Fluke 117 vs Ideal 61-486 which is the best Electricians Multimeter? In-depth Review

[@TheRadiogeek]

Wow, nice in-depth comparison of the meters. I didn’t know that much about the Ideal meter until now. Thanks! 👍

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate you!

[@JohnPooley-te9ei]

If I'm to pay £782.00 min for the Fluke 27 series 2 Industrial,I need to see a complete manual for I.e working on my caddy van for fault finding like battery..lights in order to illuminate which is faulty.

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

We got new 117 meters at work and I like it so far. I had been using a 87v but the 117 is lighter in my belt. I didn't pay for it so I can't say much on price but it feels well built and is accurate.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks Tron! Nice small package. Much easier to haul than the 87;) How do you like the test leads, or did you get an upgrade?

[@TRONMAGNUM2099]

I use the 8000 series probe master leads. They aren't really that expensive and feel way better than santoprene leads. Fluke really screws the customer by providing leads that aren't worth 2 bucks.

[@KissAnalog]

I agree - Fluke should provide better leads. Pomona is under their same ownership, so they have a great lead company as a sister company. It is funny, I can’t find the Fluke spec on their leads that they talked about santoprene. Stuff like that makes me question my memory, but I’m sure that’s where I heard about Santoprene. Once you hold leads made with santoprene it becomes obvious that they are made from something stiffer than pvc. It makes pvc feel like silicon;)

[@Storm-Chaser]

I do a lot of repairs on jobsite and backup generators, which are notorious for putting out dirty electric. This is one place where Fluke meters are well worth their price in comparison to their competitors. The Fluke 87V and 117 models will read the frequency output accurately, while other brands seem to get confused and bounce all over the place with their frequency readings.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for this great feedback! There are many great electrician multimeters that have low frequency filtering. Some call it VFD for variable frequency drive . And - you get a more modern and better meter at a lower cost - IMHO:)

[@versace885]

Hi Eddie, Awesome review on The Meters. Thank you.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much!!

[@CatsElectronics]

I love the 117 for field work.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@additudeobx]

I can't remember the last time I needed to "Accurately" measure a micro-voltage, or milli-voltage, or current or resistance. Let alone, with a hand-held meter. As a side note, reminds me of the days when "High Fidelity" was coming of age with audio solid state power amps and receivers. The audio distortion specs on that equipment were far better than human hearing would ever be. It's referred to as the THD wars. We end up paying for "Specs" and "Functionality", that we don't need, or we will never, if rarely, use. Like having a 20K count meter, where the last digit is .2 accuracy +- 15 digits. It's crazy, no one will ever use that or need it. Fluke knows that 6K is just fine for everyday use. Adding a "High Res 20K" option is just a way for Fluke to conform to the market trend. 95% of Fluke users don't use, and don't need 20K resolution.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback - and I agree with so much of what you said. However, so many people will ask what the accuracy is. How many times do we care about any number past the the first number after the decimal point? But I do have to say I don't agree with the reason Fluke makes this an option. I think you are talking about the 87 which is a 20 + year old design. The meter is slower in high count mode - and so are some others. But Fluke was billing the 87 as a high accuracy meter so how can it be if it is only 6k count? So, they had to add the higher count. Engineers like myself need a high count meter at times when performing design verification testing. Yes, bench meters were commonly used for that - and still are - but hand held meters are so good these days with high count and wide bandwidth - they can do far more than they could 20 years ago. The 87 has always cost much more than the competition. Today - that meter is showing its age and is not worth half the money that it sells for - IMHO;)

[@pacomassa1379]

The Ideal 61 is constructed by APPA. the same identical model under this brand is named APPA 99IV, and work very, very well! Very precise, very good construction, fast spot reading, beatuiful display, high quality in build protections! Continuity test is fast as Fluke or Agilent.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the great feedback!

[@marcc482]

LOL… Appa Tech is a Taiwanese company …. like Brymen which makes some of the most accurate multimeters for commercial use and also rebadge some for Greenlee and EeVlog !!!

