Digital voltmeter
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 829
Likes: 192
Digital voltmeter
I need to get a digital voltmeter for basic diagnostics on my vehicles. I don't want to pay extra for fancy stuff I don't need. Just enough for reliable occasional use.
What brand/model do you recommend?
What brand/model do you recommend?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Check Sears for DVM's. They have some very good units for not a whole lot of money.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,385
Likes: 2,737
Isn't Radio Shack gone now?
Check Sears for DVM's. They have some very good units for not a whole lot of money.
Check Sears for DVM's. They have some very good units for not a whole lot of money.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,147
Likes: 117
From: San Antonio Texas
I got a really nice one that checks nearly EVERYTHING.Volts AC & DC, OHMS. Can even measure capacitors and check transistors. Has a really handy continuity checker with audio "BEEP" for checking wires.
Craftsman at Sears for right at $20.00 ! One of my best deals on a really handy tool. Use it all the time.
Craftsman at Sears for right at $20.00 ! One of my best deals on a really handy tool. Use it all the time.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 127
From: Ashland Alabama
Fluke is what I use but they aren't cheap.
My non fluke meters have always been the ones radio shack had but as mentioned shacks kind of gone now.
Be warned cheap meters aren't that accurate and they don't age well. The older they get the worse they read.
Not saying don't get one but I wouldn't go under say $30 at least the cheap $10 Chinese ones have tons of features but as mentioned don't age well and aren't that accurate to start with.
My non fluke meters have always been the ones radio shack had but as mentioned shacks kind of gone now.
Be warned cheap meters aren't that accurate and they don't age well. The older they get the worse they read.
Not saying don't get one but I wouldn't go under say $30 at least the cheap $10 Chinese ones have tons of features but as mentioned don't age well and aren't that accurate to start with.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Park City Utah
I use a Fluke too...but he said "cheap" and "basic diagnostics". ...so
That's what I thought, but recently, I've seen several locations open, and their SITE says otherwise.
That's what I thought, but recently, I've seen several locations open, and their SITE says otherwise.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
Fluke is what I use but they aren't cheap.
My non fluke meters have always been the ones radio shack had but as mentioned shacks kind of gone now.
Be warned cheap meters aren't that accurate and they don't age well. The older they get the worse they read.
Not saying don't get one but I wouldn't go under say $30 at least the cheap $10 Chinese ones have tons of features but as mentioned don't age well and aren't that accurate to start with.
My non fluke meters have always been the ones radio shack had but as mentioned shacks kind of gone now.
Be warned cheap meters aren't that accurate and they don't age well. The older they get the worse they read.
Not saying don't get one but I wouldn't go under say $30 at least the cheap $10 Chinese ones have tons of features but as mentioned don't age well and aren't that accurate to start with.
Craftsman Multimeter, Digital, with 8 Functions and 20 Ranges ......on sale $9.99
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 127
From: Ashland Alabama
My experience with craftsman electrical test equipment has been a hit or miss deal. Havent tried that particular meter so no opinion on it.
But I have bought other low priced craftsman test equipment and its been great for the price or utter junk. Like I said flip a coin. With sear's new way of selling things you really don't know what your buying from them 1/2 the time and would go by what a particular person recommends that they have bought and worked and not roll the dice on stuff not tried by someone already. Just my opinion.
If you bought the one your linking and it worked great the op should go for it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
Just a suggestion...
For just a few $$ more, you may be able to get a TRUE RMS reading DVM. They have the advantage of accurately reading voltage levels regardless of wave (shape) forms (not just sine wave.) So, if accuracy counts, look for the one that says "TRUE RMS".
ALSO! There are times when you will want to measure current. I suggest you pick a meter that will read a minimum of 10 Amperes (a common amount for many meters). OR you can get some "clamp on" DC amp probes that attach to a DVM to measure AC or DC current; a VERY handy tool to have!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
Even the junko meters are OK for the type of testing that we do.
Mostly you want to know if a voltage is there or not. Continuity is similar: are the two points connected or not? The only time we really need a sort of accurate resistance measurement is when measuring injectors. In that case look for one or more that are dramatically lower in resistance than the others.
Mostly you want to know if a voltage is there or not. Continuity is similar: are the two points connected or not? The only time we really need a sort of accurate resistance measurement is when measuring injectors. In that case look for one or more that are dramatically lower in resistance than the others.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 140
Even the junko meters are OK for the type of testing that we do.
Mostly you want to know if a voltage is there or not. Continuity is similar: are the two points connected or not? The only time we really need a sort of accurate resistance measurement is when measuring injectors. In that case look for one or more that are dramatically lower in resistance than the others.
Mostly you want to know if a voltage is there or not. Continuity is similar: are the two points connected or not? The only time we really need a sort of accurate resistance measurement is when measuring injectors. In that case look for one or more that are dramatically lower in resistance than the others.
Just what I was going to say.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 763
Even the junko meters are OK for the type of testing that we do.
Mostly you want to know if a voltage is there or not. Continuity is similar: are the two points connected or not? The only time we really need a sort of accurate resistance measurement is when measuring injectors. In that case look for one or more that are dramatically lower in resistance than the others.
Mostly you want to know if a voltage is there or not. Continuity is similar: are the two points connected or not? The only time we really need a sort of accurate resistance measurement is when measuring injectors. In that case look for one or more that are dramatically lower in resistance than the others.
- Fluke is good, and I still have my antique, Beckman 3010 (frickin' thing must be 35 years old), but for what most of us do - continuity, some resistance, and <20 VDC, cheap-o meters work just fine. w/ antfamer, free-bee's from HF fits the bill. I must have a half dozen, most, un-opened in my workbench drawer. figure I have a life-time supply - 
BTW, between 25 ft tape measures, little LED flashlights, multimeters, magnetic parts holders, screwdrivers, scissors, and an assortment of other crap, I've got this free-bee stuff coming out my ears! that's what happens when you have a compulsive disorder and live too close to harbor freight!!!
Last edited by Joe C; Jun 9, 2015 at 08:31 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
..If you want accurate readings you have to spend some money...
....WW
Last edited by WW7; Jun 9, 2015 at 07:00 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
Interesting that there are recommendations for these really expensive meters and discussion of how these "cheap" meters are inaccurate. No multimeter is going to be as accurate as a dedicated meter. Not even those over priced Fluke meters. While they are compact, portable and convenient they are not as accurate.
The gentleman asked for a cheap and decent meter. I am sure he doesn't need or want to spend hundreds of dollars on a Fluke.
As for becoming inaccurate with age, all test equipment becomes inaccurate with age no matter what brand or how much it costs. Hence the reason for a calibration program. I have seen just as many Fluke meters tossed out as other brands due to failed calibration. Just because you pay more doesn't mean it is worth more.
I am not bashing Fluke. I use their equipment everyday and it works.
The OP deserves a realistic response to his specific question and not all of the fodder.
The gentleman asked for a cheap and decent meter. I am sure he doesn't need or want to spend hundreds of dollars on a Fluke.
As for becoming inaccurate with age, all test equipment becomes inaccurate with age no matter what brand or how much it costs. Hence the reason for a calibration program. I have seen just as many Fluke meters tossed out as other brands due to failed calibration. Just because you pay more doesn't mean it is worth more.
I am not bashing Fluke. I use their equipment everyday and it works.
The OP deserves a realistic response to his specific question and not all of the fodder.
Last edited by kg4fku; Jun 9, 2015 at 07:22 AM.