What multimeter do i buy?

[PocketThunder]

I'm looking for a multimeter to use to chase down electrical troubles on my 69 Charger and i get on the internet and it seems like there are hundreds of choices out there.  What is a good one to buy for basic trouble shooting? 

Paul
Electrically Challenged.

[PocketThunder]

well this is a start, learn how to use one first.

http://www.ladyada.net/learn/multimeter/

[carolina charger]

 That cheap $5.00 unit from Harbor Freight should be good enough for basic troubleshooting. DC volts and continuity will prove to be of the most value to you.

[GPULLER]

Sears has some inexpensive multimeters for under $40 bucks.  Get one that can measure AC/DC current, resistance, diode and continuity.  Don't really need much, it will come in handy even with house projects.

[Dans 68]

Here is what I picked up. http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7677-Automotive-TroubleShooter-Multimeter/dp/B0002LZU7K/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1275602830&sr=1-1 Very useful for automotive applications, of course. I like it. 

Dan

[Chatt69chgr]

At one time, Fluke was the best you could get.  They are still high quality and I have one.  But, I've seen several at Harbor Freight that looked a lot like the Fluke's.  They have one at around $35 or $40 not on sale that looks pretty good.  Goes on sale often for about $25.  It's a digital type.  I have some of the real cheapies that go for $5 and I really don't like them very much.  Have some from Sears that are similar.  A clip on DC ammeter would be nice as an accessory.   For auto work, mostly what you want is one that measures dc volts and resistance (ohms).  Some have a continuity annunciator in them that makes wire checking easier----just listen for the sound---don't have to look at the meter to see if you have a continuous path.  A clip on dc ammeter would be a good accessory and comes with some.  Of course, if you also use it around the house, you will want to meaure ac volts.  These things tend to get dropped on the floor and ruined.  A shock resistant case is a good idea---might save it.  If you don't spend too much on one you can afford to buy another when you drop your first one in the floor and break it.  Digital units usually have overvoltage protection and some have auto ranging.  If you peg the needle on the older analog meter types, you can easily ruin the meter movement. 

[elacruze]

What you need is largely driven by how often you use it, and for what. If I got one for Christmas, this is what I'd want to see-

http://us.fluke.com/fluke/usen/Digital-Multimeters/Fluke-88V-Kit.htm?PID=56149

Of course, if you're not using it at a professional level it's a very expensive dusty box. Fluke is first-quality, and importantly has great customer service and lifetime warranty.

With multimeters, like everything else, you mostly get what you pay for. A $10 basic meter will get the job done to see if your battery is charged and if your alternator is making juice. Personally I have one Fluke for important stuff, and one $100 DMM I leave in the garage handy for whatever pops up under the hood. If you just want a decent basic unit and really don't understand everything a good DMM can do, I'd say $50 will get you one you'll probably be happy with for a long time.

[charger2fast4u]

the first one i bought from autozone for $20 it did everything i needed it to do on a car and around the house. worked good until i left it in my truck for acouple days in the heat then it ruined the digital screen. now i have one from sears for $35 has more options then my first one and will do anything i will ever need it for. i'd get a cheap one somewhere for around $50 or less you will be satisfied with it and they usually last awhile from my experience if you don't drop it or anything. just remember the more you pay the better they are. i use one at work that's sold for acouple hundered new

[bakerhillpins]

Get one that can measure AC/DC current, resistance, diode and continuity.  Don't really need much, it will come in handy even with house projects.

Ive got a Fluke that I use for everything and it rocks, but it wasn't cheap and I use it primairly when restoring Pinball Machines. The Amazon one will work for you too.

As others have said, its all about how much you use it.

But, I've seen several at Harbor Freight that looked a lot like the Fluke's.

  That's cuz the f'n Chinese buy one, copy it, and sell it for half the cost because they didn't have to do any of the development work.

Sorry...

[Troy]

I have a Craftsman but I don't remember which model or how much it cost. My only issue is that I don't use it very often and the batteries tend to go dead so I have to replace them every time I use it. I've started removing the batteries and it's been a much better experience.

Troy

[twodko]

I bought a plainjane VOM from chickenshack years ago and other trhan having the same experience as Troy, it does what I need it to.

Tom

[bakerhillpins]

I bought a plainjane VOM from chickenshack years ago and other trhan having the same experience as Troy, it does what I need it to.

Tom

Its because the addition of an On/Off switch would have overrun the allowable mfg costs. 

[Troy]

Mine has an on/off switch. For whatever reason the batteries still go dead (I'm talking months between uses here).

Troy

[twodko]

bakerhillpins,

Without a doubt.

Tom