Need a new Multimeter - Fluke 117 or 77-IV or ??

[Moleculo]

My trusty old Fluke 73 III multimeter LCD is dying. So, I've been looking around at new models. So far I've landed on the Fluke 117 or the Fluke 77-IV but the differences between them aren't super apparent to me. I've also toyed with just buying a cheap Chinese one, but I'm leery. I also suppose that a different Fluke meter may be a better choice so I'd like input on that, as well. I'd like to keep the cost under $300 if possible.

What would you do?

 

[bob85]

If its just the display segments playing up or missing its common and an easy fix,
remove the screen & clean the rubbers & glass where they sit with iso alchohol & reassemble, its part of owning a fluke for years,

I have a 117, an old 77 & a couple of older 87's

the 117 is aimed more at electricians than electronics but its good enough for what most Hams use a dmm for, its true rms meter, volt alert & low impedance input are ok to have,

the 77 iv has higher resolution current range & measures up to 1000v, its not true rms & not all of its specs beat the 117,
looks to be a lot of difference in cost if the 117 does what you want it to,

I have had plenty of china meters, some sexy looking with more functions & larger prettier displays than my flukes, nowhere near fluke quality but they do usually work & reasonably accurate,

I would try cleaning the 73.

 

[Moleculo]

If its just the display segments playing up or missing

Actually it looks to me like the LCD crystals are leaking.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Hard to beat Fluke. I love my Fluke 376. Not sure if I would trust a cheap Chinese meter especially if working on high voltage.

 

[Jay Mojave]

Hello Moleculo: I have both a 117 and a 77 and they simply work great. The only thing that I have done is to make a set of test leads with mix 31 chokes and a 1000pF cap bypassing the leads to keep RF out of the meter. Is work good G.I.

Jay in the Great Mojave Desert

 

[144inBama]

Of all the meters I own and the company supplies, the 87V is my favorite for everyday troubleshooting and measuring. It has a temperature function, which I use a lot and is also amp clamp compatible, AC only, I use the 374 FC for DC....Speaking of, the 374 FC may be something to look into.
I own a few meters....the 772: mA clamp with source, simulate & measure. 787 process meter: not worth the investment unless you deal with 4-20 often. 374 FC: a very well rounded meter clamp, it has BT so you can actually be away from your meter and watch changes on your phone as you make changes in a circuit or throw a switch/push button, ect. and the 87V: which as I said is my go to in field meters.

You may also want to look at the 83V, it's probably the closest in functionality to the 73.

 

[groundwire]

I say if your willing to drop $300 on a dmm, just spend the $100 more and get the 87v. A meter you will have for life

 

[Low_Boy]

A few years back I went through all the same questions. I ended up getting a super good deal on a Fluke 179. I can not believe how much the price has increased. Do not forget to change things around if you do ma. The fuse is very expensive. I now have a Simpson analog I use for that so no more 8 dollar fuses for me.

 

[r carl]

For a $100 one this has worked well for me.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-True-RMS-Auto-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter-MM700/206517339

 

[AudioShockwav]

I keep this in my toolbox.
It is cheap, rugged and has served me well for less than $70 bucks.
Sperry DM-6400
I know it is not a Fluke, but for a basic meter it has held up well bouncing around in the tool box.

73
Jeff

 

[Wire Weasel]

Got lucky a few years back and scored an 87 Series III used on ebay for $50. They are super-high accuracy on DC Volts - great for radio-electronics work, and is like a $375 meter.
With Fluke quality and free lifetime warranty repairs on most meters .... I can recommend looking for a used one and save some $$