[@stevenbliss989]

I am a big fan of your Flue opinions, they are the same as mine, with a small caveat of being even harsher towards Fluke for what I think is brand deception, riding on the past that no longer exists.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks Steven! I actually am probably more in line with you! It is disgraceful that they take advantage of peoples good will towards them. They kind of have an audiophile like following. People just trust in them - too much. IMHO of course;)

[@stevenbliss989]

@@KissAnalog :):):)

[@sparkyskinner4729]

Good review. I have been using meters long before they were Crystal display and nothing quite worked as good as the Triplet 630NA when you really needed to see what the electrons were doing ! Yes, it had a very accurate and sensitive jeweled needle movement. Every tool has its place when properly used. Do you remember the Nixies display outputs !!! now that was cool, like the 8300A by Fluke. It still has a spot on my bench just cuz its cool. ( still works perfect too). Fluke may have been the king on the hill at one time but no longer a held position in my mind as I support you on your rant against the cost of the FLUKE. I just picked up my 3rd AstroAI Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 Counts Volt Meter Ohmmeter Auto-Ranging Tester for a fraction of the cost of a FLUKE. Just like the Kaiweets you have reviewed, a great meter with lots of safety and options. My meter drawer is full. Plenty of flukes in it but they are all from the past. The new meters being purchased by myself are no longer that brand. At least at this time. Everything has its time too. Thanks for doing the hard leg work on the test equipment for us, Eddie. Lets keep the junk out so that no one gets killed. But, .... lets not have to take out a mortgage every time we want to update our bench. Thanks again, Eddie.

[@additudeobx]

What happened to Fluke was corporate greed. Fluke had/has a reputation for solid construction, pinpoint accuracy and constant stability. They supplied "MIL-SPEC" test equipment, at MIL-SPEC Prices. But over the years, the lean and mean lower end spec equipment has been catching up. Fluke now has too much corporate overhead and size to take less fat off the bone. Fluke is riding on reputation, and not on a cost/value product line.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for this fantastic feedback! I agree with you - and love those old Nixies...I still have a few pieces with them;)

[@KissAnalog]

Very well put. Fluke's meters are 20 years old - or at least their best meters. The competion has passed them by. Unfortunately John Fluke is not running the company. They were sold to Danaher - about the time their meters stopped being advanced. Now Danaher spun them off to start Fortive which included Pomona Electronics and Amprobe. Bean counters have been in charge for awhile...IMHO

[@additudeobx]

@@KissAnalog I wonder of they are going to go the way of KODAK? At some point, the FLUKE name has to reminisce the Lamborghini, that only an elite few can afford.

[@johnclarke2997]

I purchased a cheap Chinese multimeter back in 1996 when I was a student. Digital display with on chip circuit board. Not designed for mains voltage, but still useful for a student working on 12volt and 5volt stuff. Still have it as a spare if I need to do multiple measurements at once. Cost me $20 at the time with some extra bits (Pliers, tool bag, screwdrivers and IC remover). I decided to look at buying a Fluke meter and could not justify the price and decided to buy a second hand Beckman meter for doing higher voltage measurments and eventually the company I was working for handed me a Fluke 79 series III which I kept when I moved jobs. Today I must have 11 multimeters of all types. So no need to buy more.

[@chuanliu4685]

May I ask what brand is this Chinese digital multimeter? Is it like a Fluke 8020A copy?

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback. The Beckman meters were really good, but they did make some lower cost meters as well. Both these meters are top notch - but I think the Ideal is a large step up - as you can see from this video. Ideal is still an American company and safety certified by 3rd party company.

[@nono-ip2fv]

Great review. I wish all KZbinrs produced such detailed and long videos. Really makes you almost internalize how the item you are considering buying would feel. Btw I bought the Ideal one: first it’s made in Taiwan, second I found an eBay seller who sells new genuine meters for $49 a pop because Ideal discontinued the model (and replaced it with a made in China series)

[@KissAnalog]

Wow great deal! Thanks for the info!

