Multimeter recommendation for riding mower troubleshooting

[Jlandd]

I have my first riding mower (a not recent Craftsman/Briggs). Always been finicky to start but now it just clicks and rotates a few inches. So I need to get my first multimeter as I begin to learn to troubleshoot it. I’m certain if I went by reviews and then bought one based on general internet research it would be missing a critical function for this, since I’m a total noob here, but looking forward to doing the stuff owners can do.

What multimeter can anyone recommend that is a good unit under $100 for riding mower checking? Thanks in advance!!!

J

 

[Rivets]

Any of the Klein or Triplett brands will work fine for your needs. Do a google search and you will find them at Lowes, Menards, Tractor Supply, Home Depot stores.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Klein Tools Manual Ranging Digital Multimeter MM300 - The Home Depot

Klein Tools MM300 Multimeter is a manual ranging multimeter that measures AC/DC voltage, DC current, and resistance. It can also test batteries, diodes, and continuity. Klein Tools' Test and Measurement

www.homedepot.com

you'll want to set it on 20Volts DC for voltage checking

 

[Scrubcadet10]

I also have this meter i keep in my "go box". it's always accurate with my klein... i can also use it to hook on charging system wires to check amperage...

KAIWEETS Digital Clamp Meter High Accuracy (0.001A), 2000 Counts, Auto-Ranging, AC Current Amp Multimeter with AC/DC Voltage, Ohm, Capacitance, Diode and Continuity Test: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

KAIWEETS Digital Clamp Meter High Accuracy (0.001A), 2000 Counts, Auto-Ranging, AC Current Amp Multimeter with AC/DC Voltage, Ohm, Capacitance, Diode and Continuity Test: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Jlandd]

Thanks so much, Rivets and Scrubcadet10, for your quick and helpful replies!
Noob question about the Clamp Meter: How do the functions of it compliment the multimeter? Is it mostly redundant but handy as an extra and smaller tool? Or do they share some functions but the Clamp Meter is what one would need for certain things and a worthwhile expense?

 

[cpurvis]

I like Velleman better than Klein.

 

[Scrubcadet10]

Thanks so much, Rivets and Scrubcadet10, for your quick and helpful replies!
Noob question about the Clamp Meter: How do the functions of it compliment the multimeter? Is it mostly redundant but handy as an extra and smaller tool? Or do they share some functions but the Clamp Meter is what one would need for certain things and a worthwhile expense?

I went without a clamp meter for years... i only occasionally use it to check A/C amperage on charging wires... but for $5 more the klein will do you good.

 

[cpurvis]

The clamp meters are for measuring amperage. Multimeters can only measure up to about 10 amps because they're actually measuring amperage. Above that, you need the clamp meter. They sense the magnetic flux around the wire carrying current..

 

[Rivets]

Personally I would for go a clamp on Amp accessories. Couldn’t tell you the last time I used one while doing small engine work, if ever.

 

[StarTech]

If anyone is buying one these clamp meter I would getting the does both AC and DC amps so you can check starter current draw.. Here I got a regular DVMM with a add-on clamp adapter. I seldom use it but it is nice to have when I do.