Using The Correct Tools For The Job Are Always Essential!!

[tcp2525]

I've found out the hard way in my younger days that if you skimp and buy inexpensive tools you pay for it in the end. If you're doing mobile GMRS installs or troubleshooting, and the gear and accessories are "Imported" it is inadvisable to use a domestically manufactured meter, even the legendary Fluke. To solve this dilemma I've been finding myself in more often than not is to purchase an "Imported" Fluke meter to get around this problem. Now when I'm in this situation again, I won't feel like I'm mixing matter with anti-matter. I love this meter!!  Ain't she pretty? Now off to measure the current draw of my DB20.

[SteveShannon]

54 minutes ago, tcp2525 said:

I've found out the hard way in my younger days that if you skimp and buy inexpensive tools you pay for it in the end. If you're doing mobile GMRS installs or troubleshooting, and the gear and accessories are "Imported" it is inadvisable to use a domestically manufactured meter, even the legendary Fluke. To solve this dilemma I've been finding myself in more often than not is to purchase an "Imported" Fluke meter to get around this problem. Now when I'm in this situation again, I won't feel like I'm mixing matter with anti-matter. I love this meter!!  Ain't she pretty? Now off to measure the current draw of my DB20.

I have the 117 and really like it. Of course I wanted the 87 but I couldn’t justify the price difference. 

[WRYZ926]

I'm still using the Fluke 73 III that I bought 25 years ago. It does most everything I need it to do. I have a new Klein clamp meter for amperage reading when needed 

[tcp2525]

Ah, the classic 87, it never goes out of style nor will it ever be discontinued. Don't remind me about clamp meters. My dumb ass left my old favorite Fluke ampprobe where I was working and didn't remember I forgot it till the next day. Needless to say somebody got an early Christmas gift. I bought a new one, it gets hooked to my belt. I ain't making that mistake twice.

[WRUU653]

 I agree that good tools are a joy to use. Like radios it seems I can never have enough. As for Flukes I have the Fluke 16 and Fluke T5 1000.
Before I retired I used to have the 87, the 376 FC with the flexible clamp (that was a nice meter) and a 771 milliamp clamp on (usefull for 4-20 controls). All good meters. 

[WSHH887]

Still prefer Klein. And I have never trusted those pen type devices to see if a circuit is live. 
 

I do have one old Fluke meter. All it measures is 129 or 240 voltage. It must be close to 60 years old now. 

[WRUU653]

7 minutes ago, WSHH887 said:

And I have never trusted those pen type devices to see if a circuit is live

Yeah they can be finicky, I trust them to tell me something is hot, I don’t trust them to tell me it’s not.
Klein has certainly made some money off of me over the years too

[tcp2525]

20 minutes ago, WRUU653 said:

 I agree that good tools are a joy to use. Like radios it seems I can never have enough. As for Flukes I have the Fluke 16 and Fluke T5 1000.
Before I retired I used to have the 87, the 376 FC with the flexible clamp (that was a nice meter) and a 771 milliamp clamp on (usefull for 4-20 controls). All good meters. 

That is the beauty of the 87, it's such a joy to use. I always thought the clamp was such a neat accessory.

[tcp2525]

21 minutes ago, WSHH887 said:

Still prefer Klein. And I have never trusted those pen type devices to see if a circuit is live. 
 

I do have one old Fluke meter. All it measures is 129 or 240 voltage. It must be close to 60 years old now. 

Don't get me started on those pen testers. I always tell the new guys to NEVER rely on them. If you insist on using one you better check using your meter. 277v and 480v is so unforgiving. 

[WRYZ926]

27 minutes ago, tcp2525 said:

I always tell the new guys to NEVER rely on them. If you insist on using one you better check using your meter. 277v and 480v is so unforgiving. 

It will only hurt for a little bit - until you either trip the breaker or pass out from the pain. 

I've zapped myself with everything from 12 V DC to 480 V AC three phase. 120 is the worse since it wants to hold onto you. Generally (but not always) 220V and above will throw you off.

I got hit with 480V three phase when testing a contact. The relay went bad and it was getting the full 480 across it. I had my left hand on the metal cabinet when it hit me. It instantly threw my hand off the door.

One of the worse shocks I got was when working on a 36 V DC golf cart. I got zapped by the full 36 volts from 6 high amp 6 volt batteries. I was testing the big resistor that controls the speed and accidentally got my left forearm across all three terminals on the motor. I had to grab my left arm with my right hand to pull my arm off the motor.

I won't go cheap when it comes to tool needed for electrical work. All of my screw drivers and some pliers are all rated for up to 600 volts. And I definitely won't use those pen testers.

[Socalgmrs]

For 12v dc the best investment a mechanic or hobbyist can make is a power probe.    Testing grounds, relays, giving power or ground to something.   

[WRUU653]

I would add make sure what you think you’re testing is what you think it is before putting that meter on it also. I got called out for a blown fuse on 4160 three phase. Each leg supplied a group of transformers and the electricians (not our company) thought the high side was 480… they opened up the back, one guy put the probes on while the other held the 600 volt rated meter. They both lived but they both went to the burn ward. Be safe and pass on stories where things can go wrong so the newbies may learn and hopefully avoid bad mistakes.

[WSHH887]

Fortunately my work never involved more than 220. A lot was DC control power and 120 that was relay controlled to the equipment. But an old electrician gave me some advice early on. Have two sets of tools. One for electrical and the other for everything else. Keep them in separate tool bags and never mix them. I always bought the best tools I could afford. Retired now I still keep my electrical tools segregated from my others. Old habits die hard if you follow them, you will too.