Gardner Bender Sperry Instruments DM6800 Thin, Auto ranging 600V AC/DC, 10A, Yellow Digital Multimeter, No Size

Works just like it is supposed to. Good tool and I like it.

I've bought this one and a Klein meter at the same time although the Klein had an inductive clamp on it, so I've used the Klein more. The Sperry seemed like it used a lot of batteries. I had to replace the probes once for looseness; the screen dying just now killed it.I think the probe connections are too loose. I called Sperry and they don't seem to have usable customer service.I just threw it out.

Update: 8/11/2020 : Star rating unchanged.I never imagined how much use I would have for the DM6800 in the past 2 years but this auto-ranging multimeter made life so much easier - from the replacement of the thermostat & heater in my 20 year old refrigerator to the installation of duct fans to the installation of my heated floors. The only accessory I needed to purchase were cables with alligator clips for a positive grip to get constant readings.The DM6800 has been a reliable companion.*~*~*~*The Sperry DM6800 is a thin multimeter and at 7 inches long not too much larger than a traditional multimeter.I prefer the slim profile to my bulky stubbier multimeter and really like the style of the selector click-wheel. The large backlit digital display makes it easy to get your readings even in the dimmest light conditions. The DM6800 is rated to 600V AC/DC and 10 AC/DC Amps. It also has auto ranging and continuous readings capability.The testing side of the lead cables have a snap-on plastic sleeve that can be pulled out, if needed, for deep insertions. The cable on the multimeter side has a protective cap to prevent dust, dirt and water getting in.On the durability side, it can withstand 10 foot drops and has a 250 lb crush rating.This multimeter is NOT self-explanatory and I think it intentionally does not come with an instruction manual. You have to be proficient in multimeters to use this product.Recommended – even though it is expensive, I think this is the last multimeter you would buy.

I do have a cheapo (<20$ Radioshack) one I bought years earlier, that had a lot of uses around the house. I replaced that with this one.It is well made and yes, it is thinner, no doubt, but the size is big that there is no overall size improvements with most multi-meters. It is sleek though and big display, enough to read (and there is a button at the top for lighted display as well)The improvements I noticed compared to basic models:1. The range is auto-ranging: no need to select the range for display. You just select the function (AC voltage, DC voltage, resistance, Current, continuity check) etc.2. The continuity check is a nice additional feature (normally you can check that with the resistance setting - 0 - or close to zero ohms is positive for continuity check). But the beep you hear is very low and volume cannot be raised.The issues I noted:1. The probes could be better. The tips are very short.2. Continuity beep is too lowComes in a nice zippered vinyl? bag for storage to protect it from damage. I had managed to break the probes in my old radioshack one once and had to get replacements. This has a nice protection because of the cover.Recommended.

This Sperry multimeter is a solid perfomer. It's rugged, and very thin compared to most other multimeters.The LCD screen is a generous size so it's easy to read and there is a backlight button that turns on a bright green backlight.It beeps whenever you press a button or change the setting dial, and there doesn't appear to be a way to turn this off.The setting marker on the dial is hard to see in dim light. It would be nice if there were a white dot painted on to make it clearer.The exposed parts of the prongs are very short compared to every other multimeter I've used. You could easily buy another set of leads with longer prongs if you need them.Two AAA batteries are required, and two off-brand batteries are included in the package. The battery compartment requires a Phillips screwdriver to open.A Sperry-branded soft carrying case is included, which is a nice touch.There is no printed manual included. The packaging instructs you to go to the Sperry website to download the manual, but as of this review the DM6800 is not listed on the manual downloads page.

This multimeter is thin and light, which is OK, although some weight is sometimes nice to keep the instrument in place while using it.  The carrying case is handy, but it would be nice to have at least a small, basic manual printed to keep in it.  The full manual is available on the company website, but an internet connection may not always be available during use, and someone with greasy hands or gloves may not want to be using a computer or mobile device. The probes have some nice protectors over them that will definitely help when working on small connectors, so as to not accidentally touch them together.The selector could use a dot of paint to make it easier to see what is selected in a situation where there is low light or the viewer is off-center. The multimeter beeps during mode selection; this can be annoying. The beeping may be a setting that can be turned off with instructions from the manual; we haven't checked yet.This is probably a good multimeter selection for people whose preferences align with its features.