Which Multimeter?

[TaffyTim 6]

Ive got a few electric problems so i need to get a multimeter to do a few basic checks. Looking at maplins site there are a vast range that vary in price. Will i need one with bells and whistles or will the cheapo one do me fine?

 

link to the range:

 

http://www.maplin.co.uk/tools/test-equipment/multimeters

[happygoron 2]

Ive got a few electric problems so i need to get a multimeter to do a few basic checks. Looking at maplins site there are a vast range that vary in price. Will i need one with bells and whistles or will the cheapo one do me fine?

 

link to the range:

 

http://www.maplin.co.uk/tools/test-equipment/multimeters

 

 

The cheap ones will do 99% of things you'll ever want to do with the car.

[Cameron 16]

..Then break after a disappointingly short amount of time.

 

I bought a cheapo one first time around and it broke after about a year. I've got a Gunson professional one now, it's still relatively cheap at £30 or so (at time of purchase) but it's lasted me about 3 years so far and does absolutely everything.

[stu8v 68 1 Cars]

I normally use a Fluke as I have a few from previous jobs, but the one I'm currently using at work is an Iso-Tech as thats what they supply its a cheap brand but has been a good meter, no complaints.

[smithy 1]

You can't beat a fluke but you do pay for it.

 

Out of all the meters registered to my work the flukes are the ones least likely to be out of calibration when checked annually.

[Daviewonder 533 3 Cars]

I use one of these LINK

 

It's had a fair amount of use and is still going strong

[welshpug 1,666]

I have a Gunson one which is the same as Cameron's by the sound of it, had it for a few years now

[TaffyTim 6]

cheers gents, I'll go above cheap and cheerful then, that draper one looks good for me, ta for the link Davie

[TaffyTim 6]

cheers gents, I'll go above cheap and cheerful then, that draper one looks good for me, ta for the link Davie

[large 33]

If i was you I would get a basic one as you will not use all the functions on. As long as it will test Vdc and resistance that will do for 90% of car problems. If you can get one that will do current as well that may come in handy one day.

 

One thing I would try and get is one with auto range, when starting out it makes things a lot easer.

In saying that for automotive use you just set it on 0-20v scale and that's it.

[Alan_M 66 1 Cars]

One thing with the cheaper meters are the leads. They tend to be s*it at the lower end, and when mine broke (Gunson unit) I replaced them with a spare set from my old Fluke.

[large 33]

One thing to add, its good practice to get into the habit of when you turn it on to do any checks.

 

Set it to test resistance and put the end of the leads together to check you have continuity. Getting into the habit of doing this can save you a lot of aggravation.

[TaffyTim 6]

ta for the tips