BOLTR; Harbor Freight Fork Meter | Shockingly Accurate!

200A Fork Meter, cheap, works ok, not horrified at the innards and nice loud continuity buzz. If only it had an extra hundred bucks worth of yellow and said Fluke on it...
Get your "Tits & Pickles" T-shirts! teespring.com/AvE_Pickles

[@balaclavabob001]

Now AvE Moses was a Canajun He lived by himself in the snow He Boltred tools for a Hobby He'd Knock em a-part with one blow Them clip board types gonna get you, AvE It ain't PC to keep yur dick in a vice , boy :)

[@alexrex20]

very well done Bob!

[@Travelinmatt1976]

Nice, I was wondering if anybody else knew Amos Moses.

[@ianbejster6096]

Balaclava Bob Last thing I expected in an AvE video was a Jerry Reed reference. I like the remix!

[@markbelden6919]

Ahh thats good stuff balaclava bob

[@noahlopez4819]

Named him after a man of the cloth. Called him AvE Moses.

[@cigr]

I love that AvE gives things a fair shake. He could have just shit all over this because it's HF, and plenty of people would have cheered him on. Instead he gives us an honest opinion, and does solid testing. Well done sir, and much appreciated. Those of us who don't need professional grade equipment need this kinds of reviews.

[@allesklarklaus147]

cigr Well he didn't really test any of the safety ratings so it's only half solid

[@peterjansen5498]

I agree fully. Just because its cheap he doesn't automatically give a crap rating. The device may ultimately be rubbish but AvE will still tell you the things he does like. And at the end of the day, he pulls stuff apart so we dont have to.

[@kearneyboy]

Word.

[@BakerMikeRomeo]

well said

[@johnpossum556]

@akbychoice No doubt. I bought the clamp on ammeter from HF and it was DOA. Never been back to HF since.

[@BrightBuilt62]

I didn't realize that I have been a x-ray technician all these years.

[@jimstiles4831]

Jeffrey Bright shit pay but it's fun!

[@wobblysauce]

Something new to put on the resume.

[@jeremy499]

That tone though! Don't do a continuity check in a hospital, lol. Nurses'll be running all over trying to figure out who's ticker gave out!

[@henrymach]

This is not X-Ray. This is a particle accelerator

[@matthewhall5571]

diamened also known as the widelerizer

[@harveysmith100]

Fucking top comment. For those who get it

[@gblargg]

Spread some grease on the bench and you have your particle trails to interpret.

[@vollickplaysgames]

waiting for a measurement.. = i get paid by the hour.. NO PROBLEM

[@texasdeeslinglead2401]

Vollick I know , right 😄

[@PeRSCiTio]

that's why proper management will give you decent gear

[@gasfiltered]

Can always tell who's getting paid by the hour, they're the ones doin 5 under the speed limit in the company truck

[@FieroFats]

Shoutout to Big Clive too! His Shop X ray was labeled as such. Yours may be a knockoff.

[@SueBobChicVid]

Micro amps are very common for flame rectification. That is, measuring flame rod signal current on combustion safeguards. Important for HVAC troubleshooting.

[@jonlafler2078]

DC micro amps

[@SueBobChicVid]

Hence the "rectification".

[@pendulousphallus]

CAT 5 is for resetting the wireless router.

[@gordonlawrence4749]

Or the battery in your watch.

[@maddoxinc1642]

No no no my friend, that's CAT 6. CAT 5 is what for tying the tomato trees together, keeping them safe in the storm.

[@gordonlawrence4749]

that still leaves me confused about cat5a

[@maddoxinc1642]

Well simple really, CAT5a is for the Apple tree, as signified by the a.. True story, my grandpa is an FOB, loves to garden.. Couldn't care less about technology or things of the cloth. One day I came home to find him working in my garden, bless his soul. He was wearing my brand new Adidas shoes, now covered in mud and tying up my fruit trees with ethernet cables that were sitting in the garage in a box since I was planning a rack rewiring. Honestly, I was mad about the shoes a little but I had to laugh. What's valuable to one man, is trash to another..

