[jaftwo]

I’ve been looking for a general purpose multimeter and noticed quite a large range of prices between the brands I used back in my aerospace days (Fluke) and the new one’s that are in the $30 – $70 price range. I don’t need it to be certified, but I don’t want a “throw away” meter either.

Would the Fluke 117 be worth the extra cost?

[Boschmanbrian]

jaftwo wrote:

I’ve been looking for a general purpose multimeter and noticed quite a large range of prices between the brands I used back in my aerospace days (Fluke) and the new one’s that are in the $30 – $70 price range. I don’t need it to be certified, but I don’t want a “throw away” meter either.

Would the Fluke 117 be worth the extra cost?

Welcome to BTP Jerry , aerospace , may I ask what company ,
We’ve had plenty of good experiences with fluke plus Klein and the lower end MasterCraft was not bad for the price (for personal home use ) but definitely for more options and wider range fluke and Klein.

[CB]

jaftwo wrote:

I’ve been looking for a general purpose multimeter and noticed quite a large range of prices between the brands I used back in my aerospace days (Fluke) and the new one’s that are in the $30 – $70 price range. I don’t need it to be certified, but I don’t want a “throw away” meter either.

Would the Fluke 117 be worth the extra cost?

Depends on what you use the meter for. Sometimes, cheap, featureless, simple meters are not only all that is necessary, but are actually preferable due to being “throw away”. They can be dropped, kicked, cracked, crushed, or stolen without much regret, and still manage to measure voltage and current.

If it really doesn’t matter whether the line voltage is 119 VAC or 120 VAC, a fine resolution root mean square meter might not be worth exposing to the hazards of construction, so you’d want a cheaper meter anyway to save the good meter for when required.

If DC control board instrumentation depends on a tenth of a volt difference, you’ll want a quality Fluke meter. I’ve measured up to two tenths of a volt difference dc from meter to meter between brands/types.

[jaftwo]

Thanks,
I was with Singer-Ling, CAE, Hughes, Reflectone, Raytheon, and L3 Communications.

[Boschmanbrian]

jaftwo wrote:

Thanks,
I was with Singer-Ling, CAE, Hughes, Reflectone, Raytheon, and L3 Communications.

Haha I’m with CAE built military cabinets and consoles for L3
Flight simulators for CAE and now back in the military side

Do you happen to know a Carl Page

[GTokley]

jaftwo wrote:

I’ve been looking for a general purpose multimeter and noticed quite a large range of prices between the brands I used back in my aerospace days (Fluke) and the new one’s that are in the $30 – $70 price range. I don’t need it to be certified, but I don’t want a “throw away” meter either.

Would the Fluke 117 be worth the extra cost?

I have small Greenlee muiltimeter. It was bought at Electrical supply place for around $50.00 several years ago. I have had good luck with it.

Greg
Do More of What Makes You Happy

[Kevin6]

Here’s a good overview of the Klein lineup – features and price level https://bestmultimeterreviews.org/klein-multimeter-review/

[jaftwo]

No, don’t know him. I was in the Navy’s S-3A/B simulator programs and later the Air Force F-15 Trainer Software Support Center.

I finally settled on the Fluke 87 — used a lot of Fluke equipment over the years. Was tempted when I saw you can still buy Simpson 260 meters (think it’s been about 40 years since I last used one!)

[theamcguy]

jaftwo wrote:

Was tempted when I saw you can still buy Simpson 260 meters (think it’s been about 40 years since I last used one!)

Simpson makes a very good meter, it has been a while since I used one as well.

Automotive Pro
Fayetteville, NC

[Boschmanbrian]

jaftwo wrote:

No, don’t know him. I was in the Navy’s S-3A/B simulator programs and later the Air Force F-15 Trainer Software Support Center.

I finally settled on the Fluke 87 — used a lot of Fluke equipment over the years. Was tempted when I saw you can still buy Simpson 260 meters (think it’s been about 40 years since I last used one!)

Yeah it was a Long shot , but I figured I’d ask
That’s a pretty cool simulator
Sounds like you had a pretty wide range of tasks

Good choice on the fluke

[JimDaddyO]

Fluke is probably the “standard” for multimeters, if you buy in their higher line. They do have some cheap ones that aren’t so great. I couldn’t tell you the model numbers though. My own meter is Ideal brand and I am pretty happy with it.

My You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA5AretE3xPoVDV61AxUdUA

I don't do a fast job. I don't do a slow job. I do a half fast job.

[harris2020]

jaftwo wrote:

I’ve been looking for a general purpose multimeter and noticed quite a large range of prices between the brands I used back in my aerospace days (Fluke) and the new one’s that are in the $30 – $70 price range. I don’t need it to be certified, but I don’t want a “throw away” meter either.

Would the Fluke 117 be worth the extra cost?

yeah may be the right the fluke 117 e the extra cost!! but in ranging of multimeters from $70 to $80 is the best price with quality products!!

[Boschmanbrian]

@RonW @ChadM 🤷‍♂️👆

[ChadM]

Got it. Thanks, Brian.

Chad

A Working Pro since 1993

Member since 12/07/2013

[jzmtl]

Keep in mind a lot of the no-name $30 meters aren’t actually rated for whatever is printed on them. There are people who take them apart and no way are they rated for 600V cat 4.

I use cheap ones at home but would not trust them at work with 600v three phase power.

[Author]

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