Holy crap! 16:15 I've owned a 117 for years now, just watched this video in 2023 and learned what the Volt Alert does, had No idea this thing could do that! Thanks 13-years-ago Dave!

I Just love your enthusiasm , which is why I'm watching some of your older reviews. This may interest you, I have one of these for basic electrical measurements in the field, I have the 289 for my workshop. The 117 has been beaten to death, its been dropped, soaked in rain (Then dried out of course), its been frozen, thrown in my tool bag, thrown in the van, dropped down conveyors - it still works perfectly! This is truly outstanding. Thanks for all your great videos!

fwiw, i've had a 117 that was given to me in 2007, and i've worked as a ship's electrician aboard container ships since then and it's still going strong, with all the features still working perfectly. it's definitely been dropped, used in the rain (not heavy rain....), soaked in oil and covered in grease. i wish it had something for a k-probe for temperature, instead of carrying the TK-80 (or whatever it's called) around with me, but it's a small issue for me. i sometimes work with refrigeration so i need temperature, occasionally. it works fine for reading 4-20ma systems, although it doesn't source current, but i have a 787 that i also bring with me for that stuff, and any time i'm working deeply on any engine or steering controls, that's usually what i break out. anyway, i hope nobody trips on the "made in china" thing. i usually hang up on that, and actually didn't know it was made in china until i saw this video. i'm still gonna check to verify, in case older ones are american. doesn't matter though.... this is a GREAT meter for a working electrician.

@6:13 I literally had the 117 in my Amazon cart and just by chance decided to look up some videos from users. I have just recently been inspired by some youtubers to dabble a little into electronics. Since I started I have been buying the tools of the trade as I run into situation where I need them. My current Harbor Freight multimeter was next to useless already but after it tried to kill me I finally decided I needed to burn it and purchase a decent one. I was 30 seconds away from buying it! By chance I saw that you had a review of it and because I have watched your videos before (You are one of the big people that inspired me to start learning more about the inner workings of electronic devices, thank you for that), I knew you wouldn't steer me wrong and at the least would enjoy the video. Thanks for SAVING my butt $144 and who knows how much frustration and wasted time. Thanks Man!

I have six Fluke meters on my bench ranging from top of the line and out of all of them the 117 is the one I reach for 99% of the time. Why? Because 99% of the time it does everything I need it to do and its small and handy so its a no-brainer. Yes I do electronics both repairs and designs. I hear people yapping about it not being accurate "enough", makes me wonder just what these people need to measure that needs that much accuracy, about the only time I need more accuracy is when I am calibrating something but how many times do you have to do that? Again with Amps, I can get away with the 117 most of the time. If you must have only one Fluke multimeter for your electronics then a 87V might be a better choice (if you can afford it), other then that give the 117 a try, I'm sure you'll be pleased. Don't let the haters (who for the most part don't own one by the sounds of things) put you off.

I am a industrial mechanic at a light manufacturing facility. Furthermore, i do NOT specialize in electrical. Appreciate the review, sold me on it. seems like it will do every thing i need.

Thank you Dave. Once again, a great review. I was looking for this comparison. You made it clear for my buying choice between pricy 87v and mid range 117. I'm an Electronics professional. Now, after having seen your review, I can confidently go with 87v.....Thanks for helping me! Long live!!

Great stuff dave thanks I've been using this meter on site for years and only ever used it for voltage current and continuity Thank you for explaining the other functions I mess with electronics too and use a £4 cheapo Great for dc The 117 is a sparks dream No second guessing and that's what we need All the best from cliveland

It doesn't have milliamp or micro amp capacity. You just saved me 200 dollars.

Thanks for the detailed review mate. I'm going to go and buy one tomorrow. I'm starting an Electrical Apprenticeship next week and I think this will be the perfect meter to get me started.

I love this guy! Cracks me up and very informative!

wow, even though these meters are low end made in china multimeters, they are STILL well build. I am impressed!. Well done Fluke!

Buy the Brymen EEV blog BM235. Has the non contact voltage feature, uA, Ma, VFD AC , better accuracy at a much better price. The protection on the input is as good if not better than the Fluke 117. I have the Fluke 115 I purchased quite a few years ago. While it’s been dependable it’s accuracy is a bit disappointing. Over 3 volts DC it runs about 10-12 mv lower than all my other meters running in parallel with it. I recently did this test just to see how close all my handheld meters were, Fluke 189, Brymen 869s, Brymen BM325, Uni-T UT61E and a cheap Kasuntest KT6000, all these meters were accurate with each other to 2-3mv while the 115 Fluke consistently was 10-12 mv low from 3vdc-30. +/- .5% +2 counts DC accuracy on the 115/117 while the Brymen BM235 is.3% at $50-$70 less money. Joe Smith’s tests show the Brymen meters to be every bit as robust as the Flukes. Those two brands have taken his most rigorous torture transient tests and are the top dogs. I love the Brymen meters and their features for the cost. My BM869s has all the same features as my Fluke 189 plus it has two temperature inputs that can be displayed simultaneously.

