Mechanics: what are your most common tools?

I'm shopping for a new DVOM.

I have a couple of nice ones, but this time around I need a very portable one. I don't need any serious standard of accuracy, it's mostly about packability. No lithium-ion battery so I can fly with it in luggage, and maybe it includes a carrying case or folds up wallet style.

@ChapmanF any recommendations?

 

Can't help; I haven't shopped for a multimeter in a long time. My 36-year-old Fluke 87 still works too well. (I had an opportunity not long ago to compare to a recently-calibrated standard and its DC readings were good as new. AC a tiny bit out but not such as would matter to anything I do.)

I have noticed, though, it doesn't have a CAT rating, as its newer versions do, because those weren't a thing yet back then. So I might one day just buy another newer 87, and my old one can live in the car for making nice tame automotive measurements.

 

I got a Milwaukee meter, robust case with impress looking gasket seals all 'round. Set it on a shelf face down: the OEM battery(s) corroded and leaked down onto the printed circuit board. Toast. Milwaukee replaced it anyway, and I resolved to never place it upside down anymore. Poor design decision, to have the batteries cheek-and-jowl with the board.

Overpriced for my needs, a moment of weakness...

 

My favorite meter regardless of price is also small, uses standard aa batteries and has several features rarely found together in most meters. Frequency, duty cycle, dc clamp on amps, capacitor checking capable of large values used on ac systems, all for $35.



It is smaller than it looks in these pics, particularly the width. DC clamp on is not reliable at very low 30 ma or less but is still a good quick check for higher values. A series connected $5 Harbor Freight meter is enough for lower dc ma.

Optionally if you don't have an oscilloscope or a meter with oscope capabilities, consider getting one. Also affordable at $79 and great for pwm controls.


It comes with two bnc style scope probes but is a lithium rechargeable unit. These have a learning curve even if you are used to traditional scopes because of the button interface and a typical translated manual which is still acceptable. There would be a longer learning curve if not familiar with trigger modes typical of oscopes.

Finally, an oldie but goodie, a very thin meter with folding case small enough for a shirt pocket. Limited to basic voltage and ohms. Only available used on ebay.