I finally stopped using my old analog multimeter for most jobs.

For years, I would pull out my Simpson 260 to check for shorts or continuity. It was reliable, but reading that needle on a shaky bench could be a real pain. About two years ago, I got a Fluke 87V for a big repair job on a pinball machine. Now I use the digital one for almost everything because the auto-ranging and clear display just save so much time. Do you still keep any old analog tools in your kit, or is it all digital now?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_richard2d ago

I get the appeal of the needle for some jobs, but for me speed and clarity win every time. Trying to read a bouncing needle under a truck hood in bad light is a recipe for mistakes. The digital readout gives me one solid number I can trust without second guessing.

the_sage3d ago

Honestly, that needle is the whole point for me. A digital readout gives you a number, but the analog swing shows you the trend instantly, like watching a capacitor charge or spotting a shaky connection. My old Triplett just feels more alive in my hand, you know? It forces you to understand what the circuit is doing, not just what it says right this second. I keep a good digital meter for precision work, but my bench isn't right without that moving coil.