I've had one for about 6 years now and it's a great meter and is very durable, switch damage has never been an issue. Completely agree that OFF should be far left and good thing it's got a timeout and turns off after a while if it's doing nothing cause i've left it on so many times. Milli amp would be good, i don't think it's just for engineers, i would use it in industrial to trouble shoot 4-20 mA inputs to loss in weight feeders etc... Now i have to get a separate meter just for that one function.

It measures milliamps just not microamps.

This video saved me from buying the wrong thing. The very key thing you mentioned was the fact that doesn't measure milliamp and microamp. Thank you! 19:16

We have these 117s at work. It measures up to 650V, accidentally it was put on about 1400V DC and works with no problems. After year and half the four meters have worst difference 1 count against each other and also 1 count max against some higher fluke model with one more digit (on DCV), so accuracy is great. Battery life is many months on everyday use. The negative thing is the probes which lose contact after a while, so far 3 of 8 had to be replaced and 4th is nearly done too.

love the enthusiasm 👍

@davidsfc9 Yes. They are both owner by the Danaher group who also own Tektronix and Keithley.

Perfect review!

prob my fav Fluke meter next to the 87v. The 117 is the everyday electrition or cable techs or DIYer workhorse. its a beautiful meter for the avrage Joe! Ive worked in telecommunication for 43 years. We have much better meters for testing copper cable however this meter is kind of the grab first meter for your everyday cable trouble shooting. you can get quickly the top 5, shorts, shorts to ground, balance, distance to short and, voltage across pair, and conductor to ground. Now that glass has taken over the industry. I don't get to break out my 117 very often but, when i do is weird (in a time machine way) how the younger techs dont understand the basic VOM.

This was an amazing review. If you do a quick Google search, the 117 is many people's #1 choice. But, you pointed out several reasons why I wouldn't buy this for electronics. I was ready to jump until this fantastic review. Now, I have to find out what you think is the #1 meter for electronics work. Thank you SOOOOOOOO much for your view!

I got one of these for $50 lightly used. I've never had the need to measure uA in the field. If I did it would be a problem. When I want to measure small stuff I stick to my bench meter, I've never used a hand held for such tasks, even if it were designed to do it.

I use both of those meters at work.. the 87 was quite a bit faster in regards to auto-ranging, but the hole where you plug positive voltage became loose on the inside and eventually quit working. The 110's are slower but haven't broke yet. 8 hours a day I plug into a transmission circuit and test 33 connections to check for correct resistances using a rotary dial switch box. 1.5 seconds is wayy too long to wait for a reading to pop up when you have over 1k circuits to test a day.

very good.... congratulations

Awesome review!!!!!!

TNX for the review!

It is a decent meter. I have two of them. The battery door broke on one of them so work bought me another. I also have a old Model 12 that the case broke after too many drops. Just received my eeblog branded BM235 from amazon tonight to fill the uA gap in my metering.

This meter is NOT garbage! This meter is the LOW COST for those people that can not spend much money in the high end range meters. but even though it is a low cost made in China meter...it still way better than those you buy at home depot, lowes etc.

dude! you make the review! thanks for sharing! larry

I have the 87v max and the 117, both are very useful the 117 is the one in my everyday bag .

I just bought a 117 3 days ago, at first I opt for US model like the 179 but then I am too poor on that day for it so I "settle" for this 117 and end up finding no issue with it and specs & tech wise really thumbs up too, it got all the 179 have and in exchange for what would be seldom encountered milliamps as wth higher models I got the non contact VoltAlert and a higher 40M resistance range compare to a 10M in 179 if I am not mistaken, no regret for this 117 even its not a US model I opt for.

Hi.. I have enjoyed your electrical multi-meter tutorials which I have found to be very informative. I was wondering if it would be possible for you to do a comparison of the Fluke range of multimeters. There seem to be so many of the Fluke range around at the moment with new models being released all the time. A review comparison such as the 15B, 17B and 18B would be useful. Its been some time since you did a multimeter comparison so a refresh in this area would be great. I am sure your KZfaq followers would agree. Kind regards Dale (London -UK)

Amazing !

This is my daily use multimeter around the home lab. I don't use my 87 much or my 289 much except turning it on periodically to charge the supercap. Not sure I'd buy the 289 again. I forgot about the Voltalert and never read the back so every day's a school day, even after owning it 13 years..

