Multimeter review / buyers guide: Fluke 87V / Fluke 87-5 Review

[@Photoshopuzr]

since learning tv and vcr repair in the 90's my teacher always recommended the fluke as the tool of choice, but due to the high price of the fluke I never could afford one, but now I will get me one of these tools thats the gold standard. its a heavy price taag but this will be the first and last tool ill own for life. Great review, still a high end tool to this day 2023

[@7863348]

Hands down the best review I've ever seen. Thanks for taking the time to post this outstanding review. Well done sir

[@SirMo]

I got mine a month ago. This is the best hand held meter ever. It's just such an awesome all around meter. You can just tell that decades of refinement went into this product. It oozes with quality.

[@franciscorafael7975]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS

[@nevtelenfelhasznalo6151]

Thank you very much Mr. Lorton for posting an excellent review of the Fluke 87V. I find your observations quite helpful and valuable in my process of selecting a new DMM for serious electronics design work; particularly where your observations differ and add to those of Mr. Dave Jones. I really appreciate the informative, thorough, professional style of your review. In particular, I find the pace of your very comfortable: not too fast and not too slow. Thank you again for your fantastic effort.

[@mjlorton]

My pleasure, thanks for the kind words. The Fluke 87V would certainly be a strong recommendation...or the Brymen TBM867.

[@mjlorton]

@bkupiec Point taken for the higher ranges...but with 999.3 ohm reference it does make a difference as there is a 0.2 / 0.3 ohm reading for the leads.

[@mjlorton]

@samgab ThanksSam for picking that up. I've made an annotation at 14:25...please have a look and check it makes sense / is correct?

[@mjlorton]

That is odd, the most obvious problem would be dirt or oxidisation on the probe tips. If you have another set of leads try them...or try cleaning the tips with alcohol.

[@blazenblues8031]

mjlorton Great idea is to keep several alcohol pads which you can get in any store in the medical section with every meter and occasionally clean the lead tips and inputs. They are cheap.

[@mjlorton]

@bkupiec If you have a close look at the video you'll see it was in Hi-Res mode (icon lower right).

[@Cope1024]

My daughter was experiencing issues with her incoming electrical service. I set up my Fluke 87V to record Min-Max overnight. When she called the etch the next day he first tried to brush her off saying the problem was most likely in side the home, but when she told him I had recorded input voltage on the 87V his demeanor changed immediately. It turned out there was a problem with their service.

[@MarshallSmith27]

Something similar not long ago happened to me with electrical grounding in my car. My wife bought a replacement part on eBay and the seller was talking to her like she didn't know what she was doing...until I wrote that I was using my 87 III and a couple of other tools to check the problem and it pissed the man off lol. he had been trying to tell us he's never had anything he's sold go bad and that we were probably doing it wrong with the wrong tools and so on. He ended up saying I don't accept returns but just send it back and I'll refund you anyway very rudely. Sort of funny but sort of sad that he assumed that since he was talking to a woman to belittle her.

[@bobroth1951]

I just bought one of these the other day brand new, they are still making this model as of Jan. 2021. So, 9 years after you put up this video, do you still have the 87V? and if you do, is it still operational? Thanks, Bob

[@mjlorton]

@samgab Yup...fair comment...I'm keen to see how well the Agilent behaves in this regard.

[@mjlorton]

@toddrharrison As I recall it is for an accessory hanger with a magnet so you can attach it to a DB board and the like.

[@mjlorton]

My pleasure, I really appreciate your feedback.

[@maxpeck1387]

Great Video Martin, I have the fluke 88v/ Auto edition and I love it. I use it exclusively for auto and small engines. The Hi-Res feature comes in handy. But the crown jewel is the engine RPM and Hertz. The RPM for automobiles to compare with internal Tachometer, and the OBDII scanner along with the 88V really allows you to dial in a factory idol, or diagnose a problem with an IAC or EGR Valve. My favorite is small engine work having an accurate resource to set an RPM. The best is to set generators to an exact 3600 RPM which yields a perfect 60 Hz for electrical devices running off the generator. And as usual, a fantastic video. I have been watching for a while, and yes I saw the cardboard review of the Fluke 87V, I think only you would do that, but you made a stellar presentation. As Usual.

[@robertcameronjones]

I have an 87V Max coming today. This review helped me a lot. Looks to be a lot better than my 'old' Fluke 73 III, which I love.

[@mrhackett1984]

How do you like the 87V Max? Can’t find much on the max or size of it vs the regular 87V.

