Multimeter DMM deals?

[Beo]

Does anyone know any good online or retail stores with good holiday deals on Digital Multimeters? I'd like to upgrade from my $4.99 harbor freight junk (which actually has treated me quite well), and get a full featured DMM. In particular, I'd like to get one with a pretty good accuracy and range capacitance measurement function. Any recommendations on brands/models? (I'm leaning towards some of the extech models)

[Beo]

Anyone use Mastech, or purchase from this site?:

http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/MS8268f.htm

http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/MS8222Gf.htm

[Kearns892]

I use an Elenco M-1750. Has a capacitance function and also comes with both regular and alligator clip style leads. Good quality and runs about $25.

[tubelectron]

Hi,

I have a Fluke FL87-III and FL87-V amongst others : these are not cheap at all, but make fast and reliable measurements in situations where others DMMs are "lost"... And they are almost indestructible !

A+!

[robmdall]

Spend $50 and get a free meter here:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/190

28if

[Beo]

Spend $50 and get a free meter here:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/level.itml/icOid/190

28if

Thanks for the link. I found enough that I wanted on this site, and went for it. Their price on the rebadged Mastech MY6013A capacitance meter is great:
http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/3395

[scratch]

for those in Canada, Canadian Tire has a DMM on sale for $15.00, the quick look I had showed it to do capacitance, diode and transistor checks, hfe ... It's labelled Mastercraft .

could not find it online so guessing it is a 'closeout'

[alparent]

I've purchased a DMM from Canadian Tire once.  I thinks I had it for 4 hours......then I returned it.......real crap!

[amptramp]

I am still using a Canadian Tire DMM that was on sale for $9.99 at one time and it works great.  It has resistance readings that go up to 20 megohms rather than the puny 2 megohm range the cheapies go to.  This means if you have anything with an LFO, you can test it even though resistors may go higher than the 2 meg limit for other meters.  It doesn't have capacitance, but I have a Leader bridge for exact testing of resistance, inductance and capacitance, so I am covered.  I also have several older resistance / capacitance / transformer turns ratio bridges that I use when the spirit moves me.  The bridges give me capacitance and dissipation factor, so they are more versatile and accurate than a capacitance setting on a DMM.

[Earthscum]

...but I have a Leader bridge for exact testing of resistance, inductance and capacitance...

What's that, is it something DIY'able? I've been keeping an eye out for something that measures inductance (or something DIY). I've been eyeballing this one: http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/3394 but definitely open to other suggestions... and no, I can't afford a Fluke... someday, if I get or make a job that pays a TON better than what I make now. Basically, I just don't have the need to measure many inductors, but it sucks when I actually have to, so don't wanna spend a ton, but $30 just for cap and coils?!? I really don't want another DMM laying around if I don't have to... but I haven't seen a DMM in years that measures inductance, plus all other goodies.

EDIT: finally found out what it is... google had some fascination with a stupid card game (yes, I know what it is... my grandma used to play in a bridge club), LeaderBridge.com, and how to string your classical instruments. Finally dawned on me my dad's old analog volt meter was a Leader, I believe.

[amptramp]

I have a Leader LCR 740 which is a nice little instrument with power from an internal 9-VDC battery that, as the name suggests, tests resistors, capacitors and inductors.  I also have some old bridges and capacitor testers such as an EICO 950B ($5), similar Conar ($4) and MKS units and a couple of electrolytic testers by Paco and somebody else - I have so much old test equipment that I could not tell you how many tube testers or signal generators or scopes I have.  The majority of these items were scored at the London Vintage Radio Club and the Leader bridge cost me $15 there.  It is in good condition, works well and even the original 9V battery works!  If you are looking for test equipment, check out some of the antique radio clubs - the membership is also somewhat antique and they are perfectly happy to sell off valuable items for a pittance, 'cause that's the value they remember a buck used to have.  Besides, some of them have storage issues and they just want stuff to go out the door.