Ultimate DIY Homeowners Guide To Multimeters

I will walk you through the 5 most important Digital Multimeter functions to help troubleshoot issues around your house. These basic functions will literally save you $100's if not $1,000's over the years in service calls you didn't have to make. Below are the chapters outlining what we will cover but I would also like to hear your feedback in the comments on what else you use a DMM or Clamp Meter for around the house.

Chapters
0:00 Basic DIY Electrical Tools
1:24 Digital Multimeter and Clamp Meter Overview
2:43 Voltage (AC)
6:11 Voltage (DC)
8:49 Continuity Check
11:04 Resistance
13:24 Current (AC)

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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[EverydayHomeRepairs]

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[blankenmom]

This cracks me up! I literally have a separate YT window open doing research on how to use my multimeter trying to figure out what's wrong with my solar panels. Bought it when my boys were in the house for them to learn, and now that they've moved out, I need to learn it. Perfect timing!

[barix]

I might have to pick up one of these ET270's. I've got the MM320 in my electrical kit and honestly it's just a lot more than I need. Half the time I forget what each option does and have to bust out the manual. The one you showed here makes that a lot less of an issue.

[WhatzTyme]

Best DIY info available, keeps getting better! Great new tool tips!

[hassanbazzi]

Have one but never used. I feel a bit better watching your video and as a reference. I hope it encourages me to start using it. Thank you for sharing

[XSpImmaLion]

Balls drop close to the car. xD

Great list of practical applications!

I'm getting used, for most of what I need, to a pen type multimeter. Also works as a small torch, and non contact voltage tester. I still have around my dad's analog multimeter, as well as a newer digital multimeter... but for the most part, the pen style does the job. Easier to carry around too, and it takes AAA batteries which are cheaper and easier to find where I live.
Very likely not as accurate though. Display is tiny, and navigation a bit confusing. And of course, you don't have DC current or a clamp to work with... but I rarely need those.

For batteries, I got a battery case that came with a cheap-o battery tester. Analog one that doesn't require batteries. It's just more convenient. The display already shows most common voltages for batteries, a scale from bad to good, and it can read anything from button cells, up through the spectrum, and has contacts for 9V. I dunno how reliable it is since it's so dirty cheap that it came as a gift with the battery case, but seems good enough. xD

[bob]

I purchased the LTT Screwdriver a while back and absolutely love it. They really put a lot of work into it and it shows.

[dobiefan]

Very helpful video, I work as an Rv tech and I even learned a few tips in this video. Thanks again!

[Eddy]

Great demo ... Those are both good products ... I have the 15 in 1 among other Klein drivers Thx

[stan]

Thank you. This is basics and everyone should know about it

[kennycolonsamol]

Another Amazing video . This is like Multimeters for Dummies !!! Thanks for clarifying a few doubts I had !!!

[woodrowwilliams]

For me getting a meter that measures capacitance allows me to check AC capacitors which are easy to change. Saves a lot if avoiding a service call. Also you can buy an attachment that effectively splits the power cord into hot and neutral so you can measure amps. No need to open the outlet.

[ricks.]

Great video. I just bought a multimeter to check out the voltage from my doorbell transformer after installing a doorbell camera. I was getting low voltage messages from my camera. Changed the transformer to one with a little more voltage and checked the voltage again. It was within spec for the doorbell and the low voltage message went away. Having the voltage meter gave me insight needed to resolve the problem.

[MylesFenske]

Hi Scott, Nice video. Question, at about 3:25 using the individual probes the Klein tester showed 127.3 volts. Then at at about 5:42 using the plug method in the same receptacle the same Klein tester shows 121 volts. Why the large difference? Thanks for all your great videos. Take Care, Myles

[billj]

My favorite screwdriver is a 6 in 1- it has 2 philips sizes, 2 straight slot sizes and 2 nutdriver sizes. I like it because it does what I need but it isn't overly complicated. I've tried the 11 in 1 and I have to fiddle with it too much to find the bit that I need. I have a ratcheting screwdriver with a lot of bits in the handle but it is the same issue- I don't really need that many different bits so it is too difficult to change bits.
I have a really old VOM in my workshop and a cheap new VOM in my house, I use them mostly for just testing batteries and testing continuity, occasionally for measuring resistance. I don't normally need the additional features but it is interesting to see what they do.

[andresbarragan]

FROM CHICAGO EXELENT VIDEO THANK YOU SO MUCH

[kiltedpiper]

Great examples and techniques. Thanks!

[Nefariousrouge]

Another thing to add, don’t know if anyone else mentioned it… When you take a resistance measurement the system has to be off and isolated. Testing the heater element, it has to be switched off and disconnected (doesn’t have to be removed)

[surferdude]

When measuring current with a clamp meter, its not necessary to remove the receptacle from the box, if you use an AC Line Splitter. Some clamp meters come with one, or you can buy one separately, about $10.

[Davejust]

12:00 min, Nice air core inductor there. 12-14-24 SA