[@bokidm]

When using probe for live wire or "energy field", I think most advice is to use black probe (COM), not red. There is the same instruction in BM235 manual. Works perfectly for BM235.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes thank you that’s true. It seems to work on either lead though, but I should have shown the black lead;)

[@stanleywhiteman6450]

@@KissAnalog It works however it pickes up interference and becomes unstable in detection. Where the black one COM is dead on. BM786 is outstanding meter

[@Johnny-wp3sq]

Just subscribed to your channel, i have watched a lot of KZbin reviews, you have a great non biased channel.love it. I was going to go with the Fluke 117 then I seen this video. I work maintenance so I do a little residential and light commercial. I’m looking auto ranging multi meter , safe and affordable and accurate multi meter for my application , plus I do a little hobby and hvac troubleshooting. In your expertise what would you suggest for my best application. I love the ideal and the safety cat 4 feature. But trying as hard as it is to not break the bank. I appreciate your help and videos look forward to more reviews. Have a great Christmas John

[@asg58]

Brymen 235 for a budget multimeter with all the same functions plus a few more that both of these meters have. If u deal with checking amperage u might want to add a clamp meter like the (fluke 323, fluke 374-376, on the cheaper end klein cl700-800 depending if u need DC amps) There a re a ton of options out there and it would take a better grasp of your full workload to really narrow down if u might just need a clamp meter or if maybe you'd benefit from having both. Good luck on your search

[@KissAnalog]

Sorry - it didn't show me that you were subscribed, so I was just tying to go deeper to catch up and found this. I try to hit subscribers first, but now I realize I can't tell who's subscribed... Have you purchased your meter?

[@lightshine6044]

Regarding Ideal #61-486, when you are in diode mode, and there is a short, does it make a beep noise like Fluke 87V? I am talking about when it is in diode mode. NOT in Continuity Mode with noise. Thanks.

[@Jesus_ls_The_Way]

Excellent review very thorough

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you!

[@cfkn7049]

55:26 What the heck the Ideal displays ~0.5mA reading and dropping when switched in mA mode?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question. Some meters are more sensitive I think and will show a current but then drop over a few seconds. For instance after switching it continued to drop to 0.07 mA before I switched it to Amps, so that's only 70 uA. The Fluke only has an Amp range and no mA range - and the Fluke didn't force me to put the leads in the Amp plug. The Ideal buzzed at me until I put the lead in the proper plug. My Fluke 87 reads very similar to the Ideal in current settings. Some give a small reading and drop off over a few seconds while some meters go to 0.0 right off. I think it has to do with the filter and how fast it responds. So when the leads are not connected to anything I think a small charge gets built.

[@manuelsilva9335]

Hi have a FLUKE 115 and a BENNING 7-1 (renamed) but exactly the same model. The Benning has some extra features, but love both.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the info on the Benning! The ideal does have some great features and came with some nice leads and extras:)

[@Aitch-Two-Oh]

I have the Fluke 115,. Cost £103 (GBP) in 2011. It's served me well both professional and home use. It has silicone leads and the tips come off to reveal spiked 4mm jacks. I wouldn't swap it.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! Did you buy the silicone leads separately, or was there some option for them? Their leads today are maybe the worst in the industry.

[@Aitch-Two-Oh]

@@KissAnalog the leads came with the meter new in the same style sealed packaging as yours. They're marked 1000V 🐱 III, 600V 🐱 IV. 😋. branded Fluke but no part number sorry. The probe tip is exposed only 3mm until you pull off the sleeve (definitely won't come off by accident) to reveal a 4mm compatible jack. Had i received leads like yours i would have felt oh so cheated. I feel it may have coloured your review from that point on.

[@Aitch-Two-Oh]

Update: According to the article "Fluke 115 Multimeter Review" on a site called clevercreations, there are both silicone and pvc leads with this meter. It seems I have the Euro version (that figures) with the same leads pictured there. Maybe you should import 😁.

