test kit

pcam1984 · May 11, 2015

Hi guys, just wondering if anyone knows the best place to buy a reasonably priced test kit, I've been using my mates for a couple of months but he's landed a job in Ireland so I will have to buy one but haven't got the cash to buy new. Thanks in advance

PEG · May 12, 2015

Marvo said:
One thing I've noticed from time on the forum about the guys in the UK is their reluctance to use any brands other than very high-end stuff like Fluke or Megger etc. There's a lot of other very good brands around that are a fraction of the price and they make very respectable kit. Try looking at Uni-t (Uni Trend) or SEW for example.

Yep,there is always a bit of room for tool snobbery :yes: and i too,have been guilty of this....but there are items of kit available,which although at the low end,suit their task perfectly.

I have an embarrassing array of tools and equipment,collected since early childhood,and have probably spent the equivalent,of a decent 3 bed semi....

...but some of the handiest,and most used bits,are the cheapest.

Two examples spring to mind...one is a trailer plug/socket tester,which tests the vehicle socket outputs,and the trailer board (LED's alone,not). It has saved hours,and cost £13.

The other,is a £3 multi battery tester,which,if anybody has children with toys,will appreciate the cost.....6 batteries in a non-functioning gadget...and three are still fine... This has saved me fortunes :tt1:

I still use a Spiralux straight bladed screwdriver,that i bought when i was 10 years old...don't know why i bought all those Snap-on ones...

newtothis · May 12, 2015

LOL I bought a new one, cos I didn't want to risk inadvertently buying a "hot" one.

To the OP you could stick a new one on a credit card - then do a balance transfer to another card.
So for a small fee you've got a years interest free credit on a tester with a years calibration.
Please take, or reject that advice as you see fit

Barry White · May 12, 2015

http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/sale-wanted-forum/102351-fluke-1653-mft.html

deffo worth a look

Marvo · May 12, 2015

mykey said:
http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/sale-wanted-forum/102351-fluke-1653-mft.html

deffo worth a look

I also came here to post a link but I see you beat me to it Mykey.
It's a good price even if it needs calibrating.

Diddy · May 18, 2015

Marvo said:
One thing I've noticed from time on the forum about the guys in the UK is their reluctance to use any brands other than very high-end stuff like Fluke or Megger etc. There's a lot of other very good brands around that are a fraction of the price and they make very respectable kit. Try looking at Uni-t (Uni Trend) or SEW for example.

Would you be able to get such brands in the UK and even more importantly could you get them calibrated ?

Marvo · May 18, 2015

I guess e-bay would be the place to find the alternative brands because it looks like the big 4 or 5 brands have the wholesalers sewn up but the problem is you need to be aware of who's who in the zoo. For example a lot of Major Tech testers are re-branded Kyoritsu which are also sold as KEW and Sinometer are a re-brand of Uni-T, Digitech and CEM also re-brands.
I have several brands of testers from SEW to Brymen to Toptronic and I've never had an issue getting any of them calibrated and they've always been accurate and reliable and are often price-pointed at 30-50% of the Fluke or Megger equivalents.

SteveH40 · May 19, 2015

kewtech KT65 here and absolutely love it, best tester i have used, well, with the exception of my old megger bm223 - that was superb

oh and my LCB2500, that was cracking too......... come to think of it............. they all rock!!

Marvo · May 19, 2015

SteveH40 said:
kewtech KT65 here and absolutely love it, best tester i have used, well, with the exception of my old megger bm223 - that was superb oh and my LCB2500, that was cracking too......... come to think of it............. they all rock!!

Hee hee he now you sound like a fellow tester addict. I love testers, any testers that work well and are well designed and well built.

Here's some that are in my home office because I don't use them very often.

I've got another 3 in my tool case, another 9 in the car and probably over a hundred in my office at work, I kid you not!! Just please don't tell the wife

ruston · May 19, 2015

SteveH40 said:
kewtech KT65 here and absolutely love it, best tester i have used, well, with the exception of my old megger bm223 - that was superb oh and my LCB2500, that was cracking too......... come to think of it............. they all rock!!

Gave you the like for the BM223. I still use mine lol.