New better-quality "Ames Instruments" multimeter brand from Harbor Freight...??  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: LoFi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 02:42:16 pm
content: I was in Harbor Freight last night and saw they had a rack of new multimeters, branded as "Ames Instruments" rather than their usual "Cen-Tech" brand. Several clamp-type meters and this decent-looking meter for $69, the DM1000:https://www.harborfreight.com/electricians-hvac-contractor-trms-multimeter-64019.html(For those outside the U.S., Harbor Freight is a nationwide chain of stores that sells low-price tools (of mixed quality), mostly made-in-China stuff)It looks like a step-up in quality compared to their earlier Cen-Tech line. The feature list is decent: 6000-count, Cat III/CatIV claimed, full range of measurement capabilities, backlight, analog bar graph, fused, ETL rated. Their promotional literature seems to be targeting Klein multimeters as their main competitors. Makes sense, Klein multimeters are widely sold in in big-box Home Depot stores.Anyone tried one of these yet?... any teardowns?

author: LoFi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 03:03:58 pm
content: The box was substantial and heavy... so I'm guessing the contents are not lightweight and cheap feeling.Listed features include:. True RMS. 6000 count. NCV. Lo-Z. Min/Max. Relative mode. backlight. protective holster. all the expected measurements (AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, diodes, continuity, etc)Autohold is mentioned in some promo literature, but I saw no evidence of Fluke-style autohold in my quick read of the online manual... only the usual Data Hold.It's so new that I found no online reviews...

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 03:23:17 pm
content: With a 25% off coupon it will be competitive on priceThe big question in my mind is - it vs. Uni-T UT61E and the various new Aneng meters ...Cool, thanks for sharing-It would be nice to be able to recommend a meter a friend or neighbor could pick up locally for cheap.

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 03:34:06 pm
content: Quote from: cdev on January 11, 2018, 03:23:17 pmTheir basic 20% off any 1 item coupon excludes most of their better house brand names and specifically AMESTheir literature also lists a DM1010 "Professional" model with slightly better specs and a different shape, but I could not find it listed for sale yet.

author: LoFi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 03:44:20 pm
content: Quote from: Old Printer on January 11, 2018, 03:34:06 pmYes, the DM1000 box showed the DM1010 (and some lesser models) in a chart, but only the DM1000 was in stock... along with a wider range of new Ames clamp meters.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 10:38:51 pm
content: This Ames DMM is probably made by Mastech. It looks like Mastech MS8251B.http://www.mastech-group.com/products.php?cate=123&PNo=144

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2018, 10:56:57 pm
content: Makes sense. The have carried Mastech for a while. My two Cen-Tech branded meters were made by them.Meter looks nice for HF. The last one I bought from them is still working fine.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2018, 05:26:15 pm
content: What is Mastech like nowadays? Is it better than Unitrend and CEM?

author: videobruce
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2018, 10:16:51 pm
content: I'd bet they are trying a new 'marketing' ploy, re-branding lines with different names to set them apart from the typical low end 'stuff' they have been carrying.It's very apparent with hand held power tools, drills especially.

author: LoFi
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2018, 06:36:59 pm
content: Quote from: videobruce on January 15, 2018, 10:16:51 pmSince Harbor Freight is in almost every town, it'd be nice if they offered an upgraded line of tools you could count on for quality; their tools can be pretty hit-or-miss as things currently stand. I used to know that I could drop by Sears and buy a Craftsman tool and get something of decent quality. But the nearest remaining Sears store is now 40 miles away, and Craftsman is not what it used to be...[These days, the best nationwide store for tools of known quality may be Home Depot. But HF can often be found in even smaller towns]

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2018, 09:45:51 pm
content: It looks similar to Mastech MS8250CAmasingmeter based on Curystek ES51968 (TRMS and6600counts) as BK Precision BK2709BI happy with it for few yearsBut it is not dirt cheap

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2018, 01:52:29 am
content: Quote from: LoFi on January 16, 2018, 06:36:59 pmYeah that would be nice. Usually I buy HF tools when I want to modify it for a custom purpose, or when I need a cheap power tool for one or two specific jobs.Some of their stuff is quite good though, I have a pneumatic brad stapler that is nicely made and works better than some costing much more, my only complaint is that the trigger feels flimsy and cheap. Some of their air hoses and quick connects are quite good as well.

author: cdev
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2018, 02:53:45 am
content: I recently bought a drill press from them that so far works great. $50A desk magnifying lamp that cost me $16, works great and doesn't look cheap or emit RFI..As my favorite waiter ever, the lateEdsel Ford Fongused to say; "Not too shabby!"