[@owelz]

Hi, thinking to buy an Ideal multimeter. But I came around also on an Ideal 61-357 model. If I understand correctly it is the same as 61-486 but newer model. What do you think, should I just buy the 61-357 model since it is newer model instead of 61-486? They come at the same price, both models. Thank you

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the question! I like these meters. The price is very close, so I'd go with the 61-486: amzn.to/40Sf1tR

[@mikewright2858]

I love my 117, I just wish some of the Flukes had backlit TFT displays to be easier to ready in all lighting conditions.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks Mike! It is too bad that Fluke can not provide a better display - especially considering the high cost for the specs.

[@Chattanoogachoochoo_0105a]

Hi KissAnalog, I'm a beginner and need a meter to measure basic components like Capacitors, carbon resistors, diodes, transistors all for repairing vintage Pioneer audio gear from the 70s. Which brand and model would recommend for my purpose. Oh I forgot to ask about which meter has the quick accurate steady reading meter. I don't like meters that jump around alot and take a while to settle down. Thanks. Keep up the good videos!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for asking! If you want an amazing meter at a fantastic price:) This is a meter that has lots of digits/accuracy and multiple display lines as well as many features. It also is rechargeable. Check out this link which also helps support this channel: amzn.to/3XcuFwz Here is a link to a video about his meter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5u7q3yLrtSEjK8

[@turboslag]

You left the screen protector film on the Fluke, that causes more glare. I have a 117 and like it"s qualitu feel and useability. Fluke aren't cheap, actually quite expensive asyou say, but a buyer knows they can rely on them. My biggest gripe with Fluke is their poor customer support, here in the UK anyway. I have needed parts for several of their products and it's like speaking a foreign language to them!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! Boy in your part of the world I think I'd go with Brymen. They are hard to get here.

[@turboslag]

@@KissAnalog Yeah, I have several Brymens. Very good meters, very well featured and excellent value for money.

[@reaperinfinite8427]

Fluke is the standard for meters hands down

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - I used to think that too. As an engineer, I was happy to use the 87, but then I started this channel and woke up;) The 87V is a 20 year old meter. IMHO, they have been passed up. It doesn't seem that they even care to keep up anymore - since they were bought by Danaher in 1998 I think. This Ideal meter is a great example - lower cost and better meter - IMHO;) It is the people that buy Fluke - just because - makes them still relevant - and when people are willing to over pay for old tech - why make anything new? This is MHO - and I do wish that they would step up their game - as an old die hard fan.

[@Belekas35]

Hello, I wanted to ask what non-Chinese multimeter you can recommend. I would also be interested in the pro version. And is an oscilloscope with a multimeter in one good? Would it show accurately?

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks and here is a great option: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoPSY2pojsxoj6s

[@ALEBgiesmes]

Hello, which one would you advise you to choose? Aneng q10 ar uni-t 139c?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! I think you mean the Aneng Q1 right? They are both good choices, but the Aneng might be the winner because of the 10k count. Here's another option that has 10k count and rechargeable battery: amzn.to/3SlDFhq

[@Belekas35]

​@@KissAnalogyoutube.com/@kissanalog?si=bSEOi1N7yqvlUa7-

[@joey24698]

what does the Hz show when reading the output of a APC UPS square wave for the Ideal?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! I'll have to try that with several meters in a shootout to come;)

[@hoivien3001]

Good review. Please keep up

[@KissAnalog]

Much appreciated!

[@Belekas35]

The Volt Alert function with the com wire touching the phasin cable will show that there is a phase? Is it possible to determine which wire is the phase?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question. Let me be sure I understand the question; are you asking if you can tell which is hot or neutral with the volt detect? If that is the question - then yes - the lower voltage (Neutral) will not buz or light up as high. But don't put your safety in this measurement - it is a help, but caution should still have you treat any wire as hot ;) Does that help?

[@Belekas35]

@@KissAnalog Hello, The question would be this. When the fluke 117 non-contact measurement is used to determine the phase, then it beeps and the red light lights up, indicating that it is about the phase 240v. But will it be put on and will it sound like on the same setting we will insert the probe into the com socket of the tester and touch the other end of the probe to the open wire that flows 240v?

