Pawn shop find Extech EX420 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 03:07:08 am
content: I was in a pawn shop today and they had a practically brand new Extech EX420 multimeter for $139. They guy said that they would knock off 30% if I paid in cash. Is this a good price and/or good meter?Never mind. I just found out that it's not a true RMS meter and can be had for around $75 new!

author: Rigby
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 03:11:33 am
content: http://www.amazon.com/Extech-EX420-Function-Professional-MultiMeter/dp/B0007SVV2Q/Lots cheaper on Amazon. Pawn shops rip you off.

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 03:13:22 am
content: Back before the internet you could occasionally get good deals at pawn shops. Nowadays I find that their stuff is way overpriced.

author: AmmoJammo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 03:15:58 am
content: I'd go back, JUST to let him know they're $75 brand new, and possibly even offer him $100 less than the asking price$39 second hand seems reasonable....

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 04:39:41 am
content: The EX430 is the bigger brother and I paid $9 for it used. Even for $9, I couldn't stand it and got rid of it. Details athttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/extech-ex430-multimeter-teardown-photos/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/amprobe-am-240-vs-extech-mn36/msg171042/#msg171042I would avoid the Extech EX series altogether as it is made the CEM Instruments and the internal build quality, soldering, etc are not worth the asking price (even discounted or on sale).For $40 USD, you can find better used multimeters on ebay.edit: I still have a CEM multimeter, but I hardly use it and regulated to emergency car trunk status for now.

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 10:39:25 pm
content: Actually I was wrong. The model number is EX520!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 11:33:02 pm
content: If you can get it for 100 dollars or less, it sounds like a good deal to me. Just make sure it comes with the bag and the thermocouple.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2014, 11:52:10 pm
content: I always wonder how much of the stuff in a pawn shop is stolen. I'm guessing a fair amount of it is. So, I avoid them out of principal.

author: Len
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 12:04:02 am
content: Quote from: george graves on February 16, 2014, 11:52:10 pmDo you avoid eBay for the same reason?

author: BennyBoy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 01:28:04 am
content: A few weeks back I bought a Brymen BM257 (NIB) for $81. shipped. I just found it on Ebay, and only one other bidder, so I guess I got lucky. Seems like a great meter.Seems like the net pretty much ruined pawn shops, for deals anyway.Quote from: Axtman on February 16, 2014, 03:07:08 am

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 05:19:05 am
content: Quote from: BennyBoy on February 17, 2014, 01:28:04 amGood deal on the above. If the OP is going to spend $100 on a multimeter, there are a lot of good choices new or used available online, stores, and pawn shops. With new, you obviously get a warranty.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 07:48:44 am
content: I guess you meant Brymen BM 257. Similar kind of 6000 count meter, except that the Extech has an IP67 rating and is protected up to 1000V, instead of 600V for the Brymen. The Brymen has extra features, like Peak Hold and Low Z and is probably better built internally. The Extech claims a basic accuracy of 0.09%, instead of 0.2% for the Brymen.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 08:06:40 am
content: Quote from: george graves on February 16, 2014, 11:52:10 pmThey are heavily regulated, they have to check ids and to submit the list of purchased items to the local police for review. If an item is found to be stolen, it's their loss.(never been in a pawn shop myself, learned it on The History Channel from Chumlee, Rick, Big Hoss and The Old Man).

author: BennyBoy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 07:12:52 pm
content: I ment BM-257 was better than the EX420, for build quality. I did not see the correction of the EX520 till after the post. I remember when Extech showed up in the states, and seen as a junk brand. I guess they've increased the quality over the last 15 years.Quote from: Wytnucls on February 17, 2014, 07:48:44 am

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 17, 2014, 07:23:21 pm
content: Many still regard the Extech EX series of meters as junk. I am one of them based on what I have seen online.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 01:09:47 am
content: Quote from: Len on February 17, 2014, 12:04:02 am

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 03:22:21 am
content: I went to the pawnshop today and tried out the meter. It's seemed okay physically. The leads seemed a little cheap. I turned the selector to resistance and touched the leads. The meter took a while to read and jumped around. I then switched to beep continuity. Boy is it SLOW! So this one is a pass. I am trying to find a cheaper but quality multimeter that will take the place of my Fluke 85V. I don't want the Fluke meter to leave the house!

author: BennyBoy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2014, 06:29:26 am
content: I've seen the Brymen 869 go for $200. shipped off Ebay. I have the Greenlee badged version, and I love it!Quote from: Axtman on February 22, 2014, 03:22:21 am