[@robertcameronjones]

@@mrhackett1984 It's amazing. Built like a tank, love the min/max/avg options. Easy to read, ranges very quickly. Just perfect.

[@JacquesMarais]

Great review. Fluke 87V, the one I was waiting for. Searching for a reviews on the Fluke multi-meters had the result of me stumbling on your channel about 3 weeks ago. This lead me to watching most of your tech related videos, keep up the good work. PS: Nice to find a local Capetonian with an interesting channel worth subscribing to.

[@jgmo53]

Great review! One thing though. You need to "get over" the 9v battery thing you have. I have been using this meter and a couple of it's predecessors for many years now and the 9vdc battery in the Flukes means that you can grab and use the meter FOREVER without worrying about changing the damn battery. In a faced pace industrial setting this is something that is GREAT to rely on and I have met many, many techs that have commented and appreciated this very thing about the Flukes.

[@CompoundEmu72]

Great Video. I just purchased my first Fluke. Your video helped me choose the 87V. Thanks again.

[@samygold100]

Still got it? and still working?

[@netten2053]

@@samygold100 it must be working

[@mjlorton]

@DanFrederiksen I forgot to mention that...in South Africa it costs about R 6000 in the USA on Amazon it costs about $325.

[@mjlorton]

My pleasure, thanks for the feedback.

[@UrielX1212]

AWESOME meter. I especially like the magnetic strap that you can buy. It makes it so easy to test voltages and troubleshoot out in the field.

[@neoretrophoto9198]

I have an 87 that is 20 years old and still working great - I’d like to get ahold of one of those test devices you showed to see how it’s accuracy is doing. Just ordered an 87v for back up.

[@mjlorton]

@TheRiddleywalker Thanks, I really appreciate the feedback.

[@LeifMaginnis]

Thanks! I'm sold on the 87-V. Very thorough presentation.

[@roseelectronics4582]

Want to see you doing a review of Fluke 87-V Max. It's different from Fluke 28-II.

[@RedondoBeach2]

The 28-II and 87-V Max seem to be the same meter. What are the differences?

[@mjlorton]

@toddrharrison Ok...I had to go have a look again myself and I see what you mean....I'm not sure that it has a functional use...so I'm not sure why they would put it there....?? Perhaps I'll ask the Fluke agent or see if anyone here would know.

[@RejectedManiac]

Does this meter beep in diode mode? I was hoping you would cover this as it's a pretty important feature. If it beeps in diode mode there is no need to look at the meter which is great.

[@mjlorton]

@DanFrederiksen Yup, that's my finding so far too...except for the MT1887...the first one I received was out of quoted spec...the second one has been very good as per the reference tests.

[@michaeld8975]

This review helped me on 6/19/15 couldn't remember the max amp rating and have to chase down a parasitic drain on the jalopy tomorrow. 10 amps. Cheers Martin!

[@Pknuckles1804]

The internal fuse is actually rated at 15 amps.

[@mikeadler434]

Great job!, thank you for taking the time to do this review.

[@mjlorton]

@QuillOmega0 Thanks for the feedback.

[@jimbrent8151]

One of best reviews I have seen. Thank you.

[@mjlorton]

@toddrharrison Yup. do a search in Google for "fluke magnetic hanger", click on images and you'll see loads of examples.

[@kenbatosai]

Thanks Martin for reply. I do have another meter (a cheap one) but its continuity beep is instant. I did switch probes but no difference.

[@suckit8o8]

aight if you're working on computers, electronic components and solar panel, what is better 87v or 179?

[@mjlorton]

@jpmarais Thanks JP, I appreciate the feedback.

[@mjlorton]

The other consideration is the Agilent U1272A.

[@MooseMedders]

Thank you for taking the time to post this review, it was very informative! Unfortunately my 6-month-old 87v is no longer functioning as it just shows an Error 8. I'll be contacting Fluke, hopefully they'll come through for me. =|

[@bkupiec]

@mjlorton Using the REL function on ohms ranges -600 ohm should not apply. You are trying to remove the milliohm reading of the leads. For example, in to 60k ohm range the resolution is 10 ohms. I don't think your leads are -=10 ohms. Look at the 87V detailed specs on Fluke's site for a footnote.

[@Tool-Meister]

Very clear, concise, and thorough.

[@mjlorton]

Thanks very much for your feedback.