[@pendulousphallus]

MaddoxInc, that's goddamn adorable. Bless his soul.

[@05AcuraRSXtypeS]

So much for getting to bed at a decent time... thanks AvE

[@Flynntastic]

Thanks to you, whenever I find myself suffering a deficit of attention, your voice pops right in my head with, "focus you fuck". Works every time...

[@rahulgkhs]

You should have used the "vice of knowledge"

[@sethalump]

Thanks from the back of the classroom, that RMS bit was a handy reminder

[@gonecoastal4]

Well, they raised up a son that could chew down his weight in groceries.

[@timthetoolman69tg]

Love how informed I get with watching your vids. Keep up the great work and the great humour

[@SC457A]

Was mid drink during the shop X-ray demo. Wasted that drink and now need some paper towels.

[@soter305]

Not sure if anybody else is doing these kind of breakdowns on this level kudos to you. Your videos are super interesting.

[@jballew2239]

Hell, some places I worked, even possessing a meter, let alone knowing how to use it was exceptional. The HF stuff is fine for a lot of shops where "having a roof and walls" is considered a luxury. Last place I worked,the crappy "auto" DVOM they had shit the bed, so I grabbed my old Simpson 260. Ended up doing the testing myself, cause none of them knew how it worked, or how to read it. Ended up getting a few of those cheap HF DVOMs (the really cheap ones) and billing the business.

[@PhaseP1]

The frequency inaccuracy with triangular wave has nothing to do with lack of RMS feature. It is having trouble with edge/peak detection to determine the frequency. Fluke is better at that. RMS comes in only when measuring the voltage value.

[@sshuggi]

I had an ache under my knee, so I thought I'd try the shop x-ray, but the image didn't come out as clear as yours. It was all black and blue. What model did you use?

[@ethanpoole3443]

sshuggi If at first you don't succeed just try a bigger X-ray. Clearly the exposure was off.

[@dalebowen8226]

As I spend my working hours at Harder Frought, I appreciate the vijayos, let's me help the home gamers

[@Noughtta]

I work a lot in Africa and mine has treated me pretty well and has been holding up pretty dang well. Not bad for the money, especially when you’re worried about tools growing legs and walking off.

[@craigsymington5401]

As they do, in Africaa

[@ggalindezb]

That trick for measuring current through the fork/clamp is awesome. Now I can get to properly test all those super low reading throughout my apartment. Thanks a lot.

[@Norweeg]

My “Welder’s Ruler” was delivered. Thanks again AvE!

[@PaulsGarage]

I'm wearing my Cockford Ollie shirt while watching this video. All is right in the world.

[@Brok3nC4rrot]

Paul's Garage hey, Paul

[@bobstroud9118]

I do like my bird and pickle shirt. Glad the big picture is on the back of the shirt, and not up front a la Superman. I wish we had a P.G. type shirt that could be worn in genteel society settings. Was thinking of a Canadian hockey team the "Angry Pixies" . Can someone come up with a picture of the mascot? Maybe with the words: "Keeo your stick on the ice!". Big picture on the back of the shirt, with a small "Cockford_Olly" on the front left breast. Crowd source anyone ?? Bob Stroud N.E.OH ,USA

[@laptop006]

The resistor package is MELF "Metal electrode leadless face"

[@johnpossum556]

Beware of the man who knows his packages!

[@km5405]

May End up Lying on Floor

[@danneeson4341]

Naa. It's called a MILF. Google it.

[@Walking_Death]

I thought it was GILF... Google that and tell me if I'm right. supposed to mean something like "General Inline Leadless Face"

[@Chris-vx5kp]

CAT 6 and over is for the single ladies over 30.

[@kick1ass20]

Good stuff AvE, I feel I learnt a lot about AC current and PCB boards.

