Decent multimeters under $100?

[MattyTny]

I've recently started using 18650 batteries a lot along with a dedicated charger. I own a few rebuildable atomizers and a high wattage device. I also have a mechanical 18650 on the way. I want to look into getting a multimeter for purposes of checking battery voltage and checking atomizer resistance via 510 pin.

I've read a lot about the Fluke multimeters and they seem really great for the price, but the price is still up there. I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on a inexpensive but decent digital multimeter.

I've been looking at this list of multimeters:
https://toolsreviewer.com/top-10-best-multimeters/

I like the this one so far:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...N=B000EX0AE4&linkCode=as2&tag=toolsreviews-20

Anyone have recommendations?
Thanks

 

[State O' Flux]

It's not a bad idea to have a "min/max" feature... which when pressed will obtain the lowest and highest values of a given test. Handy for determining a value if you can't get a stabilized reading. The Kline for example has this feature.

I don't know what you have for milliohm testing, but... take a look at the Tech-Thing milliohm converter module, you can obtain fairly accurate (within the limits of the meter and test leads) milliohm readings, without resorting to a costly 4 wire milliohm meter.

If you still don't have a build box / ohm meter... for the money, USA Ohm Meters has one of the best.

 

[MattyTny]

I like the min/max feature you mentioned, I didn't know about it. It seems that would make it more desirable out of the other ones within the same price range.

I do have a small 510 connection ohm reader, but I've heard about the USA ohm meters too. They all look great and I'm thinking about one now that you posted the link. The ohm meter I have now works, but I know it's not the most accurate.

The milliohm adapter looks really nice and inexpensive for what it does. If I were to purchase a multimeter I'd definitely consider it.

Do you think it's worth it to save for the Fluke? I was looking at the 115 compact. It's Tax return season.

I'm definitely going to order one of the "Ultimate Ohm meters" from USA ohm meter. Just looks great for the price. Looks like it has a FDV 510 connector on it, nice and big. I still want to check out digital multimeters.

 

[State O' Flux]

I like the min/max feature you mentioned, I didn't know about it. It seems that would make it more desirable out of the other ones within the same price range.

I do have a small 510 connection ohm reader, but I've heard about the USA ohm meters too. They all look great and I'm thinking about one now that you posted the link. The ohm meter I have now works, but I know it's not the most accurate.

The milliohm adapter looks really nice and inexpensive for what it does. If I were to purchase a multimeter I'd definitely consider it.

Do you think it's worth it to save for the Fluke? I was looking at the 115 compact. It's Tax return season.

Min/max is nice for another reason... you don't have to watch the meter, as the high/low values can be viewed after the measurement is taken.

The milliohm adapter I got back when there were no really good quality build boxes, and it was a PITA to use the 4-wire Extech on a rda. ;-)

I'm a bit biased in regard to meters, I have six. Four of them are Flukes (two of them over 25 years old) the other two brands are Gossen and the previously mentioned Extech 4-wire, but... I used to teach DC electrical theory, diagnostics bla bla bla... and got most of them at a very good price.

Most meters in the price range you're looking at will work fine for our purposes... IMO, the only really critical value, where accuracy is paramount, will be the one-hundredths ohm point. One-thousands ohm is overkill (unless perhaps you're going below 0.01Ω)... so I look at accuracy first and resolution second.
Just an opinion, but I think the USA box/meters have about the best accuracy for the dollar.

 

[MattyTny]

Most meters in the price range you're looking at will work fine for our purposes... IMO, the only really critical value, where accuracy is paramount, will be the one-hundredths ohm point. One-thousands ohm is overkill (unless perhaps you're going below 0.01Ω)... so I look at accuracy first and resolution second.
Just an opinion, but I think the USA box/meters have about the best accuracy for the dollar.

Thank you for the replies. I will order one of the USA ohm meters and keep looking at DMMs in the meantime.

I don't have a lot of experience with electrical work and the tools associated, but you answered my questions with good detail. I have a friend who showed me the Fluke and mentioned that it's one of the higher end brands out there. Like you said, the purposes I'm using it for do not require the most accurate meter. The Fluke would be nice to have, but not necessary. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

My main concern for the meter now is to have the ability to check battery voltage. I have a mechanical on the way and I would like to get a feel for the battery drain with along with what the remaining battery voltage is.

I might just order the Klein.

 

[six]

As someone who also owns more than one fluke... they are worth every penny... if you need them professionally or as a completely serious hobbyist who uses such a tool many times a day. To check the ohms on your newest build or check your battery voltage... I'd have some serious trouble justifying a fluke. A ~$40 extech or klein from home depot is plenty enough tool for such a purpose.

