Klein Tools
It's evident right in the name why a multimeter can be so handy — it measures multiple things, including voltage, current, and electric resistance. This makes it useful whether you're a professional electrician or just trying to figure out why an appliance or device isn't working correctly. Multimiters can be used to test connections, check the voltage of a power outlet or unidentified battery, identifying live wires, and more.
Currently (no pun intended), there are a handful of different multimeter models available at Home Depot from Klein Tools, a family-owned company that's been producing various tools, mostly in the U.S., for nearly 170 years. While each model offers essentially the same functions, there are some differences between them, including voltage, ranging method, size, and more. All models have strong overall user scores from Home Depot customers, which is a reliable marker for quality. Since it's not a highly-advanced piece of equipment, these multimeters can be used by both professionals and DIYers. But, by taking a closer look at the reviews and experiences of everyday users, you'll find that the Klein 600-volt Digital Multimeter, TRMS Auto-Ranging, Temp (model MM420) is likely the best for home use. This makes it a helpful device to pair with useful Klein hand tools you can add to your toolkit.
It measures up to 600V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current, and 50 MOhms resistance, as well as continuity, temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty-cycle, and test diodes. It's equipped with a backlit display, Lead Alert protection with LED illumination for lead placement, and a low battery indicator, and comes with test leads, a thermocouple with adapter, and batteries. Also, it's solidly built and can handle a 6.6-foot drop. The MM420 also has features that make it particularly well-suited for more casual use.
What makes the Klein MM420 helpful for home use?
Klein Tools
A few factors make the Klein 600-volt Digital Multimeter, TRMS Auto-Ranging, Temp particularly helpful for home use, as opposed to more serious electrical work. For one thing, unlike at least one other Klein multimeter, the MM40 uses automatic ranging rather than manual, so you don't need to be an expert to operate it. Plus, Klein specifically says the tool is designed for "basic and controlled electromagnetic environments," including residential. Several user reviews seem to confirm this by noting that the Klein MM420 is simple to use.
This simplicity applies to the entire device, not just one or two functions like ranging. One user's 5-star review highlights some of these easy-to-use functions, saying "Like the size. Easy to read digital display. Backlit display very helpful. Good range of test capabilities." Other reviews commend the value of the tool, which is another reason it's well-suited for home use. If you don't need a multimeter for industrial or professional purposes, you won't want to spend an arm and a leg for one. A Home Depot customer describes the MM420 as "very nice and it does exactly what it advertises," adding, "it's hard to find a good quality auto ranging multimeter like this one at this price point."
Users don't find the Klein MM420 to be completely flawless, however
Klein Tools
While the Klein MM420 is top-rated and, according to owners, a solid tool to use at home, users aren't completely unanimous in their praise for it. Some have left mixed reviews, such as a 4-star review disappointed in the LCD display's protective covering. This user states: "It is very easily scratched with some outdoor use, so avoid contact with stones or other hard objects. Other than that, it's a solid meter for the price."
Another Home Depot customer notes that "using the min/max and Hold functions are a bit awkward until the user learns the sequence to press the buttons in." A couple of other less-than-perfect qualities of the multimeter include that its display might be hard to see in direct sunlight and that the device would be easier to use if it included a case or its own alligator clips.
Despite the negative feedback from some users, you're statistically likely to be in the much larger group of owners who either like or love the Klein MM420 — especially for home use. In the end, even if you don't go with the Klein MM420, pretty much any multimeter is better than none, though. It's important to remember that one of the worst mistakes you can make during electrical work — whether you're a professional or not — is not having a multimeter or voltage tester on hand.
How Klein's multimeter was evaluated
Klein Tools
Two primary factors were considered when naming the best Klein Tools multimeter for home use. The first is qualities that make it more suited for casual applications rather than professional or industrial. The second is overall quality in general — after all, you wouldn't want to use a multimeter that's a piece of junk, even if it's better suited for use at home.
User reviews from Home Depot were used to help determine the overall quality of each Klein multimeter. The retailer has a large base of customers who like to weigh in on the products they purchase, and the more users who give feedback make the overall picture clearer and less affected by fake or outlier reviews. Two of Klein's multimeters have a high customer score of 4.7 out of five, but the MM420 was considered the stronger product because its score came from a larger base of users, with over 200 ratings.
Multimeters with automatic ranging were considered more appropriate for home use than manual models, as they're easier to use for non-professionals. For the same reason, the MM420 was selected because many user reviews noted how easy it is to use in general, beyond just its auto-ranging. A second factor considered is price point, since home-use tools for DIYers are typically more affordable than pro-grade options. Another reason the MM420 was selected as the best for home use is Klein's official description of the tool on its product page, which says that the device is designed for residential use, among other applications.