[@sickmannduane633]

The micro amps could be used to measure the current from a flame sensor on a modern furnace with electronic ignition. With too little output from the flame sensor the burners go out or won’t allow the furnace (burners) to start. A good tech nows how to eliminate this problem without changing parts, but, let’s leave that to them. I’m a retired HVAC Tech.

[@OttawaOldFart]

I am a home repair guy who dabbles in electronics on a very casual basis, this meter is what I need. It will work well for me just like my $25 drill that I have had for over ten years now and still works.

[@the4thj]

Finaly AvE your back to teaching us about electronicals! Makes me want to have a hot supper with my better 3/4s. ;-)

[@fourstarrjim]

I bought the Ames CL600 clamp meter for HVAC work about six months ago, and it works great. I always wondered what the difference was between the Ames, Klein, and Fluke. Very informative, and entertaining video, as always. Thanks.

[@dogwalker666]

Love the big Clive style X ray

[@Equiluxe1]

Failed the impact test.

[@DrPersonman]

Damn, I was hoping it was a 20 minute video of you talking about the kind of pickle fork you use to separate tie rod ends and whatnot.

[@mephInc]

Grease boot? What? BAH! I just crawl under there every few days and slather on a new batch. Keeps it fresh.

[@SuperZorark]

Thanks for the video Mr. AvE.

[@electronicsNmore]

Great review, and highly amusing as usual. :-)

[@Bushougoma]

16:26 that's a MELF package it stands for Most End up Lying on the Floor.

[@danneeson4341]

My OCD disorder still makes me cringe every time you say PCB board.

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

processing... processing... *slow clap*

[@stevefoss5486]

Your "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder disorder" makes me cringe

[@danneeson4341]

speechless....

[@forthwithtx5852]

Kinda like saying, "Cheese Quesadilla"

[@un7ucky]

"joke">"your head" @steve Foss

[@chrisb4009]

It’s pretty cool that the these massive multinationals are taking note of the ramblings of guys on KZbin and actually improving their products!

[@CPMEDIACREATION]

being a bc born and bread fella myself (front the sticks i might add) i have to say the vocabulary and fellow commenters just makes me happy, all these slang words i havent heard in years livin in the big city lol

[@bsdetecter2556]

microamps is used to read the signal on a flame rectified flame safety circuit on many modern high and mid efficient furnaces

[@scopes78]

Thanks again AVE for a good review! I'm finding some of the HF shit ain't tea bag for the home-gamer lately.

[@petermescher332]

They've really started to step up their game. Some of the new stuff is a great value. Some of it... well, it ain't too bad, quality-wise, but starting to approach the price-point of more established brands (brands that offer a real warranty.)

[@FieroFats]

KZbin didn't notify me of this, and it wasn't on my suggested.. Had to go to your page to get it.

[@RayLovesCars]

In automotive use cases we use something similar to the pickle fork, we use a ring magnetic inductive pickup thing. Perfect for measuring high current with something like a fluke 88 and testing alternators or parasitic draw

[@Pyronics]

Micro Amp is used in HVAC to check flame rod signals on gas burners.

[@CodeMasterRapture]

Thanks for the excellent review. I've found this cheap meter is just as good as my fluke, if you don't mind the delay. Still will double check with my fluke or my EEVBlog meter for impotent readings. Keep it up. Love your work.

[@Rod_Knee]

Excellent video as always. +1 For the Back to the Future reference.

[@ServiceComputers]

*surreptitiously removes the probe wires from his Fruke....* Thanks for another great vidjeo!!

[@PrimeHiFi]

Every time I watch an AvE video, I learn a new word or two. Friggen rights!

[@BuzZ.]

