Repair multimeter or buy a new one?

[Cochese]

This is a tool I use very infrequently, so I wasn't too distraught when mine broke on me the other day. The battery nub crown got stuck in the pad and tore the pad nub out rendering it useless.

Now, I have several of these pads and wires lying around, I suppose I could tear apart the multimeter and see if I could solder a new pad in. I don't think there's enough room to crimp on a new pad to the old wires.

Obviously the other way to go is to just replace it. I'm not sure what to look for, how much I should be paying, etc. I know that I want it to be digital, though.

[sscherin]

If it was my Fluke 75 I'd fix it.. or even my "good" $25 HF meter that does temp and frequency..

For just basic voltage, ohms, amps and continuity it's hard to beat the $3 HF digital meter.
Wait for the coupon and get em for $1.99 or even free sometimes.

Watch Ebay and you can snag an old Fluke 73,75,77 series meter for $30-40

[cork58]

As cheap as they are nowadays I'd just buy a new one. I bought one a couple of years ago because mine was analog. Think I paid around $15.00 and it does everything I want and even a few things I've never used like a temp probe.

[BadeMillsap]

For the price I think this one is hard to beat

... it isn't a Fluke ... but I'm very very happy with mine ...

Sinometer

[chopnhack]

I'd fix it.... I just recapped a friends 19" flat LCD monitor - 4 capacitors ~$1 and now I have dual display :P I told him I would fix it and give it back but he had already upgraded to a high def unit.

[Ed62]

It sounds like you use yours about as much as I use mine. I'd replace it.

Ed

[cwsmith]

It depends on the cost of the your "favorite" meter, I suppose and to what extent the features/accuracies of that particular meter offers you. "Repair" (unless you know enough to do it yourself), will be much more costly than replacing it, I would think.

As previously mentioned in another post, HF literally gives them away quite often and actually for the basic uses that most of us have, it is pretty good, having AC/DC Volt, amps, Ohms, continuity, diode and transistor testing, as well as 1.5 V and 9 V battery tests (Cen-Tech item 90899).

I hope this helps,

CWS

[sparkeyjames]

I had to replace the battery in my multimeter when I got it used. Of course
while I was in there I replaced a connector an the vacuum tube.

[LCHIEN]

replacing the battery connector ( I assume you have a 9V there) is easy for those who can use a soldering iron. The leads are just soldered in to holes in the PCB and no splicing or crimping required. The connector are at radio shack for around a dollar and way overpriced. Or steal one from an old toy or radio.

[Cochese]

So what I'm getting is that if it isn't a Fluke, then pick what color you like best.

I have everything to fix the one I have, I'm going to do that first. If that doesn't work, or I decide I'd like a prettier one or to keep this one in the house, this is the one I'm looking at.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G10

The Sinometer looks good too, especially backlit.

[wardprobst]

The little AC detector that comes with the Sears unit is really handy. I keep one in the shop and carry one on the road. Saves a lot of time not to mention the occasional spark test.
DP

[Cochese]

That was my thought as well. Depending on how work goes I might have a chance to crack open my current one later today.

[Cochese]

I purchased the one that's currently on sale for President's Day Weekend, this one.

If you take a look at my link a few posts up, that's what this one is, minus the AC detector. The image on the Sears website for the 82141 is old. For $11, I'll keep this one and solder up the old one and have one stashed in a toolbox.