Good review.

Haha what an awesome review. Legend mate 👍

@silverdoggg Just like every company, they make meters for different market segments. Nothing at all wrong with this meter, it is designed as a low cost electricians tool.

I am more into electronics than household/electrician's work. Considering trading out the 117 I just got for a more suitable meter. Can you recommend one that receives as much praise, but that is better in the mA range? Would a bench top meter be even better than a fluke portable meter? Any advice appreciated.

Yeah a plug warning would have been nice. I was measuring current on a bilge pump on my boat and then I switched it to voltage and tried to measure the battery voltage...needless to say I need a new fuse for my 115.

Dave, I going to start doing auto audio, mobile, installs and the course Im going to take mentioned that I buy a Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter? Is there another I can get which is better and last a live time? I heard you said that the 170 series are good and USA made, should I go for those?

good review...

I'm currently in the market for a new multimeter, and have fallen in love with the Gossen Metrawatts, however, they are too expensive. I recently have seen their cheaper DMM15/16 series, and would know where I can get one in the States. Thanks

If I had the 113 and was gifted the 117 from my pops for completing my Electrical school what one would u use and whats the big difference. I'm just not going to start my apprentices and have not got deep into testers. But I'm going to give one of the 2 meters to a buddy but really wanna know what one to keep thanks

hey man can u tel me what type of fluke multimeter would be most appropriate for electronics??....tanks....

would an Amp clamp like the 325 or klein 2500 be sensitive enough to reasonably measure the charging current of a fire alarm panel? I kinda dont want to break the line 2-5 times a day. not always easy. Usually 2x 12v 12AH-20AH batteries?

Could you do a review for the fluke 116 hvac multimeter? I'm a gas/ combustion engineer and I'm intertested in purchasing a multi meter with temperature and micro amp capability. Any suggestions other than the fluke?

The dial that sticks out? It's designed into the hard plastic. If you drop it on its face, it won't take the impact in the pcb, only the outer case.

PS.....on the high non contact V test , the 117 I use detects from roughly 4 feet That is on 240v

Have your camera Steady Shot mode or any image stabilization? would do well to

Thanks again Dave. I'll ask the 'leccos to check out your video. One OT question if I may. Is that a Crazy Clint's/Super Cheap screwdriver you're wielding? No tsk-tsking implied BTW :-)

The 117 has a design flaw. If you are using the bail and drop something on top of the meter the battery door will break off when the bail acts like a lever. I was able to repair the screw support with a drop of super glue. I have drop tested the meter from 15 feet onto grass,

This flat ceramic I think I can change it but I don't know if I'll find the part here in Brazil (Curitiba). So I'm in doubt about whether to be able to use the high voltage measurement? The other functions ok.

WOW this is INTENSE!!!!

😀👍🏿Good Stuff,GreatTips

Got it!

I had the Hvac version the 116 and it’s a decent meter but I literally sold it because the screen would disappear really quick looking at it from different angles, and with the job I have that just don’t work lol I wish Fluke would let me design a meter

Dave, one of the reviewers has demonstrated lately that this meter has an issue with measuring voltage below 20 mV and 20 mA despite the claim that it has beter resolution. It shows 22, 21 and 20mV but does not show 19, 18 mV and less. Have you noticed such problem?

I got a Fluke 115 for free, while it doesn't have the non-contact volt-alert it is a great meter for the work I do and hell...For free I couldn't beat the price!

I like it!

Hello! what kind of multimeter should I buy for Guitar Amps work?

Can someone tell me how makes the current input/output box shown in the video? I need one but cannot make out the manufacturer.

do you have any thoughts on the fluke 174 compared to the 117, i cant find any info on it ahort of whats on amazons site, so is it worth the 20 bucks more then the 117 for usa made.

what is the best fluke for electronic repair?

Eu tenho esse multímetro. É muito bom.

I see this video and i have a question. In time 2':52" some tracks do not have solder mask. Now my question is why? Is there a general rule for this? Thanks a lot.

Bro I have a problem of " CAL ERR" on my fluke 87 series multimeter, please say the way to solve it.

Fluke 117 Cheap are you kidding? A colleague at my work advised me to buy Fluke 117, because it had a the (LoZ) low impedance function for detecting ghost voltages, and it was cheaper than other Fluke electrician series multimeters. But when I decide to buy it I found out that, it costs between 240 EUR to 300 EUR or 288 USD to 360 USD which was way way too expensive for me! Later I found rebranded BRYMEN BM257 multimeter as ELMA Instruments BM257 multimeter, on sale for 148 EUR or 178 USD (regular price was 188 EUR or 232 USD) I decide to buy it. The BRYMEN BM257 multimeter is not only cheaper than Fluke 117 it had also the (LoZ) function and mA and µA input jack and it had also temperature measurement range and much more and it’s True RMS CAT III 600V rated as same as Fluke 117.