[@Belekas35]

​@@KissAnalogThank you

[@Dave-js1jc]

Eddie sure does love him some meters.

[@KissAnalog]

LOL thanks Dave!

[@Belekas35]

Brymen bm869s Hi, what about the battery slots? Time? Not broken from the wires?

[@KissAnalog]

Great entry - the Brymen BM869s! It cost just a bit more than the ideal meter which is also awesome. Not sure what you are asking about regarding the battery slots or broken wires.

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

The best test of an electrician's multimeter is to measure output of some AC motor adjustable frequency drive. In the past not every multimeter could handle that well without either freezing or going crazy.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks - that is a great test. I did buy a motor to do this - but I forget to use it;) I'll do a shoot out for electrician's multimeters and do this test.

[@GannDolph]

@@KissAnalogI have a 117 and it's ok, but i wouldn't do it again. I didn't know enough at the time and I still have a bad taste in my mouth over it's cr@p leads, limited features, and very poor overall value. Never again Fluke. I tried to measure a VFD output voltage whilst running a motor - the readings were nonsensical. It's bandwidth sucks... I'm looking at importing a Brymen 789 or 869S , to have something with the bandwidth to handle any situation with high frequency drives, inverters etc.. Not easy to buy them in the USA; I wish Dave/EEVblog did a version of the 789. The 786 is very nice but has lower bandwidth than the 789 / 869S..

[@OSCrustacean]

I swear every time you do a review one of these cheaper meters showing up FLUKE they decide to raise the prices so that FLUKE is cheaper option again. Oh well, it hasn't happened to the Klein Tools MM720, so I'll make that my first meter. Thanks for the in depth reviews.

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - I think they would have to raise the price a bunch to make the Fluke the lower price;) Here's a link to a meter that I will review very soon. This is a fantastic meter at a fantastic price! amzn.to/3VBCXzb And here is an even better price - it there are any left: ebay.us/JQTbRM

[@treborterb]

seemed to be pretty obsessed with the glare on the display...wouldve been interesting to see you place the fluke on the left and the ideal on the right, next to it cuz it just might be that the display of one is more directly in line with the light above and the camera lens.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for bring this up - nope the Fluke display is just not so great. You can see from my other videos with Fluke that the displays just are not very crisp or bright. The backlights are some of the worst IMHO.

[@treborterb]

@@KissAnalog The glare looks so bad on the fluke...it kinda looks like it does when the little protective plastic that they put over the lens is still on.

[@treborterb]

screen protector?

[@KissAnalog]

I know what you mean - and I'll move the meters around to show that it isn't the angle. I try to get both meters in the best position so that there isn't a glare on either. I sometimes put something under the meter to tip it one way to keep the reflections to a minimum. I do this with all meters but the Flukes - even without glare - just are not that crisp. IMHO

[@Belekas35]

What about uni-t company Ar Aneng Q10. Which would you choose Fluke, uni-t, Aneng Q10, or brymen bm869s. The last 2 are similar. Just which one is the most accurate, I fixed these?

[@joey24698]

on the fluke those 2 silver metal contacts aren't for the volt alert function, rather they are the battery contacts ;)

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes those 2 contacts reach thru the plastic for the battery to contact. I was wondering if the larger metal shield was also the antenna. Not sure - because I couldn't see the antenna for the non contact voltage sense - and it is very sensitive so not sure about this.

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

BTW, what could be a practical purpose of that AC+DC measurement?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! There's many times that an AC ripple will be on the DC, so it is great to measure both these things at the same time.

[@tomallen6073]

The 100 series meters used to be dirt cheap, I remember when they first came out in the late 90’s, the selling point being low impedance. I think you could buy them for just over $100. At that point I had been using a Fluke 73 for many years, stepped up to a 177 20yrs ago and now have 2 of them. Also have a 365 DC clamp, pretty decent meter. Flukes hold up well but they’ve gotten stupid on their pricing for Chinese made crap, their pricing would be ok if they were still made in the U.S. a lot of their,eaters are getting real dated, no dollars being spent on engineering. The 287/298 are long in the tooth. Glad to see they have real competition now, they have themselves to thank for leaving the door open. I’m a engineer working in manufacturing, a lot of our techs are using Klien’s line of meters and are satisfied with them. Reasonable priced.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for this great feedback! I also remember the 100 series being low cost, but now the cost what a great quality meter would cost from other venders. It’s sad to see the company that built such a great name just stand by and watch others pass them by.

