Get a multi-meter for the versatility.

Fluke is the industry standard, but good meters can be found for less money. Mine is whatever brand they sell at Lowes. I bought it this year after my Radio Shack unit failed following 30 years of service.

Having several types of leads is helpful, and they can be purchased separately from the meter. Don't choose a meter based on the accessories it comes with. I have clips and sharp probes that can be inserted into connectors.

Thanks for your input, guys. I realize that I'm probably over-complicating things in my head, but the amount of information in what should probably be a simple issue is overwhelming to a beginner like me...

For example, this multimeter (model 82141) says it "tests batteries":
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-multimeter-digital-with-8-functions-and-20/p-0...

But shouldn't they all be able to test batteries?

This multimeter (model 82334) doesn't say it "tests batteries", but it has fewer settings for the dial in the middle, making it seem less complicated... and it is auto-raging... so easier to use? That sounds appealing:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-multimeter-with-auto-ranging-11-functi...

But then the 82141 model has a 10amp fuse protection, and the 82334 doesn't... fuse protection sounds kind of important, to protect me and my equipment, especially since I don't really know what I'm doing and figuring this out as I go along...

So you see how fast this gets complicating/overwhelming to a beginner?
Thanks again for your help!

I have many multimeteres but my favorite is the fieldpiece 600, when testing the battery it gives you the exact 11 . Something as my fluke would show only 11 or only 12..
Same goes with resistance readings, fieldpiece gives a more exact reading

Harbor Freight sells a low buck unit. I've had several. They are good enough, but the leads die. They get the crap work. The Micronta I've had for twenty five years I'm pretty careful with.

Andy RN wrote on 05/14/17 at 12:29:47:


I am assuming he means that instead of a 4 digit reading like 12.45V, some meters would only show "12V".  You definitely want one that also reads the two decimal places, which the model 82141 does if that's the price range you are shoppig in.

I bought my meters a long time ago - and they have needles as digital displays were not common or affordable 40 years ago (I have one in my big tool box and a smaller one in my small toolbox I can carry when I travel).  They have worked fine - the only problem is that there is a very long time that passes between uses, and they have an AA battery in them.  It is far too easy to let years go by and forget to take the old battery out and replace it.....before it starts leaking battery goo all over the inside of the meter.

A couple years ago I did inherit a nice digital meter.....it sure is nicer than anything I would have bought for myself!

Papa Bear wrote on 05/17/17 at 14:16:39:


oooooo!  That's a nice one!  Large display.  Auto range.  Clips for the probes.  Might have to pick it up.  And have 3 meters.
If it only had a backlit display with all these other nice features.