp meter style so I can check capacitors/on my home A/C At the Job (I'm an Electrician) we work with 600V ac.
I also wanted an ampmeter for DC most just do Ac amperage but with this clamp meter I can even use it on my Cars alternator to check current which is what I really like. Does Diodes, caps well here you look at all it do for 1/2 the price almost for a Fluke its
an Amprobe 52 NAV $229 at : Test Equipment Depot.... got it in the mail pretty quick like 4 days I think on the East coast reg price $299