[@tomallen6073]

@@KissAnalog Seems like they are just maximizing profits and not concerned about all the competition. An abundance of multimeters on the market anymore. I wonder who is making Kliens? Maybe Extech.

[@KissAnalog]

I understand that Klein has been around since the 1850s and is still owned and operated by the family (not sold to a conglomerate like FLUKE:) I believe Ideal Industries is the same (been around for 100 years).

[@asg58]

I Belice uei which was acquired by klien makes most of kleins meters

[@Belekas35]

Hello, how would you advise? Fluke 117 or brymen bm869s to buy?

[@KissAnalog]

I would stay away from the 117 as there are so many better options. This Ideal is one for sure. But the Brymen meters are so solid, so yes the BM869s is a winner. This Extech is one solid option as well - it has both the LowZ and the low pass filter: amzn.to/4839sJr

[@Belekas35]

What about the battery contacts? Does it take a long time to not break?

[@briang.7206]

Fluke is a rugged meter built to last a long time. I worked in a repair shop and the owner I shared one so it got a lot of use. It was an old model several years old but it worked perfect.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the feedback! Yes there are other meters that are built equally as rugged - like this ideal - and the Klein is a great low cost option.

[@arashzergan3741]

Where is the multimeter made and how long is the warranty?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! I think you are referring to the Ideal multimeter? This is an American Company still owned by Ideal, where Fluke was sold to Danaher in 1998 and then Fortive was spun off where Fluke and other companies purchased by Danaher are part of. This Ideal meter was made in Taiwan and has a 2 year warranty. The Fluke was made in Malaysia and has a 3 year warranty. Both safety certified by a 3rd party, but the ideal is rated to CAT IV at 600V and the Fluke is rated to CAT III at 600V where the Ideal is rated at 1000V at CAT III.

[@yambo59]

My Fluke 17B+ came with those same crappy plastic leads, theres another set just like them with gray probes and they come with flexible silicone that are what this set SHOULD have been. The silicone make a good Fluke brand replacement or you could just get the best and buy a well made pair of Probemasters, veryy nice feel and high quality silicone

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes it is sad that the more expensive meter also requires you to buy a set of leads. The ideal is a much better option IMHO. Better and more functions as well as a carrying case with magnetic holder, temp probe and nice leads with nice alligator clips.

[@EricJohnson-fh8zj]

I agree. They come with cheap leads because they own a sister company youre likely to buy new ones from. Either because you want to, or because you have to when they fail. It's a very expensive meter and the fact they don't include decent leads (or any of the other stuff that came with the ideal, that fluke hopes they can up-sell you on) is 100% intentional and a pretty crummy way of treating customers who have spent a lot more than they needed to. And more than they would have spent by choosing the competition. Just out of brand recognition and loyalty. Screw being loyal to companies who pull this kinda crap. And a lot of people buy fluke "because it's American made quality and it's what great-grandpaw used to wire power to the general Lee's horn in order to warn the fleet when the duke boys alternator crapped out at iwojima! Except they laid off everyone besides a handful of suits and moved manufacturing overseas. But the biggest reason they still sell...is electricity is dangerous. People are ok with spending more to have quality tools since sometimes you're trusting them with your life. But as he just demonstrated, the fluke doesn't have half of the fail safes the much cheaper brand has. It's classic corporate greed and I'm glad I watched this before buying one and falling for a expensive bait and switch. If they still made them in the U.S, at least there would be a reason for needing to price them high. Thanks for saving me some money. I'm just glad great grandpaw and uncle jesse duke ain't still around to have to watch this video.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your great insightful feedback! Buy the Ideal! Better prince for more meter!