[@mjlorton]

Thanks for the feedback,

[@kenbatosai]

Hi Martin, I bought Fluke 87V after going through your full review, excellent review. I just received my Fluke 87V, I noticed while performing the continuity test their is a delay of about half a second or so unlike for you it beeps instantly. Any ideas what could be wrong. Thanks.

[@samygold100]

Still have? Still working? Any tips?

[@mjlorton]

@bkupiec Yup...ok, that makes sense. Thanks for posting as those checks on what I'm doing are helpful. Cheers.

[@ShermanSitter]

Hello, you mentioned that all the Flukes have good sensitivity...does that apply to even the 117? I'm debating on going all in with the 87V or the 117. My uses will be robotics mostly, hobby stuff, but I do not want to be limited later if I get into diagnosing circuit boards or something... Any thoughts on that would be appreciated.

[@DanFrederiksen]

as a general point for meters, don't they all seem to be more accurate than their specs? for years I've used a 10$ DMM and recently decided to buy the UT61E because it seemed like great value for a precision meter and it would be cool to have, not because my 10$ meter wasn't enough. and I find that my 10$ 3 digit meter is basically reading the rounded off value of the 4/5 digit UT61E. lithium cell reads 3.317v and 3.32v on the cheap. and it changes over at the right point. sub 1 count precision

[@CarAudioInc]

I have the 88v, these are awesome meters. I do feel like it's time for a bit of an update though, the chinese models have a better backlight, stand and battery sled which are somewhat bummers if/when you upgrade from those.

[@sacch6579]

The contrast difference might because you put it in the middle.

[@byrdchem]

Thanks for a very helpful review. I just purchased an 87V and have one nagging issue. Whenever I switch to DC amp setting, the meter always reads 0.004 A (with no load, with or without leads.) Of course, I can always reset to 0.000 with the REL button, but it doesn't right right to me that I should have to. My 177 doesn't have this issue. Does this sound like a mis-calibrated meter or much ado about nothing. (Manufacture date January 2017.) Thanks for any comment.

[@josecarlosmarquesjuniormar244]

byrdchem the same here. I purchase one and show arount 1ma on 10A scale and 10 or 7 when select to mA DC range. The same my Fluke 115 is all 0.000 !

[@samygold100]

Do you still have it? And is it still working?

[@DanFrederiksen]

@jpmarais wait for the review of the UT61-E. it's a 60$ 22000 count autoranger.

[@jamesforte-mason8849]

I have had an 87V for over 10 years, never use anything else. Needs calibration now but I only use it mainly at home now, my employer insists that we have to use the stupid probes with LEDs. Cannot compete with my Fluke. I just use it if I need to at work when nobody is about. 😮 Expensive, but you get what you pay for, and these are worth it, 👍

[@robertocunial9904]

I have a 87 V Ex and I would like to make some checks every some time. Where can I get some references voltage/current/resistance like the ones that you have used during the tutorial?

[@saadamiens]

can you do a demo of the 87 V MAX, thanks

[@franciscoalvarez5215]

Wow! Such an amazing explanation, mate. Thanks for this video.

[@blazenblues8031]

The backlight and contrast seems much nicer/cleaner/clearer on the 28ii over the 87v. I also prefer the green backlight on the 88 original I have. I have as well the 87v and the Brymen 869s which is Super in its own right. Someday I want the 28ii.

[@nazmulhaque3861]

Can you please tell me which multimeters have wrong probe insertion alart

[@fogrunr5075]

Outstanding review! Thank you so much 😊

[@tony-ma]

Where to get these check board?

[@bkupiec]

@mjlorton I would have liked to see hi-res mode on your mA and ohm measurements too.

[@b5a5m5]

Is there no lead warning on the 87v like there is on the 28ii?

[@Ben-tr]

When I turn on my fluke 87 is it normal to show all displays on screen for 1 second

[@kenbatosai]

Sorry for the late reply. Been busy all week. Some times simplest of things we tend to overlook. I am so use to using Diode/Continuity selection on my old multimeter, Equus 4320, that I kept using Diode selection for continuity test on my new Fluke 87V. I know this is probably the dumbest thing but that's what happened. Hope you all can forgive me, lol

[@Andy205ro]

What are the defenses from fluke 87 and 88V/Automotive?

[@kpcarfreak94]

I just got this meter for my collage I'm taking automotive, I've used multimeters before at boces but never a good one like this, can you make a video explaining all the features and what the symbols mean, thanks soo much if you do it's very helpful.