Hi Dave I really like you're blog its a lot helpful, please it is possible make a review for the Fluke 179 because i'm interested. By the way a don't see any video about clamp meter try some!

"the knob is all raised up, and its realy soemthing to look at" lollll

Hey Dave, could you maybe review the Fluke 337? This is my field meter of choice.

Fact of the day. When you show up on the job site with anything Fluke you are automatically approved.

hello..good morning/afternoon/evening. My fluke 117 broke flat ceramic resistor, now whenever I use "hi detct voltage dont touch", it beeps and doesn't stop (I need to change to lol) All other functions ok. resistance is part of the circuit that measures high voltage?

Do you know what is in the mV AC circuit? Measuring AC mv in my amplifier output transistor fixes the noise problem. If I knew what it was doing I would just add that to the circuit to fix the amp. Only AC mV has that effect!!!!! I went through the entire amp and can't find any faulty semiconductors.

any videos on how to replace a battery in a fluke 199c scope meter?

I would love it if you would review the 116 HVAC Meter it has uA and Temperature.

Hi can you tell me how to fix Loff problem in Fluke115. When ever i switch on it displays Loff and nothing works. There is NO service center near to my location.

what model of fluke that has frequency counter and that can measure at least 40MHz?

What would be the comparable Fluke meter for Electronics use with milliamps?

18:15 since when a 9V alkaline battery has 800mAh? I have discharged a few of them with constant current and the best I could get was 200mAh. Also the rechargeable 9V accus have 200 or 250mAh at most.

Hello my knowledgeable friend (I really enjoy your channel). I am looking for a multimeter with no bells and whistles (no capacitance or temperature stuff) just a very good precision (many digits) in the milliamp and millivolt range. My budget is around $200 CA, What do you recommend. Thanks so much

The construction of the 117, especially the ingenious battery compartment, is quite a lot like my Fluke 81438. There were two 81438 meters hanging on the pegboard at our local Sears, one clearly labeled "Made in China" and the other clearly labeled "Made in USA." Guess which one I bought? ;)

is there a simulation program for a fluke on the pc

It is the perfect multimeter for an industrial electrician

@ElektroHut Many Chinese products have quality control issues. I will back pedal a bit and note that all of cell phones, computer motherboards, and graphics cards were also built in China and I haven't had an issue with any of them. This being said, we buy enough from them. If I could get the same products made in the U.S., I'd have no issues with paying 5-10% more.

ing. gracias por su aporte! una pregunta! yo estoy estudiando electrotecnia! que equipo me recomienda comprar para mi uso en la carrera y en lo profesional?

How do you identify if the multimeter is really made in USA?

@truepres Fluke does not produce products that are "anticipated to fail" after a predictable usage life. When you produce a product for sale at a lower price point you have to meet certain design criteria. Electronic components, materials, manufacturing processes, etc have to be implimented at a lower initial cost. In the case of the Fluke 110 series meters, they can sell them cheaper because the labor rates in china are much cheaper than in the states.

@truepres And because at least 90% of electronic components are made in china to begin with, producing the meters in china becomes even less expensive because they don't have to factor in the additional cost of shipping the components to the states. Bottom line is, unless there is a component failure the biggest impact to the life of a meter is the end user. Not necessarily where it was made.

And what's the deal if I need remote data-logging? Is it true that if you want the full features of Fluke's Bluetooth that you need to pay them $249/year for the privilege? Did you do a long press of the REL button on the VC99? It puts the device in to RS232 mode. Tap in to the TX pin and you can stream the meter's reading by whatever method you prefer. Info is on the interwebs.

Can you use this meter on vehicles?

I use it for electronics and it works fine. I can tell how many milliamperes by looking before the decimal point. For my purposes I won't measure microamps

how important is a "milliamps" capability for general around-the-house stuff and perhaps DIY in the future?

Does anyone know the name of the device at 17:40, used for current measurement.

You can't have a dial that is recessed into the body and has the ability to used with one hand. It would have to be set in the middle of the unit and this would weaken the case. Also, as an electrician you never use a mA or micro Amp setting and this is an electricians multimeter with the functionality that's used by electricians. This would be a waste of a function setting and would drive up the cost unnecessarily .

We have like 10 of those in our school.

What do you think of the Fluke 115?

Hello, is that unit 117 capable to read temperatures?

Electricians rarely use the amp setting so they didn't have to have the warning for wrong leads

so amprobe and fluke related companies ?