The Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter

Editor Rating: 4.5/5

Outstanding

The Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter

Reviewed by: Sean Masri

Last modified: Jul 21, 2022 @ 3:17 pm

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Fluke 106 Review Summary:

The Fluke 106 is a palm-sized multimeter with a set of essential functions and features.

One great feature of the Fluke 106 is its small size and light weight, which ensures a more comfortable user experience. Unlike some other meters on the market, it won’t take a lot of space in your toolbox.

This tool is made from quality materials that ensure its durability. It also has all the essential functions a multimeter should have — current, resistance, voltage, continuity checks, and a capacitance range, for example.

Powered by two AAA batteries, the auto power-off function helps to prolong the battery life by turning the device off after 20 minutes of inactivity. So, even if you always forget to turn off your device after use, this feature will save you from additional expense and unnecessary battery replacements.

An exciting and pretty unusual feature of the Fluke 106 is the data hold function. It’s more of a “luxury” feature that is rarely integrated into basic versions. it’s an advantageous option, particularly when you don’t have the chance to write down the readings immediately. This feature stores the last reading you take, until it’s overwritten with new data.

The current range is up to 10A, and voltage up to 600V AC and DC. It is best suited for standard electrical work because there are no micro-amps, milliamps, or DC milli-volts.

Many users already have trouble with selecting the right range, however. To make matters worse, most of these units cannot tolerate massive fluctuations. However, Its default over-range protection feature is great if you’re inexperienced, especially when measuring ranges and testing for continuity.

Some users didn’t like that the Fluke 106 has no display backlight.

Also, although Fluke is an American brand, this tool is not made in the US. The company has factories in Vietnam and China, to keep costs down. However, the products are manufactured to Fluke’s requirements and specifications.

The Fluke 106 price is reasonable and offers great value for money, considering its durability and additional functions.

Pros:

N
Features all the standard functions multimeter needs.
N
The design is sleek and slender.
N
Compact, accurate and durable build.
N
Quite resistant to knocks and holds properly.
N
Auto power-off function helps to prolong the battery life.
N
Default over-range protection feature is great for inexperienced users.
N
Performs quick continuity checks.
N
Data hold feature stores last reading until it’s overwritten with new data.
N
Ensures good safety protection.

Cons:

N
No display backlight.
N
No diode check.
N
No micro-amps/milliamps.
N
Doesn’t come with probes.

Features and Benefits of the Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter


Admittedly, the Fluke 106 is loaded with all the necessary functions that you need to troubleshoot and repair electrical issues, but what makes them unique?

Let’s dive in.

Ease of Use


Most electricians can work with just about any multimeter. However, the simple and intuitive design of the Fluke 106 allows easy understanding and flow for everyone, even if they have never used a multimeter before.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should not get acquainted with some basic electrical principles and terminologies before using it.

Overall, whether you’re checking the integrity of your old extension cords at home or diagnosing problems with electrical components or systems at work, the Fluke 106 multimeter is quite easy to use.

Number of Functions


You can use the Fluke 106 multimeter to test batteries, spot hot wires, find the wrong switches, and any other type of work that can be completed with a standard multimeter. The unit is supplied with a set of test leads.

It has all the regular features, such as voltage, continuity, amperage, and resistance measuring.

This multimeter also has a data hold function, which is convenient for recording readings.

As far as safety goes, the Fluke 106 is fused to protect the user and device from up to 6000V power surges. It is also CAT-III 600V certified.

You will conserve power and get more life out of the Fluke 106 batteries, since it has no backlight and the automatic shutdown comes into play after 20 minutes of not being used.

Display


A lot of professional technicians have trouble with scanning minute numbers, which often leads to critical errors. The display of the Fluke 106 has a resolution of 6000 counts and refreshes at a rate of about 3x per second.

This means the display is certainly big enough to read the values without difficulty.
Unfortunately, this model does not feature a backlight and tends to be unclear when it is read off the perpendicular.

Build Quality of the Fluke 106 Multimeter


The Fluke 106 is solidly constructed with hard plastic, making it capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear. It is also resistant to falls and shocks, and most users are satisfied with its level of fall protection.

The slightly textured outer shell of the Fluke 106 ensures a good grip, even when your hands are sweaty.

Although the Fluke 106 is made in China, it is professionally constructed, nonetheless, and performs excellently.

It is perfect to use in low voltage environments and designed for testing on the primary supply source. I find this to be true and have never had any problems using it around my house. Its CAT III rating allows me to use it on the lighting system in my store. However, it probably won’t suit someone looking to measure higher voltages.

What Users Say About The Fluke 106


Generally, consumer views were mostly positive. Most users liked the fact that the Fluke 106 is quite basic, lightweight, easy to use, and accurate.

Some reviewers were not happy that this tool is made in China. However, the durability and robustness of the Fluke 106 speaks volumes about its overall build and quality.

Alternatives to Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter


If the Fluke 106 multimeter isn’t getting your juices flowing — after all, some jobs may require high-end multimeters— why not check out our other products and categories?

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a cheaper option, our range of multimeters under $50 may have a product that you’ll find more affordable.

If you’re looking for a good multimeter for your vehicle, here are the best automotive multimeters available on the market at the moment. 

If you work in harsh conditions and you’re looking for robust Fluke devices that feature water and dust resistance, these top rated Fluke multimeters are incredibly easy to operate and can withstand a lot of physical abuse.

Conclusion


The Fluke 106 is a small and lightweight multimeter with all the necessary functions that ensure a more comfortable user experience — perfect for both professional technicians and inexperienced users.

So, whether you occasionally repair electronics at home or work with electricity for a living, there are enough features in the Fluke 106 digital multimeter to safely troubleshoot, measure, and fix electrical devices and sensitive electronics.

While the display, current, resistance, voltage, continuity checks, capacitance range, auto power-off, and data hold function are attractive characteristics — the lack of a backlight and other ‘not so basic’ features may deter some commercial technicians.

The bottom line.

If you’re looking for a compact, basic, and durable electrician’s testing tool, with good quality and a fair price, the Fluke 106 palm sized digital multimeter is an excellent choice.

Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter FAQs

Q: What Is a Fluke106 Digital Multimeter Used for?

The Fluke 106 is a standard diagnostic tool used to measure electrical values—basically, current (amps), voltage (volts) and resistance (ohms).

Q: Does the Fluke 106 Multimeter Have a Light-up Display?

No, there is no backlight on the Fluke 106. If you’re willing to pay more for a backlit display, why not take a look at the Fluke 107?

Q: What Is the Fluke 106 Price?

Considering the number of features this product has, it is great value for money. To check out the current cost of the Fluke 106.

Q: Is the Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter Made in the USA?

No, this product is made in China.

Q: Is the Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter Suitable for Automotive Use?

Yes, the Fluke 106 is perfect for your vehicle and much more.

Most Read Reviews

Disclaimer

The owner of ToolNerds.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission by advertising and linking ToolNerds.com reviews to Amazon products, but not limited to Amazon.com.

Follow Us