Thank you Andurino vs Evil, Very cool :)

[@johningram2153]

This is a great video. Since I'm absolutely a Home Gamer, I decided that the great price of the Ames was going to give me what I need out of a multimeter. So I went to Harbor Freight today to pick one up. The had plenty of tickets on the shelf, but apparently they're out of the units themselves. They had lots of other Ames meters, but not this particular one, so I decided to hold off. My backup plan was a Craigslist ad I saw yesterday, for a Fluke 114. They retail for at least $120, but this one was "new in the box" (or so went the claim) and was $80, firm. I connected with the guy and we scheduled an exchange. He was a nice enough guy, but I couldn't help but notice that the box was not sealed, but rather taped shut. He sells items at flea markets, so he said he takes it out of the package so people can see the wares before they buy. Hmmm. OK. I wasn't sure if it came with batteries or not, so I bought one at the store where I met him. Of course, I could have just flipped the damn thing on, to see if it fired up, and it did. I've obviously been happy with the performance of the meter, since it's a solid piece of gear. But I noticed that the leads weren't the same quality as your 117. I googled the number that's on the leads and they're Fluke leads, but they're PVC. It looks like you can buy better leads from Fluke, but jeez... that was part of the whole point of me buying a Fluke in the first place. Anyway, then I come to this sticker on the unit. I didn't really notice it at first. It's a Techtronix sticker, with an ID, a serial number, a date (Sep 2015) and a "Due" date (Sep 2016). It also has a bar code, but my phone scan app isn't recognizing the bar code, so I guess it's proprietary. Anyway, I'm going to call Techtronix to inquire about this unit, just to make sure it wasn't stolen from them or something. It would not surprise me if it's stolen from somebody, and I'm just starting to feel weird about it. Now I sort of wish I had waited on the Ames to be restocked, or ponied up the cash for a legit new Fluke, if that's really what I want. Or heck, maybe I'm overthinking it, and I should be happy that I got a damn fine Fluke meter for a good price. Thoughts?

[@brittisaacrossman]

Howdy, Uncle B! Just dropping in to say how excited I am for you to have the new X-ray tech in the Empire of Dirt!

[@dustyspicher5430]

I would enjoy a video on thermocouplers. I struggled to troubleshoot a udc3000 hooked to a type j thermocoupler. I overlooked the wire conecting them because it was a new install. It needed thermocouple extension wire not comunication wire but it tripped me up for almost an hour. Love the videos. Long time listener, first time caller.

[@idiotwithasolderingiron]

Finally a review on a tool i own sweet glad to see it was worth the 30 bucks i spent had hazard frud

[@kb9oak749]

Love that X-Ray Machine.

[@jmc1771]

We use micro amps dc for checking thermal couples and piles. Thanks for the vids

[@joopterwijn]

With tinnitus in both ears this on I can hear! 😊The beep of my fluke is gone (the beep is lost for my hearing) 😢

[@wills.5762]

WHAT!?!?

[@dlsjunk]

Thank you, thank you for finally removing the protective film from the display.

[@SkyraHope]

I love your videos! ♥️🤘👍

[@RainbowDashie]

Yea AvE, I bought the Fluke 115 because of you. i do work on all types of power supply units for home gamer equipment.

[@Trickards1]

Thanks for the review AvE...love to see your impression of the chinesium fruke meters (15B+ and 17B+).

[@jasoningalls4412]

when I watch your videos I feel smarter!!!!!

[@twodogsyyc6729]

I got time I could wait a half sec to save 4x. Cuz I'm no pro sparky just need the basics. Plus I'm half deaf from tuning jt8d's so I thank ya for the review. Quality as usual

[@jonsnell4751]

The resistors are Melf Thin film SMD type. They come is different sizes 0102, 0204 and 0207.

[@Pgcmoore]

thanks ave, nice review

[@danielalamo2075]

I have a few harbor freight multi testers for basic electrical components and household voltage ( you know, the ones they give away for free sometimes). Well, I needed to change the romex from an outlet to subpanel it came. PROBLEM: I couldn't find the breaker, so, I shut main. Then decided to test, just for shits and giggles. AND BOOM, BIG SNAP AND FLASH. The IDIOT I bought my place from (he was a high voltage electrician ) wired this subpanel from where the power came into the breaker panel from main out on the pole instead of through a breaker. Luckily, it only melted the probes and blew the internal fuse. No loss even if it never worked again. But it did protect me. I never trust anything electrical around here. I love your test product videos.