[@davidkclayton]

I didn't think the video was too long but if you're looking to shorten it maybe just quick notes on case and accessories😊

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks David - I think that's a great idea. I'll try to get more efficient with parts of the review.

[@rodiona8781]

David, you can increase the playback speed by clicking the gear icon on the video. I usually watch in 1.5x or 1.75x speed.

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

Eddie, I don't quite understand that obsession with Fluke lead flexibility. I troubleshot a lot of industrial machinery and have never ever noticed that stiffness of the original Fluke leads that you keep on talking about. It seems that no matter how rigid, leads are still OK as long as they can't move over or knock off a standing meter. And those 4'-long Fluke leads have never managed to do that.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the great question! I never noticed the stiff leads until I purchased a new FLUKE and the leads are so stiff that I actually returned the meter. But then I bought another FLUKE and the leads were just as stiff, so I looked at the model number (TL75) and compared it to my older Fluke and it had the same model number. I realized that the leads have changed, so I looked into it and found that the material has changed, but they are worse now than ever. For the cost of these meters they should come with much better leads IMHO. I did a video on this and received a lot of feedback supporting my feelings on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gISnaplsfpmjbsk

[@treborterb]

Seven months later and the lowest price for the fluke 117 is at Lowes for $199.00 and the lowest price I found the Ideal 61-486 is now $217.00. Now the fluke is the better bargain but not as full featured.

[@treborterb]

The Ideal 61-486 was $217.00 on Amazon.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for bringing up these prices. But I must say Fluke is $18 lower but not a better bargain as it is no where near as featured as the Ideal. The Fluke at Amazon is $241, so more than the Ideal. Also the Ideal comes with a bag and far better leads. Here's an ideal that is still better than the Fluke, the Ideal 61-342 at about $150: amzn.to/3lfGT8V

[@treborterb]

@@KissAnalog I love that the ideal has all the features that I'm looking for in a meter but after watching your review, I left with the impression that the fluke was a little better quality build than the ideal...just wish it had comparable features now that they are both around the same price.

[@treborterb]

I have to correct myself... the fluke 117 is 249.00...it was the fluke 115 that is 199.00

[@KissAnalog]

I think the Ideal is hands down a better option, and it is far better bargain with the accessories - and is on sale for 20% off on Amazon amzn.to/3oxmKMM The Ideal also comes with a temperature probe, a case, and the magnetic holder. These things will set you back over $100 for Fluke case and mag holder and temp probe.

[@Sthvhvn]

Just got an Ideal but the 347 version

[@KissAnalog]

Great meter! A lot of great features and I see the price on Amazon as low as $65: amzn.to/3koOy47

[@BloodyHeartRo]

I think this review was so good that they discontinued Ideal 61-486 and whoever still selling, is doing it for double price. Guys from #IdealIndustries should keep good stuff on market instead replace them with rubish versions.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks! Here’s a link and it’s on sale;) amzn.to/404D5pD

[@BloodyHeartRo]

@KissAnalog Sadly is not, is displaying "Currently Unavailable " 😢

[@KissAnalog]

That link still works for me, but here's another link with 20% off: amzn.to/3oxmKMM

[@BloodyHeartRo]

@@KissAnalog I live in UK and your link goes straight to amazon UK website and says Currently unavailable like in the screenshot I gave it to you.

[@jackholle1229]

I can’t help but think the only reason that the fluke 117 is not cat IV is so they can up sell you to a 179 or something 🤔

[@KissAnalog]

Great point! They are all about the up sell in the way their meters are set in each series.

[@burra7]

Looks like the fluke have the screen protector still on it 🤔

[@KissAnalog]

Yes I had another of these meters that I had taken it off so I was trying to keep this one new in case I decided to give it away. I'll take them off in the future. I still get the glare with the protectors removed - but maybe it would be less shiny...

[@AlainHubert]

The Fluke TL75 leads and probes are the crappiest that I've ever seen. That's what came with my expensive 87V and Fluke should be ashamed of supplying these with such a premium multimeter..

