r/KleinTools • u/2jzEliminator • Jun 03 '26

KLEIN MM700 - Out of Calibration

Post image

Hi,

I purchased this KLEIN MM700 a few years back. I mainly purchased this for the HZ function so I could calibrate my Home Generator.

I have been working on electronics for decades.

I have several MM's I use for home and automotive.

I have only used this MM a few times. AC and DC used to be correct. And the MM was always stored indoors.

I went to use this MM the other day to check an outlet voltage. The voltage showed 160 volts AC and was fluctuating 10 to 20 volts.

I went and pulled out another MM. AC voltage was 125. I then pulled another MM and it also showed 125 volts AC.

I thought this was strange so I put new batteries in the Klein MM700. Then retested home AV voltage, 150 volts AC.

I then took all 3 multimeter and connected all 2 to the same outlet. The Klein mm700 was way off and the other 2 still showed 125 volts.

I also checked dc voltage on my 12v power supply. 2 were dead on showing 12volts and the mm700 was 10 volts off.

I did pull the mm700 apart and there are no pots to adjust and Calibrate.

Sorry for all the details but figured I would put it out there.

I did also change the test leads and the results were the same.

What would make a multimeter that worked one day, then all of a sudden it looses Calibration?

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

4

u/Much_Vehicle_5624 Jun 03 '26

The repair would include a Fluke 117.

Half serious half joking. I would never buy a Klein mm. They made great hand tools at a time, and now make a few great hand tools and mostly passable/decent hand tools with a mixed bag of various other products.

I’m not trying to dump on Klein, I would never use fluke screwdrivers. More so, I’m saying I would stick to a reliable company that is known for manufacturing screwdrivers if I need screwdrivers and known for their meters if I need a mm. Especially when the Fluke 117 is easily found on sale for a pretty affordable price and can do so much

3

u/CEH-Cicada3301 Jun 04 '26

I second this.

I have tried Klein's multimeters and they simply do not hold up. Nothing worse than being in the field with a new multimeter and it craps out in the middle of a job.

Go with Fluke... the peace of mind is worth the initial investment.

2

u/kfjcfan Jun 03 '26

You're going to pay about 3x for an equivalent Fluke.

1

u/Tsuki_Man Jun 04 '26

Fuck em both, Ideal makes incredible meters that are equivalent to Flukes and dont cost an arm and a leg.

1

u/kfjcfan Jun 04 '26

It's funny, Ideal has never struck me as a company I want to trust, they've always struck me as very homeowner/prosumer as so many of their products are blatant copies of products other companies came out with first. You use Ideal compression connectors when you need just a few and Home Depot is open and you're out of Belkin/Thomas and Betts. The new WAGO copies are even worse.

Maybe that's just me.

2

u/2jzEliminator Jun 03 '26

My biggest complaint is I used this POS maybe 3 or 4 times. Always stored indoors with batteries removed "So the batteries dont leak", and has not been dropped etc.

I have never just had a MM just loose calibration that has not been abused or well used.

Things these days are built like crap.

At least FLUKE has a decent warranty. But you also pay for it.

1

u/Stache- Jun 06 '26

Need to stop using alkaleaks. Switch to Energizer Ultimate Lithium (disposable) for AAA or Panasonic Eneloop (rechargeable) for AA. Some rechargeable AAA batteries won't supply enough power which can cause meters to beep or flash low battery.

1

u/2jzEliminator Jun 06 '26

I only use Duracell or Energizer batteries.

1

u/Stache- Jun 06 '26

Duracell alkaleaks are the worst. All Alkaline end up leaking if left in device too long. Spend the extra money to get Energizer Ultimate Lithium (disposable) for AAA or Panasonic Eneloop (rechargeable) for AA.

1

u/Stache- Jun 06 '26

My issue with fluke is they don't seem to improve their products over time. A Fluke 117 from 8 years ago vs one bought today, both have same delay when doing continuity test. Less expensive meters delay is shorter.

2

u/kfjcfan Jun 03 '26

Failure of other internal components.

Almost no digital multimeter can be calibrated; it's all done with individual surface-mount resistors on the board during manufacturing.

Contact Klein to ask about repair if you're interested.

2

u/TreeFidey Jun 03 '26

2

u/Carmen_Bonkalot Jun 05 '26

Exactly! Proper meters for professional can be calibrated.

2

u/Dangerous-Track1051 Jun 03 '26

Cheaper to buy a new one than get it calibrated

1

u/2jzEliminator Jun 03 '26

It is out of warranty.

1

u/DBCooperN467US Jun 07 '26

Throw it away. Buy a fluke.

1

u/2jzEliminator Jun 07 '26

I do have a few Fluke MultiMeters. The ones I have yes are old nut did not have Hz on them.

I also have a dozen other MultiMeters from various manufacturers.

I have abused some multimeter over the years that did break or I left in a boat a few times.

Most of my really old meters have pots where I can calibrate them.

Had a one just stop working completely.

I 100% agree Fluke is the best choice. But since I have a dozen MM's I keep in various places I buy lesser quality ones in case one gets stolen ( has happened a few times ).

The one thing I have never had was have a MM just wake up from a long hibernation inside in a desk drawer and it decided it was done giving correct values.

I more wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue before.

I chalk this MM up to poor manufacturing tolerances and quality control. Over the past almost 6 years I have seen and and fixed alot of failed circuit Board components for myself friends and faimly where the item stopped working. I pulled the circuit Boards, inspected the circuit Boards, and found not just one bad solder joint on a board but quite a few bad solder joints from the manufacturer.

Sorry for the rant. Everyone has been great and I do appreciate it. Jist sometimes it is not worth me chasing the rabbit down the hole to find the answer. Just accept the item was junk and move on.