I am of the opinion that every single human who uses electricity should own a multimeter and have at least basic knowledge of what it does and how it can help you troubleshoot household or automotive electrical problems.... But honestly, you might be just fine with a battery charger that displays voltage and an ohm checker box like that one from USA Ohm Meters that State O' flux linked to.

 

[MattyTny]

I picked up the Klein MM1000 at Homedepot. I also ordered a USA ohm meter.

I realize I really don't need the multimeter, but I wanted to get one for myself anyway. I appreciate the help and information.

I'm going to learn a bit more about it later when I have a chance to play around with it

I could just use my charger to check battery status, but the nitecore i4 only shows three lit bars for status. Not bad if I really needed to get a estimate of the remaining voltage. I really wish I went with one of the xtar digital readout chargers. Something I will get in the future.

 

[NancyR]

I picked up the Klein MM1000 at Homedepot. I also ordered a USA ohm meter.

I realize I really don't need the multimeter, but I wanted to get one for myself anyway. I appreciate the help and information.

I'm going to learn a bit more about it later when I have a chance to play around with it

I could just use my charger to check battery status, but the nitecore i4 only shows three lit bars for status. Not bad if I really needed to get a estimate of the remaining voltage. I really wish I went with one of the xtar digital readout chargers. Something I will get in the future.

actually if you are using mech mods the multimeter has more uses than just checking batteries and or resistance of your coils. It can also be used to check the resistance of the button. While that may not seem like a major thing, using a meter to check the resistance can save you time if trying to trouble shoot a problem. if the resistance of the button is high you know you need to tear it apart and clean it.

 

[MattyTny]

Thank you for the post, I didn't realize I would be able to apply the DMM to check the button resistance. I'm going to do that once it comes through the mail and its all clean to see what it should be.

I used the meter a bit last night to check battery voltage on fully charged batteries and low batteries. Also to check atomizer resistance. I didn't expect it to be very accurate with atomizer resistance. And it was off by 0.1, fluctuating up or down. Some cases it read 0.2ohms less if I held the leads in a different spot.

How should I be checking resistance with the leads? I used the positive lead on the bottom 510 and the negative on the threading. Is there a more accurate way to do it? I placed the positive lead first, then the negative. I realize there is some internal resistance that could throw it off. Also explained by touching both leads together. I'm not going to be picky about the reading being slightly off, it probably works great to detect or short.

The included temperature probe is pretty cool too.

 

[Robert Cromwell]

Also you might want to conisder buying a .1 ohm 1% resistor to check your meter with from time to time. I have a 10 watt one I check my meters with.

 

[roxynoodle]

The multimeter is good to have in addition to the USA ohm meter for checking batteries and attys with hybrid connectors.

 

[edyle]

I've recently started using 18650 batteries a lot along with a dedicated charger. I own a few rebuildable atomizers and a high wattage device. I also have a mechanical 18650 on the way. I want to look into getting a multimeter for purposes of checking battery voltage and checking atomizer resistance via 510 pin.

I've read a lot about the Fluke multimeters and they seem really great for the price, but the price is still up there. I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on a inexpensive but decent digital multimeter.

I've been looking at this list of multimeters:
https://toolsreviewer.com/top-10-best-multimeters/

I like the this one so far:
Amazon.com: Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini Multimeter with Built In Thermometer with Type K Remote Probe: Home Improvement

Anyone have recommendations?
Thanks

I have a few multimeters.

The weird thing is the cheep cheep cheep little multimeter is the one I usually end up using.

If you're thinking of buying an expensive meter, I recommend also being sure to pick up a simple little cheap ordinary meter

 

[MattyTny]

All great replies.

I picked up a few things at radio shack like a couple resistors to check with the meter and spare tests leads. The resistors are actually pretty handy.

I'm looking forward to getting the miliohm adaptor and USA ohm meter. I like the multimeter so far, it's been easy to understand with the instructions.

 

[graffiti]

Just ran across this thread.

I'm also in the market for a multimeter. I already an analog one that serves my auto and home improvement needs (like checking outlets and such) just fine.

My only desire is a multimeter that will check resistance out to 0.01Ω reasonably accurately. Pretty much every DMM I find is only out to 0.1Ω, which does me very little good when I'm running a 12 amp fuse and trying to build fairly close to that. I have a normal box resistance checker, but my Estia is hybrid which means I can't really use the box. I've never been super worried about it since both the atty and switch are fused at 12amps, it's not like I can short my battery without doing something breathtakingly stupid, but I'd like to have one any how. (I don't need a lecture, I know the risks I'm taking and accept them and I'm not doing anything any dumber than running a 0.17Ω build that's been metered.)

Recommendations below $50? Thinking about this Fasttech one since I'm going to be ordering another of those awesome cree 1000lm 18650 flash lights (holy hell if you don't have one get one).