[@KissAnalog]

Well said!

[@funcool8884]

This is APPA 99-III.

[@jdev999]

Yes, I think you are correct. APPA seems to be less well known but they surely make some goodmeters. I have a APPA 105R (a copy of Fluke 87) which served me well for the past 20 years.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the great feedback!

[@ИльнурХусаинов-п3щ]

Ideal 61-486 are AppA 99 III multimeters

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks - yes they are part of the same company;)

[@jimalcott760]

I’ll take the Fluke….. any day.

[@markm0000]

You got to be careful buying Flukes online. A lot of them are grey market from Schaena.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks! The 117 is made overseas and not made in the USA.

[@ianhaylock7409]

If the Flukes came with good leads, then you wouldn't have to go to their sister company to get good leads. Thus eating into their profits.

[@EricJohnson-fh8zj]

Actually it's the opposite. If thier sister company is owned by the same conglomerate (wich should be the case, that's usually how sister companies are related, by a single "parent" company), then the profits all end up in the same place up the ladder. That's means not only do you buy thier meter, but if 20% buy new leads out of the gate...it's a immediate extra sale. Basically like a up-sell. Not only that, but if 70% end up wearing out/cracking the cheap leads they include within a few years, then its almost a forced up-sell. Hack Contractors call it job security. It's 100% intentional and calculated too. A classic "milk the customer" tactic.

[@KissAnalog]

Great comments! I find it strange that they don't seem to support each other. For instance, why don't they give you a 20% coupon to buy leads from Pomona Electronics (Danaher purchased them around the same year that Fluke was purchased). Maybe they want it to appear that they are still the same old John Fluke company? All guess work...

[@pa3eka]

CE listed Chinese Exports 😁

[@KissAnalog]

LOL thanks Bert!

[@louisdebenedictis2584]

If you can recommend a multi meter that is made in the US if one exists. I like the ideal product but it is made in china . thank you for your help. PS. I am not looking to for a bargain Buy once Cry once. Using for automotive repair and testing However I really don't want to be limited to that.

[@jonfreeman9682]

Sorry but all manufacturing has moved to China. The last time they made meters in USA was in the 80s so they closed it long ago. At one time they briefly made meters in Mexico but they closed a long time ago. So basically it's all made in China.

[@GavinLang-e3t]

Please peel the bloody protective cover from the Fluke!!! no glare!

[@KissAnalog]

LOL I think I did, or I did on my other one. It didn’t really change the glare issue. It’s the curvature of the plastic screen and my bright lights that come from different directions.

[@nikobobich9726]

yyou forgot to peel the plastic off the screen on your fluke its not glare plastic dude lol... I have a 117 and prefer flukes they are quality

[@KissAnalog]

Thank you! Yes, I did leave the plastic on but the display is terrible quality IMHO. I like to leave the film on for meters that I plan to giveaway, so the new owner has a new meter. Fluke 117 came out 18 years ago - so it isn't really fair to compare them to the better high quality Ideal meters that cost much less;) Flukes were great 20 years ago when the 189 came out, but they have been surpassed by many other meters that cost much less for equal or better quality IMHO:)

[@nikobobich9726]

@@KissAnalog I might have to try the ideal it really is a good deal and I'm a field electrician maybe time to get a new MM

[@nikobobich9726]

@KissAnalog my everyday MM on field is my keysight u1252 when I go work big jobs but I'm tempted to see what ideal is doing lately

[@robertking8648]

You need to pull the plastic Off the screen

[@KissAnalog]

Yes I will. I have one that is older and without the screeen protector on it - and they actually don't look that much different in camera...

[@ulbaldop6651]

i'LL BUY Ideal 61-486

[@KissAnalog]

Great choice! It should be certified too, so if using in CAT III areas you will be safe;)

[@treborterb]

BTW, what could be a practical purpose of that AC+DC measurement?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! If you are reading a DC voltage that has excessive ripple. Or if you are reading ac voltage that has a dc offset. I will often switch a meter from AC to dc to check for both but these high end meters can show both measurements at once.