Read this mans opinion of the test light.
http://mypage.direct.ca/k/kdomries/testlight.html
I don't even own a test light. It's never really slowed me down any.
Test lights do make electrical diagnosis (in most cases, anyway) very easy once you find where you need to be testing.
Ive never used one, dont own one. Maybe I'll get one.
I'm a multimeter man
I'm the tool everyone should have.
You're just one big tool aren't you?
:rollin:
I love my test light too. I use it quite a bit. It does make electrical stuff a lot quicker to diagnose (usually).
P.S. Jerry, you can't use a test light to fix rust, so not having one wouldn't hold you back at all. lol.
Dont own a multi meter anymore, but I've owned at least a dozen test lights in the past, I currently own 3, one in my garage, one at my shop, one in the car at all times. lol you just never know when you'll need one. lol
You can't OHM a newer style fuse with a test light. Also You can't check voltage with a test light. That's why I use a multimeter.
Multimeter dude here!
I use both and for the price of a test light there is no reason not to have both. Just for testing to see if a wire is hot or not a test light cannot be beat; like hooking up a trailer plug.
TED
The multi is good for most stuff, but some things require a test light instead.
AGREED... Unless you're VERY experienced, a meter can get you in trouble... With the high resistance input of a meter, it'll tell you there is voltage available, while a test light will confirm it's just a potential from a poor/corroded connection...
If you're familiar with your test light, it's possible to know the approx voltage from the brightness of the bulb...
Me, I mostly use meters(have a dozen or more), but I keep the test light handy...
Exactly the situation I was referring to... Anybody that's worked on trailer lights knows there are always poor connections, that will often show a voltage using a meter but still will not burn the lamps...
I have and use them both. Test light is good to have for pulling EEC codes.
The Hell with that, I use one of these... Mine is older(had it for probably 15 years), says from 1981 to present, instead of 1981 to 1995 like the later models...
http://www.equus.com/product_info.php?product_id=3145&category_id=1
Should be able to get one cheaper from ebay...
Multi-meter ftw. I have a couple digitals and an buttstuffog.
I bought a test light years after using only multimeters. I used it once and it wasn't all that useful until it got dark out. Multimeters with a light built in are very helpful in all areas (these ones usually have more capabilities than cheapo meters also). $50 can get you all that along with temperature, sound level, etc readings. Nice toy to play with.
I am a multimeter man myself too. I probably have 10 or 15 of em. I probably have 10 test lights too though. I mostly use test lights for troubleshooting fuses, lighting circuits and installing stereos (finding the constant hot/switched hot).
Seek mentioned backlit multimeters, Harbor freight sells a backlit multimeter for 3.99 when it's on sale. It's usually like 7.99. I don't own one, but that's about the cheapest backlit meter you'll find.
I guess I more of meant a multimeter with a test light built in but a backlight can be useful also ;)