Craftsman Professional  True RMS Multimeter

Basically this is a cheap piece packed into an expensive looking housing and priced a lot over what it's worth. If you do more than checking your fuses, get something better. For serious users this is out of the question. One example which tell it all: In analog audio gear testing Hz count is probably the main task and while doing so the current is extremely low. This meter will not read Hz if voltage is under 3mV. Also it's not accurate between 0 and 5mV DC. This was the main reason to spend 100$; all other features can be found on a $20 unit from HFT or any cheap tool for that matter. It goes back as we speak.

<span>Getting anything close to a steady reading out of this thing is a joke.  </span>

<span>For instance, say you were testing resistance on a known quantity - say a 1/4 watt, 1000 ohm resistor.....  this multimeter will shoot all over the place at first (1.2k ohms, 984 ohms, 998 ohms, 966 ohms....in a matter of seconds)....then it will finally start settling down and will only give you a semi-constant reading (no vibration, no movement, no blinking wrong at it) of something like 977 ohms.....   Now that doesn't mean it's way off - just enough to mess things up.  </span>

<span>Being that I know this, I could constantly be accounting for it and making on the fly adjustments in my head.....and guessing what the correct value is.</span>

<span>Or - I could just save my hard earned money and buy a Fluke 179 so I can stop worrying about this thing.</span>

<span>Sure has a snazzy light though.  I hope I can get $20 on ****.</span>

bought this meter said that it came with a case and that there was a magnetic hanger included magnet wasnt enough to hold the meter up (junk) there wasnt a case with it either. the package that it came in said there was a holster included wasnt there either after 3 days on the phone finially gave up

It's made in China like most everything Craftsman now. No case as advertised. Battery extremely difficult to change. Temperature gauge on my unit is off by 2 degrees. Recommend you try something else.

At first I could not decide which one to invest either this or Fluke 179. I went ahead and purchase this since it is not expensive. Besides, I can return it anytime at local store even if I do not like it. It is not as bad as other reviews said. Obviously, it is not fair to compare with Fluke 179. Price difference is 4 to 1. There are only two screws to open the battery compartment, and screws are approximately half inches each which definitely is not small. Pro: Probes are very high quality. Comes with magnetic hanger, and temperature probe. Con: No user manual to download. Sears website doesn't even mention ranges. Tip: If you carry it around, you might want to invest carrying case. I got it with seventy in sales. With that price, I get to say I?m very pleased with the purchase. Not to mentions Craftsman?s excellent return policy.

This is a sweet little meter for me.  I do DC work and like that it auto starts in DC mode.  I do agree that the continuity mode squeels and is very quiet... I may crack it open and attempt to remedy it.  I would recommend this meter.

I already had a Craftsman multimeter and loved it. I need a second multimeter that could do temperature and have a better amperage reading. I got this meter and have loved it. It comes with test leads, a k type temperature probe with converter, and a magnetic hanging strap. I love the magnetic strap. I am able to just hang it on to any machine I am working on and use the backlit display. Fluke would charge you an extra 40$ just for the magnetic strap. This meter is very accurate all around. I use this mainly for HVAC in finding superheat and it works like a charm. I would definetely reccomend this to anyone who doesn't want to pay for a Fluke. At this price it is a steal.

Craftsman Professional True RMS Multimeter -- Craftsman Professional True RMS Multimeter is pretty easy to use and has an awsome display and I really like the fading backlight when you need some illumination to read in dark places while you are testing a circuit. I have just purchased my multi meter (model 82003) and so far I am really liking it. It has more features and a lot easier to read, than my old Craftsman meter had and I spent $30 on that one and had it for a couple of yrs & it still works, but I needed something with a few more features than the one that I had. So now, I have two meters. Guess I can use one for a back up or give it to my son. I like the auto feature of the new multi meter when you first turn it on. I read where others had issues with the orginal test leads, but I have not had a problem. You must make sure that you push the leads all the way into the meter for them to work properly. I was able to replicate their complaints, only after trying to make them not work. If you do not push the leads all the way into the jacks, then you will get intermitant readings and problems, however, if you push them all the way to their stops, then they work just fine. I also purchased the auxillary test lead kit with the high end safety lead ends & I like the assortment of clips to hold onto test points while you are working. My set seems to be working just fine. I only purchased the test lead kit for the different test clips and will help me when I am testing circuits on sand buggies & ATVs. I need to be able to have reliable readings for both A/C and D/C circuits. Some outputs are below 1 volt A/C & need accurat reading there to determine if I have a faulty part or not. I also use this on tractors, which also have A/C and D/C circuits. I may need to update my reveiw as I use this multi meter more, but currently, it seems to be just right for my shop and for my home and auto testing needs. Wish it came with a protective case, but noticed I can buy a case by itself. The only other accessory that I can think of, that you might could use with this multi meter is a non contact A/C voltage tester. I also like the way that you can wrap and secure the test leads right on the meter itself. It holds the testing probes just right and keeps them from getting tangled or damaged. The magnetic clip with holding strap helps hold the meter when you need a third hand. I wasn't sure what this was for at first, but after figuring it out and using it, makes a nice add on feature. I have used this meter a little more and getting more comfortable with it. I stick by my purchase.

Craftsman Professional True RMS Multimeter is pretty easy to use and has an awsome display and I really like the fading backlight when you need some illumination to read in dark places while you are testing a circuit. I have just purchased my multi meter (model 82003) and so far I am really liking it. It has more features and a lot easier to read, than my old Craftsman meter had and I spent $30 on that one and had it for a couple of yrs & it still works, but I needed somethng with a few more features than the one that I had. So now, I have two meters. Guess I can use one for a back up or give it to my son. I like the auto feature of the new multi meter when you first turn it on. I also purchased the auxillary test lead kit with the high end safety lead ends & like the assortment of clips to hold onto test points while you are working. I have read a few reviews about poor test leads that come with this meter, but so far I have not verified their complaints. My set seems to be working just fine. I only purchased the test lead kit for the different test clips and will help me when I am testing circuits on sand buggies & ATVs. I need to be able to have reliable readings for both A/C and D/C circuits. Some outputs are below 1 volt A/C & need accurat reading there to determine if I have a faulty part or not. I also use this on tractors, which also have A/C and D/C circuits. I may need to update my reveiw as I use this multi meter more, but currently, it seems to be just right for my shop and for my home and auto testing needs. Wish it came with a protective case, but noticed I can buy a case by itself. The only other accessory that I can think of, that you might could use with this multi meter is a non contact A/C voltage tester.

If you are an electrician or technical professional, I do not recommend this meter. I tried to get out of paying the high price on a Fluke meter this time, and saw all the extra features on the Craftsman meter and better price point. First flaw for my needs is that when you turn it on, it starts on dc instead ac. You have to remember to change it every time. Second flaw the print wears away from the dial quickly, not knowing what it is set at! Third the continuity feature is flawed, sometimes it reads sometimes it doesn't. When it does read it is not a clear sound, like a dying buzzer. (with fresh batteries) Fourth flaw, changing batteries forget about it, two little screws. Do not attempt at a job site! Let's just say you can buy new screws for it... Hint, Hint.. As for dropping and waterproof I have not tested. Well Fluke meters are pricey. There are two new competitors Klein and Milwaukee meters, I have heard great reviews from both. Good luck, in your purchase.