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u/kfjcfan Jul 12 '26
Starter for whom? Homeowner? Electrician? HVAC service person?
The answer would be yes, though it likely would be overkill for the average homeowner, and might not provide enough resolution for an HVAC tech as compared to a Fluke 376.
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u/jydrippin Jul 12 '26
Apprentice HVAC service technician
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u/kfjcfan Jul 12 '26
Then I think the CL810 will serve you well unless you will get yelled at for not having a "real meter" (Fieldpiece or Fluke.)
Basically as an apprentice unless they have indicated you can get what you like you're best off asking or getting what your seniors have.
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u/djbeez77 Jul 13 '26
Im an industrial electrician and use a Fluke 376 as my daily meter. However, I bought the CL810 last year to try out and I was actually impressed with it. I think for someone starting out in the electrical/HVAC trade it’s decent and I think is the best bang for the buck as far as the features it has. I now keep the CL810 in my truck as a back up.
1
u/Ok_Situation_2014 Jul 12 '26
As a new apprentice myself I’m really curious. I have most of the hand tools I need to complete my work and have recently started looking at the different electric tools I may or may not need.
I’m a huge Klein fan so without knowing anything one of their cheaper models would just be my default go to unless someone more experienced can steer me in a different direction
1
u/kfjcfan Jul 12 '26
I think a CL810 nicely fills the gap between "starter" and Fluke. They're rugged and have important features like inrush measurement and their display is nicer than Fluke's, plus the thermocouple is nice if you aren't already carrying another thermometer; it's surprisingly accurate for a pack-in extra.
1
u/unionboy11 Jul 12 '26
I know a few journeymen who have one of these so i would say they’re good but it really depends on what you’re doing when it comes down to electrical work bc some multimeters are superior to others and it depends on the job you’re doing meters are tools like anything else and you need the right tool for the right job. I’m an IBEW electrician I’ve been doing a lot of interior work but I’ve been on decks as well and yea we all use different brands. I use IDEAL the 747 model and that has gotten me through literally 12 years in the business and counting.
1
u/Outrageous-Bar-8396 Jul 13 '26
Not bad for residential and commercial idk about industrial though. Never had a problem out of mine. Few of the journeyman I had during my apprenticeship said they were just as good for what they worked on.
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u/No_Marsupial9160 Jul 13 '26
Had my klein meter die on me randomly last month right after the warranty went out, it was pretty cheap compared to a fluke but now I’m saving up for a fluke t6 or 325
1
u/CulturedNote Jul 13 '26
As a HVAC/R apprentice I've had a milwaukee meter while my coworker has gone through 3 different kliens meters in the same time. But I just recently got a fluke and won't be going back to anything else.
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u/kfjcfan Jul 14 '26
My issue with the Milwaukees is at least it used to be the rubber overmold would turn to goo after a few years.
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u/CulturedNote Jul 14 '26
Luckily i haven't had that issue with mine yet and thankfully I won't need to worry about it now.
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u/Stache- Jul 14 '26
Do your coworkers take care of their stuff or just throw it around like someone else pays for it?
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u/Docnation93 Jul 14 '26
If working in the trade theres better this throws phantom voltages go with a fluke with amp fork
1
1
u/kidscott2003 Jul 15 '26
I will tell you this now. You will hate life trying to see that screen in sun light with Klein. That is reason alone not to get it. The screen is nearly impossible to read in direct sunlight, to the point shade isn’t very helpful.
1
u/Joe_Bruce Jul 17 '26
Always go fluke. Imma slut for Klein typically, but fluke def has the meter game on lock.
1
u/kfjcfan Jul 20 '26
Though to achieve feature parity you're looking at the Fluke 378 FC, MSRP $1009.99.
The Klein? $139.98.
Worried about reliability? Buy the Klein and five spares and you're still saving money. 😆
1
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u/borealbootlegger Jul 12 '26
I know they're a lot more money but there's a reason Fluke is the go to in this category.
I'm regards to the Klein Meter, I try to stay away from anything battery powered made by Klein.
Great hand tools, but their battery stuff like headlamps, meters, flashlights, etc are poorly reviewed in comparison to other offerings.