[@samygold100]

Do you still have it? And is it still working?

[@kpcarfreak94]

@@samygold100 yes

[@gmguy156]

There is one thing I cant get over about this meter. I own fluke and have only used their meters however through the demonstration I never see the 87V zero out when powered on. Im looking to purchase a meter here today so im hoping to hear a response back about my concern. Thanks in advace

[@CurvedSlightly]

You can 'ref' the meter to set it to zero.

[@idsoftware7]

Whats the price of this unit ?? I saw a Klein one but not sure which one is best.

[@mjlorton]

Look for my video titled: "Fluke 87 V / 28-II Power on options / features (Not obviously visible features) " That should have all you need. Cheers, Martin.

[@mjlorton]

@bkupiec No problem...I miss loads myself all the time! :p

[@mjlorton]

Yes you can.

[@bkupiec]

@mjlorton That should read "greater than 600 ohm" and "greater than or equal to 10 ohms". Seems like the greater/less than symbols get stripped from the comments. I agree with you on the lowest ohm range.

[@Universal_Craftsman]

I am a hobbyists and I own my Brymen BM235 for a while, and I consider buying a second more capable meter, I have some M830s but they are not great, I am torn back and forth whether I should get a Brymen 869s or the Fluke 87 V, the problem is that I don't know whether the premium for the Fluke is worth for me, because for €500+ with accessories for the Fluke, I could get the Brymen for about €200, and would have money left to get a Rigol 1000 series, or with additional €200, a Rigol 2000 series. I don't know, I think that would be better for me to get the Brymen and a 2000 series 100 Mhz 2-Channel for about €800, than getting the Fluke for €500. Let me please know what are your thoughts on this, as I said I like to play around and I also do electronics repair like Phones, Computers, TVs and car electronics troubleshooting.

[@Universal_Craftsman]

It's not the case that I can't save up for the Fluke, like probably every one else, I have to contemplate how I grow my collection of equipment.

[@Universal_Craftsman]

According to the teardown I am pretty sure that I don't spend the money on the Fluke, since the build quality is equal if not worse than the Brymen, I would have paid the premium but these Flukes are probably not as rubust as they get advertised, it's not just the housing, the input protection is poor, what Joe Smith showed, they are poorly engineered compared to older models, yeah, we are in a time now where pleased investors are more important than pleased customers.

[@davidut55]

Measuring fuses in automobiles on continuity, if there is a consumer on a blown fuse it will still beep but show something else. How to prevent such false beeping? This is a problem if you are not looking at the meter. Once because of this i lost few hours checking wires and power because the fluke gave a false beep, and i did not look at the reading. Honestly the reason you put it on beep mode is to only hear the reading.

[@joemolinaro5316]

This Fluke 87v, is super. I have one and also own the 179, which is great too. The great thing with fluke is the extensive accessories available. I also own the 902 and 376 clamps, supers too. Never ever have a problem with them, maybe because i am very careful with them, and i still have a couple of the Flukes 16 from the late 1990s and both of them still working great. The only Fluke i ever had to replaced was a clamp 30, which i owned two of them in the late 1990s in Miami, and one of them is gone, due to heavy use and still have the other 30. Not bad for this meters....

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

I just received my brand new Fluke 87V/E2 yesterday. The first thing I've noticed is that none of my other meters are as accurate as I thought they were. I believe I'll have to trust the Fluke more than the other meters.

[@jellboy1117]

Can you measure Temperature and frequency on this meter?

[@franciscorafael7975]

GRACIAS...POR LA INFORMACIÓN Y SU TIEMPO., Lo compre hace un año en AMAZ.... SUPER HERRAMIENTA.

[@neppy5]

what an awesome and thorough review! where did get your test references?

[@neppy5]

for anyone curious, seems like these are from www.voltagestandard.com/ pricey little things

[@hitechespresso]

Worth every cent.

[@janeklof2769]

Many thanks for a very interesting and learning video !

[@scottmiller6034]

Thanks for the video. FYI.... if i remember right, i think i read it is IP67 rated

[@alaster33]

Hello there, I am just wondering if this meter would be he right one to measure iPhone motherboards , capacitors, connectors etc. and if not this model, can you please tell me or advise me further , great review kind regards ....Alaster

[@mohdfadzli6436]

Nice Tutorial Video..now i know that fluke 87 have many function usefull.. THANKS..