[@squad8andamarine]

Long time watcher/follower, first time commenter lol. A suggestion for a future surgery, I saw Ryobi just came out with a new impact driver. Its called the quiet strike and it is supposed to use a "hydraulic drive". I figure that would probably be an informative tear down. Love your vidjeyos. -Glenn

[@nestrac]

Like the fact that you are putting the Big Clive X-ray to good use...

[@alexscarbro796]

The package of that resistor is called MELF. There are various smaller versions including MiniMELF and MicroMELF.

[@bennycrackcorn9193]

FYI: Gas burner controls which use flame rectification for burner safety are checked using micro amps.

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@baustinmcmanus1991]

Mr. AvE. Please do one of your famous reviews/bashing on the earthquake ratchet next! I’m very intrigued with this product and I would love to hear a your thoughts on it. I’m curious to see if she’ll let the smoke out!

[@jh77sly]

Prefer the ExTech MA220 that I have for the clamp meter as it'll do AC/DC. Use that thing to diagnose current leaks on cars typically. Beep isn't as loud, but it's good in every other way.

[@pa4tim]

The blue thing is a MOV, starts conducting above some defined voltage, the green things are PTC's, they limit the energy if things go wrong

[@BennHerr]

Like the mold in your coffee cup.

[@ravenbarsrepairs5594]

Not the first time I've watched this video. I have this meter and compared to all my others, the supplied leads are the best I've found. The meters I use for Electronics projects are this one(Ames CM200A) and a CenTech 61593. The Centech's limiting factors are it only has a 1999 display and it's not auto ranging. My ideal meter would be a Centech 61593, but auto ranging and a 9999 display.

[@gromph4]

Found this meter on ali under the make mastech model MS2601-1. It is more expensive than 35 bucks though.

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

Gotta wait for the double dip coupons!

[@alanwelch8545]

For $60 USD (on Amazon) I bought the Mastech MS2215A which appears to be related. They claim 1000 A (yikes!) measurement capability with a full clamp design. It may be useful for diagnosing automotive starters. I just use it for 8 A air pumps on an Arduino project

[@ericspratt3164]

Alan Welch .

[@gavster89]

They're MELF package resistors, usually used for diodes but also high power rated resistors

[@233kosta]

I do believe Big Clive calls the shop x-ray "unreasonable force". Some say... he really rather enjoys using it!

[@richardhunter9995]

It's "brute force and incompetence"

[@233kosta]

Richard Hunter It's also VERY entertaining!

[@stephanieatkins8981]

Thanks for switching the com lead on the fluke so you could put the red and black on the same terminal... :O

The overall styling of the knobs, buttons, etc. reminds me of Peakmeter / Mastech / Testboy brands coming from the same factory.

[@improprietary1]

it is possible that they're sonic welding the components. the components are pushed against each other and vibrated until the contacting surfaces on the plastics melt.

[@inguzjc]

XRay device? Can't believe my Dad lied to me. He used to say, "this is gonna need the BIG screwdriver."

[@raymitchell9736]

Shop X-Ray -- Watched that part 3 times. Brilliant! I was told never force anything, get a bigger hammer. So I think your next big selling merchandise item might be the manually operated shop X-Ray... I think it would be overkill, but cool, to have a laser cross line to make aiming the X-Ray device more accurate... and remember to deploy safety squints while in use.

[@grantrennie]

And I just seen the crompton guys story on a history program on the TV in the background as I was typing about a historic tong meter, total coincidence..

[@anttiroppola4414]

Shop X-ray? That's exactly how you win a Nobel prize for unclear physics.

