Repair Fluke 87 or keep Cen-Tech - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Backpacker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 09:59:47 pm
content: A number of years ago I couldn't find my original Fluke 87 so I went to Harbor Freight and purchased a Cen-Tech P37772. It got the job done and I've used it on and off the past few years. I just found my Fluke 87, changed the battery and found that the display has ghosting and fading numbers. Further research found that it is repairable by replacing the elastomeric pads and cleaning contacts in the area.My question is do you think it is worth the bother and expense to repair the original Fluke 87 or is the Harbor Freight/Cen-Tech P37772 "good enough"?

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 10:21:21 pm
content: I will give the usual answer, that it depends. There is no comparison between those two meters. The HF unit is basic and cheap but for most purposes it's adequate. The Fluke is a fine instrument and if you don't want to bother with it, send it to me. I have always wanted one, although I certainly don't need it. I have many DVMs and a few bench units that do everything necessary.I am a test equipment freak and would love to have an 87.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 10:27:27 pm
content: That is highly dependent on what you do. If the Centech meets your needs (which seems to be doing), then the Fluke repair is a side project. Either fully repaired or in its current status, it still holds some reasonable value.However, if you see yourself having to continuously switch probes between the same points of a circuit or would like to measure things simultaneously, then having a second meter is excellent.I would personally try to repair the meter and, if the need to get new elastomeric contacts is warranted, I would go for it. Flukes are excellent and robust meters that keep their accuracy for many decades, which could potentially outlive your Centech.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2021, 10:51:47 pm
content: Quote from: Backpacker on December 28, 2021, 09:59:47 pmThere's no need to replace the elastomeric pads as it's a common problem in 30+ year old Fluke 80 series meters. Simple IPA cleaning will likely fix it. Seehttp://mrmodemhead.com/blog/fluke-8x-faded-lcd/

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2021, 09:47:17 pm
content: For me I would fix it. Keep and use the Centech too. It doesn't cost much to fix it.

author: Backpacker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 29, 2021, 10:04:15 pm
content: From everything I've read about the repair, it seems that just cleaning the pads and contacts would be a yearly thing whereas cleaning the contacts and replacing the pads would last a lot longer. Now my next mission is to find where I can get replacement elastomeric pads for the 87. Thanks everyone.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2021, 10:43:07 am
content: Quote from: Backpacker on December 29, 2021, 10:04:15 pmThey sell them on eBay/aliexpress in all different sizes. Just measure yours and go shopping...eg.https://www.ebay.com/itm/183851250489Some sellers will even chop them to size for you, eg.:https://www.ebay.com/itm/403050770450(randomly chosen sellers)