Can anyone recommend a good multimeter?

AbeM

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Probably don't need a top of the range number. Ease of use for someone of limited technical ability would be a good thing to factor in to any recommendation.

I probably could just go into Screwfix or Halfords and buy something. I just know that there is much wisdom and knowledge on this forum I'd be daft not to ask first.
 

television

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I would buy on Ebay, having a 10amp DC is nice, you can get a good one for not much money, the ones Screwfix sell are on Ebay much cheaper, no need to pay more than £10,,, take a look and post up any links and perhaps I can advise you.

The Auto ranging versions are good if you are unsure of what you are measuring, but they cost more, if you are using it a lot, then they are rather slow to use.

I have 11 different ones
 

DY2

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I have the cheap Yellow multimeter from Halfords...Works well.
 

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If?? cost is no object FLUKE takes a lot of beating. http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/6161460/ Otherwise Maplins have a good selection http://www.maplin.co.uk/productsearch?criteria=multimeter Make sure you get one with a large numeric display that's easy to read.

The average person does not need a Fluke, all the cheap ones are just as accurate, I have used micro amps and micro volts for the best part of my life but no use for car use. I have a £1500 Fluke that is a pain in the back side and my £16 meters are just as accurate.

For home and car use you do not need a super meter, on a car you are often just looking for around 12v at a certain point, the resistance and continuity ranges are fine for checking bulbs and fuses.
 

Miffy

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I have a fluke 77 and a £5 maplin cheapo. Both measure V ac/dc just as good as the other
 

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I have a fluke 77 and a £5 maplin cheapo. Both measure V ac/dc just as good as the other

And not so heart breaking when you drive over a £5 version, though one of mine still works after both wheels went over it;)
 

cleverdicky

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I posted a link to a good late model AVO listed on ebay a few weeks back.
OK a brick sh*t house of a meter, but what a tool.
Think it went for about ten quid
 

benz chap

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Money to blow and want a nice toy from a quality manufacturer?....buy a base model Fluke. Not a 1500 quid unit!

Not a lot to spend and just need functionality? - 10 to 20 quid will buy you all you need.
 

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I posted a link to a good late model AVO listed on ebay a few weeks back.
OK a brick sh*t house of a meter, but what a tool.
Think it went for about ten quid

Always the danger that an inexperienced user could miss read it
 

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Two things every multimeter should have: auto power off (obvious) and auto-ranging (not so obvious)

Autoranging means the meter works out the voltage (or current, etc) and displays it in appropriate units without you selecting a range

The other thing that multimeters never have is a pair of croc clips so you can keep your hands free. So buy a pair of spare generic leads, cut the ends off, extend them and fit insulated croc clips. I recommend a small one for the positive and a big one for the negative so you can grab a bolt, etc for an earth

Nick Froome
 

mersum1es

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I have clamp-type multimeter like this, only problem that measuring ranges are pretty high = not good reolution/accuracy in small voltage/currents. Then I also bought blade fuse adapter so I can measure smaller currents over the fuse with 'conventional' more accurate multimeter...
 

television

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Two things every multimeter should have: auto power off (obvious) and auto-ranging (not so obvious)

Autoranging means the meter works out the voltage (or current, etc) and displays it in appropriate units without you selecting a range

The other thing that multimeters never have is a pair of croc clips so you can keep your hands free. So buy a pair of spare generic leads, cut the ends off, extend them and fit insulated croc clips. I recommend a small one for the positive and a big one for the negative so you can grab a bolt, etc for an earth

Nick Froome

Auto ranging are fine if you do not know what you are doing, for the experienced they are far too slow. When checking on a car all you need is the 20v dc range, and 99% have just that.
 

television

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I have clamp-type multimeter like this, only problem that measuring ranges are pretty high = not good reolution/accuracy in small voltage/currents. Then I also bought blade fuse adapter so I can measure smaller currents over the fuse with 'conventional' more accurate multimeter...

I have a good one that resolves down to 1ma DC and that cost just £45 the details are in my DIY and car testing.

It is the only one on the market like it and a fraction of the price from any other maker from CPC,it can also be used as a multi meter
 

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