Which of these multimeters would you choose? And why is that one better? Thanks.

[Olinb]

OK. I need to tell someone what I want for Xmas and I have decided to go for a Multimeter. I have a 25-30 dollar limit on this and sears is somewhere they shop a lot so I have narrowed it to these.

1st choice.
Craftsman Multimeter - Tools - Electricians Tools - Multi-Meters & Meters

2nd choice.
Craftsman Digital Multimeter with Manual Ranging & Non-Contact Voltage Detector - Tools - Electricians Tools - Multi-Meters & Meters

Here is the main page. If you see one as cheap or cheaper than the two I picked out that is just as good, that would be even better since they don't have a lot of money to throw around these days.
Multimeter from Sears.com

Please let me know what you think. I need one that is a good all around meter but of course I am primarily going to use it to test my ecig stuff.

Thanks

 

[super amjo]

I just grabbed a cheap $12 one from Amazon and it works great. I would note though that I only use it to get a sense of where I'm at (like say between 2.4 - 2.6) since I use a VV device but it works for me -

 

[Reaperman]

Either will do fine. IMO, if money is tight you should be looking in the sub-$10 range. They should be more than good enough too.

All I've ever looked for:
A stand to keep them somewhat vertical is nice.
Easy access to battery is nice to have too (you'll only care once).
Removable probes could come in handy, but probably not really.

I won't comment on the Craftsman units except to say that they're good enough.
I used to sell power/hand tools and have strong (and likely unpopular) opinions about their line.

 

[Olinb]

Thanks guys. While reading I discovered auto ranging and what that's all about and then found a sub-20 dollar auto ranging meter on amazon with great reviews. Ha. Maybe I'll order my own present then give it to them to wrap and give back.

 

[Hoosier]

Either really. Resolution is the same for resistance 0.1 Ohm and lead resistance has to be subtracted manually. (Doing the math in your head.) I don't know of a meter in your price range that has the ability to zero out lead resistance except analog ones and if you don't know how to properly read an analog scale, then it will be much less accurate even with the ability to zero out lead resistance.

 

[Olinb]

Hoosier: are you referring to the procedure of touching the leads together and subtracting that value from your resistance test? Believe me, I am sort of electrically challenged you might say but I can follow instructions.

 

[Olinb]

As I mentioned I found one on Amazon I am now leaning towards since it is auto ranging and that sounds better for a noob like myself. It is at:

Amazon.com: Equus 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter: Automotive

 

[super amjo]

This is the one I bought - Equus 3300 Hands-free Digital Multimeter : Amazon.com : Automotive

works well enough (but I don't know if you can change the battery)?

 

[Hoosier]

Hoosier: are you referring to the procedure of touching the leads together and subtracting that value from your resistance test? Believe me, I am sort of electrically challenged you might say but I can follow instructions.

Yep.

I cannot see any specs on the Amazon one you linked so I do not know if the resolution is worth a bean.

 

[ajventi]

I have so many damn meters I've never given thought to the price. All you need for e-cigs is something that checks voltage and resistance, auto range isn't necessary and not worth paying for. I have a nice little pocket sized one from radio shack that probably cost me under $20. Check out Harbor Freight $3.99 multimeter. If you have a store in your area you can save on shipping.

 

[Darthpistachio]

To get rid of the hassle of having to subtract the lead resistance to get a true coil reading do what I did and get the Ohmeter from Madvapes. I got it as a kit and assembled it myself to get a bigger saving; so if you are technically minded and adept at electronics and soldering choose that route.

Very happy with it and it's very accurate

 

[Olinb]

Adept isn't the word I would use to describe my soldering iron skills. Dangerous would be more appropriate.

 

[Darthpistachio]

they sell ready built ones too

 

[ajventi]

If you're not adept with a soldering iron, I'd take Darth's advice

 

[steved5600]

If all your going to do is check resistance/ohms then any inexpensive meter will do. For checking battery voltage you will need one that does True RMS for that though. Most if not all APV's/PV's use a modulated voltage. The reason is that a DC voltage requires thicker wire than one that is AC or a modulated pulse like most mods use. So you need one that is True RMS to check PV/APV voltage. But for the other stuff any cheap meter will do. Check Radio Shack and Amazon Sears and Craftsman are a bit higher. Oh and Wallyworld.

 

[ajventi]

Actually no, it doesn't matter if it's PWM or DC in regards to wire gauge. I'm assuming the makers of the PWM devices just didn't bother to put a filter in their circuit. Which is basically a single capacitor. While I have a very modest collection of PV's I have two regulated PV's and both give a flat DC signal under load. My VV iGo (808 spinner) is filtered PWM. With no load it gives a wave under load it's flat DC.