[@lorenholcomb4016]

Very complete review-good job.... -Jim H

[@Amsoily]

Still, a great video. Hope I hear back from Voltage Standard. It has been a while.

[@M3a9m]

Dear Martin 1st of all thanks a lot for such a nice review. Its really very helpful. I have a computer/ laptop/ printer repair workshop and most of my work circulates in repairing laptop/ computer main boards and power supplies. Its routine capacitors (SMD/ Ceramic, through board with min mf ~ 3300mf ~&+), Continuity check, diodes, transistors, resistors, voltages etc. I would like to request you to suggest me a suitable multimeter.By the way I really love this ( fluke 87V) multimeter. thanks!

[@juancarlossandoval5628]

: Why does my multimeter not go to zero in the ac volts mode?A: If it is a true-rms ac multimeter, such as the 17X or 8X, it will not zero and should not be zeroed. Most of these true-rms type multimeters have a minimum ac voltage and current level specification for both the ac volts and ac current modes, typically specified from 3% to 5% of range. When a signal is applied above the specified minimum level, the meter will meet its accuracy specifications. You will find this specification in the specification section in the rear of the user manual."this is what fluke website has to say why we cant perfectly get zero reading like other multimeter" whenever in ac dc current or voltage function

[@vicponteras154]

how much sir?

[@TooManyPatrols]

Got one for my birthday this year, awesome first multimeter, don't have to borrow my grandpas multimeter anymore :)

[@CurvedSlightly]

Fucking hell, I can only just afford one and I'm pro electronics engineer! Mummy and Daddy spoil you a lot?

[@marinehm]

I was hoping someone on here would give me some feedback. I'm just a general electronic hobbyist. Looking for a good meter under $100. What about the Fluke 101? I bought a craftsman multimeter and it turned out to be crap!

[@marinehm]

Thanks. I got a Fluke 175 from Ebay for $65.00 in great shape.

[@kakaghiti4677]

I have a question...Does anyone by accident or have try to test high AC/DC voltages in ohms scale and the meter survive? I love my Fluke 87v and I am afraid to do this test and kill my meter.

[@joarmape6471]

hello nice videos of urs i would like to ask which is a good multimeter for vehicles?

[@madhav5353]

True RMS bandwidth low for Electronics in 87v this is more around 50 to 100 Khz. And dB measurement and logic test not in 87v. I use Philips make PM 2718 20 years. This dmm no match in the world.Who can use this dmm agree with me. In now days Fluke has no competitors. Because no hanky fanky features, simple and cool display,rough and tough body , simple and lowest components on PCB. Low power consumption is plus point. My opinion is best Instruments working with you,God is work with you. Thanks.

[@decibellone696]

in my world, I have been in the telecommunication industry for 43 years. there are only 2 meters that i use at work and in everyday life 1, the venerable 87v. 2, the joe sixpack of meters the 117

[@Universal_Craftsman]

I am disappointed about the self tappers, metal inserts should definitely be standard at this price point.

[@Universal_Craftsman]

I am also not a fan of this battery connector, I expected a proper cable there, not those two wires hanging around there, I don't know why the sleeve doesn't go all the way to the connector there, the connector looks generic, probably ok, but I don't see a difference to the M830, I am picky here, but I think that it is reasonable for that price point, Fluke gets much credit for their build quality, but I eventually don't see it with this product, Fluke often gets compared to Apple, like Apple they did great in the past, but they started to reduce their production costs to a point its probably not worth the money anymore.

[@apestasguey]

Its for a magnetic holder

[@QuillOmega0]

Awesome, love your videos!

[@charlesCinema]

Great video, thanks for making it.

[@karzankerkuki4935]

Please fluke 87 better O fluke 17b‌‌‌+ ?

[@devonodell9447]

Karzan Kerkuki fluke 87v for sure. The fluke 87v is a professional grade industrial quality meter while the 17b is more of a budget meter. Don't get me wrong, the fluke 17b is still a good multimeter but there is just no comparison against the 87v

[@kiet489]

17B+ is for chinese market. I dont do Chinese

[@Precivilization]

Thank you for your time and effort :)

[@Tonyplat98]

You're welcome. Can I get a multimeter please Fluke.

[@patricksmith81]

Madd electronix skillz @ 29:43

[@gregandark8571]

+Patrick Smith hahahaha lol

[@CurvedSlightly]

+Patrick Smith Even madder skillz @ 35:25

[@bkupiec]

@mjlorton Yes, you are right. I missed it! :)