A word about Harbor Freight Tools

I recently purchased a mutimeter from them, I have a store 200ft from my house.

This is the model
7 Function Multimeter

It cost me 5 bucks on sale and I found it to be quite good, until it died, just quit working, had odd characters in the read out, it was like it had a stroke.
So I got ready to bring it back for a new one, and guess what, can't find the receipt. So I called them and they said bring it back and we will give you a new one. They say you have to have the receipt but will let that go, in my case anyway.
So if you need a digital mutimeter try one from them.
One other thing about Harbor Freight some stuff is good some stuff is just plain crap, you have to watch what you buy.

Re: A word about Harboe Freight Tools

Why do you think is that? Because that Dmm might have costed $2 tops to them. Wouldn't buy a Dmm like that not even to measure a battery. Why do you think there are Dmm that cost hundreds of $$$.
Remember if you buy a good Dmm you will have it for te rest of your life, and it is worth it. I never try to save money in those things.

Re: A word about Harboe Freight Tools

^Yes it is cheap but it does work. My post was more about the company than the Dmm.
I checked it against a real one and it was right on. You are right though I will be getting a real one very soon.

Re: A word about Harboe Freight Tools

I've seen videos with these cheap DMMs tested against >$100 Flukes and they prove to be accurate enough for basic stuff. What you DON'T get is the ability to use high-current rated test leads, clip leads, advanced measurements, etc. My RS DMM cost me $35, but it's a great one for my needs, and I upgraded to the quality leads with alligator and micro clips. One of the best instrument purchases I've made.

On the Harbor Freight note, many of us get our cheap aluminum cases there. $15 is worth it when you're not dropping your >$200 405nm lasers...

Re: A word about Harboe Freight Tools

I'm getting all the extras, leads etc., and will hit RS for a DMM, unless I find a better one. I'm know I'll need it to do any builds.

Re: A word about Harboe Freight Tools

I have one and it gets the same readings as my fluke. I have been trying to find some difference in readings and have not noticed any and I always check things with both meters. I would recommend then to anyone for quick readings. When setting current on the drivers I get the same readings but I don't trust it enough to not double check it with the fluke.

It is very basic but it works.