Choosing between a used Fluke 87V and a new generic meter for my home bench

I had to pick a new multimeter for my home setup a few months back. My old one finally gave out after a good run. The choice came down to a used Fluke 87V I found online for about $250, or a brand new generic brand meter that was only $80. I went with the used Fluke because I remembered how reliable they were in my old shop. It showed up with some scuffs but the calibration was spot on. I've used it to chase down a tricky intermittent fault in a nav light circuit on a buddy's Cessna 172. Having the true RMS and the good leads made a real difference. Has anyone else gone for used pro gear over new budget stuff? How did it work out for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

grays139d ago

Wait, you used a used meter on a Cessna's nav light circuit? That's some serious trust in a second hand tool. I get the Fluke is a tank, but putting it on an aircraft system right away would make me sweat a bit. Good to hear it worked out and the cal was good, that's the real gamble with used gear. I've had mixed luck, sometimes you get a workhorse and sometimes it's a dud.

tara6429d ago

Yeah, that feeling when you first hook up a used meter to something important is real. I mean, you're just hoping the last owner didn't drop it off a ladder or something. Always a relief when it reads right and you don't get any magic smoke.

ray_martinez829d ago

Man, @tara642, you hit the nail on the head. That little moment of doubt is the worst. I swear I hold my breath until the numbers settle down and look right. It's like trusting a used car to get you across the state, you just never know what it's been through. So glad yours checked out okay, that's a solid win.