[@alexrex20]

thumbs up for Jerry Reed reference!

[@allesklarklaus147]

I suspect because those forks bend fairly easily and the PCB is inside those forks it is gonna crack or more likely the copper traces or solder joints on there are going to crack. So I recommend to not bend the forks or throw the thing around too much

[@seanflanagan5674]

Tight is nice - as long as you can get the probe innit.

[@cletusclem8758]

Sean Flanagan itll fit. Just spit on it and push harder.

[@Shocker99]

All meters have very similar accuracy. What you pay for is the quality of the tool - how it feels, how quickly it updates, and general usability. I've calibrated thousands of meters and this was my take home message from it all.

[@mintonbrunkhorst7070]

I work in the HVAC business and we stopped using Fluke meters because the screens just don't hold up to the giant day-star that well, we have been using field piece and they seem to do the trick.

[@Lagittaja]

Looks like it's a rebranded Mastech MS2601, the PCB confirms it (says MS2601 on it). For those of us who don't live in North America and can't get one from Hazard Fraught you can get one of these from China for around 38-44 USD shipped compared to the regular 59.90 USD list price on Hazard Fraught.

[@joeyf504327]

one bad thing about the HF is that Current is between Voltage and Impedance. The FLuke Has Volts then Impedance. So the HF is at a higher of blowing up in your face due to current

[@sveriphine5354]

Thanks for this review! I bought on of that cheap (actually much cheaper) Multimeters in Singapore. Definitely manufactured in China. It has measured constantly 1V less than my battery charge controller and my boat's battery system volt-meter. But on 1.5V AAA batteries is was measuring ~1.56V. Only slightly higher voltages like 12-14V were completely wrong. As a mechanical engineer I was very confused about that situation. So, I think I should spend a few more $$$ on my electrical equipment...

[@liamgrady962]

I personally use a 110 plus im a sparky but i also use a clamp meter to go with it so i can measure current and voltage at the same time

[@God-CDXX]

Big Clive has a shop X-Ray. and Ave has a particle accelerator

[@nolanmacpherson9880]

Gonna need a lot of time on the healing bench after that x-ray.

[@gordonlawrence4749]

Melf is one name for the resistors. Usually high quality if they are from people like Rohm or similar but there are some chinesium ones with about 5% tolerance and 500+ppm tempco which is rubbish for a meter. For instrumentation I generally use 0.1% 50ppm Melf or better. IA true enginerd knows that MELF stands for MEtal film Leadless Ferfacksake it rolled off again.

[@StreuB1]

6:18 lead came right out of the source and the Fluke meter didn't change at all and then you stuck it back in the source while talking and it didn't change at all. What is up with that?!!?

[@arduinoversusevil2025]

I didn't notice that. Must be camera perspective; still touching the other lead somehow? Or just reeeeeally slow to update?

[@NoisyPlaces]

Capacitive coupling? Pixies still vibrating from one end.

[@GigsVT]

it starts reading when he puts one lead in. capacitive must be enough for hz on fluke.

[@wahconah98]

The function generator can both source and sink current. The Fluke's input is high impedance with a small capacitive element so the input waveform is charging and discharging the capacitance through the positive lead of the meter. The Fluke is likely counting zero crossings of the waveform to calculate frequency so an accurate reference (common lead) isn't necessarily needed. The higher-end Flukes like the 289 can show AC+DC and Hz simultaneously so I'm wondering how a missing common lead would affect it.

[@nolanjshettle]

My fluke will measure hz down to a few millivolts, more than sensitive enough it pick up a strong signal within a few inches. To this guy saying one lead is enough to charge a capacitor: No. To charge you need the current to flow "through" (quotes because current never actually goes THROUGH a capacitor, unless it leaks ofc) the capacitor. The other lead has to be close enough to capacitively couple (form a capacitor). A circuit must form with a high enough capacitance to allow enough current to be detecable above the background noise and rejection by the meter