Scoutcrafter I love your shows they are always full of great craftmanship work and also curiosities and anecdotes. I always am entertained but today my eyes are opened when it comes to splicing cords.
A meter is a must if you work on anything electronic or electrical. Another excellent tutorial on the extension cords and meter, thanks for the video sir.
Multimeters are always very handy to have around. I bought a cheap one that I keep in my tool bag when I go to help a friend with anything incase I leave it I won’t be mad about losing my good one.
Two excellent tutorials today. I always thought that when the fibrous strain relief material was exposed when you spliced wires, you were actually exposing some insulation. Now I know better. Thanks for the info on the VOM meter. I dont have one but there were times I wish I did. Guess I'll be shopping.
Greetings from Palmdale California. Funny thing, I went and bought myself a Multi Meter yesterday to use on some exterior lights that I'm installing at my house and I needed some help figuring out how to use it. Before I started working on my project I decided to jump on RUclips this morning to catch up on some ScoutCrafter videos. The first video I watched was this one. Wow, what a coincidence, this video sure helped me. Thanks for posting this John! Your RUclips friend, Manny
Nice repair on the extension cord. The meter is like extension cords, I have a few. You’re right they are a necessity in the shop. I use the continuity on the meter a lot. John today was a day you should have cast one of those reels into a lake. We caught about 15 fish today with the wind showing it’s temper here in Northern California. One jerk waiting for another jerk! Thank you for a great show.
When you were talking about stripping the electrical cord you uttered a phrase I never thought I would hear you say "They make a special tool for that but I dont have it". Cheers
Been electrician for years and all I really use is continuity. I do use it every day. Really fun finding total crazy wiring. Closets on different floors with connections going to bedrooms. Turn off breakers and yell, “is it off?” Then a dozen breakers later it’s still not off.
Excellent repair on that extension cord. I like how you added the strain relief. Most people, myself included, would just wrap it with tape and hope for the best. Nice refresher too on the multimeter.
LOL-I had to stop the video halfway through and jump over to Amazon to buy the same multimeter. Great tutorial on how to use it, too! The extension cord fix is outstanding! There’s something really satisfying about doing a task thoroughly and correctly. This is one of my favorite videos of your whole catalog-very enjoyable.👍 👏
I have one of these meters and a box full of batteries. Checking them all was a job on the list but I wasn’t sure how, I’ll crack on with that this weekend. Cheers, scout.
My Dad gave me a Radio Shack multi-meter for my 14th birthday and it still works great even after 47 years! It's saved me from a few hard jolts. A multi-meter is required if you do anything with electricity, AC or DC. Great video, especially your cord repair.
Absolutely if you don’t have a multimeter. Get one. You can check so many thing. I’ve diagnosed so many bad alternators in a car. People replace the battery. But you can check your alternator output. Which could save you a lot of money. And the batteries in the junk drawer. Is it good or bad. Find your answer! Great video. Especially the correct way to repair an extension cord.
I Love My Multi Meter . I Have A Few . The Continuity Tester Is Great For Finding Shorts Especially on A Car . Good Tutorial on The Multi Meter . Good Job 👍 Scout ! Nice Job Also on the Extension Cord Repair.
I love it when someone gets rid of an extension cord that's been damaged, especially if it's the female end. I cut it off and go get a single metal outlet box, a receptacle, a cover plate, and a strain relief. If I'm feeling especially enthused, I get a double box and two receptacles. (Don't forget to ground the box.) Makes for a really useful extension cord to run a power tool and a trouble light at the same time, or something like a chop saw and a shop vac.
Thanks for the refresher on the volt meter. My father worked the signal dept for Jersey Transit. He must have gone over this a million times with me but for some reason I always second guess myself! We sometimes take for granted having that 2nd opinion right over your shoulder.
Like you I believe it is always good to get back to basics every so often and refresh our brains. We have so much to think about we often forge the simple stuff!
Scout I have 2 meters one is I believe they call an analog it has the needle indicator it was my Dad's. And the other is a digital and you are rite they do come in very handy.
Great week Mr. John! You so good at teaching, passing information forward... and do it so clearing that even I am able to learn something 3 times week! Thank ya sir! Have a great weekend!
Hey, John, wanted to say thanks for what you do. You have the wonderful gift of being a great teacher! So, a sincere thanks for sharing your lifetime of valued knowledge with all of us out here in "youtube land".
No self respecting home handyman would be without a multimeter, at least that was the 60’s era thinking. I remember my brother ordering an Eico multimeter kit from the Lafayette catalog, wow we couldn’t wait till it came so we could put it together and go start measuring some stuff. I’ll be sure to use that technique for cord repair, great stuff.
Once again great video love how you teach people that tools can be your friend and get you out of a sticky situation we need more teachers because people don't know what to do with out calling a professional thanks for the work you do John
Back in the day it seemed like spark plug wires were always going bad and had to use the ohm setting on the meter to check them with..........I still have my first meter that I got from Radio Shack and it still works fine but I usually use one of my digital meters nowadays.
John, a few years ago I bought from Amazon a $15 meter not only because it was cheap but it had a thermocouple lead for checking temperature. I didn't really need but well...ya know...lol. I've been happy with it more for the extra large display, LED indicator lights and a very LOUD annunciator for checking continuity which I do a lot of at My job. My old Fluke was too quiet and someone would always be making noise just when I'd be checking for continuity. Best rule of thumb though for repairing an extension cord (or anything else) is to only splice it if absolutely necessary. George
I've got an old Micronta that looks about like your 1st but still wo4ks good enough for who it's for. About time to go upstate and get stuff straightened out for summer again. God Bless!
Great video 👍 Good information on extension cords and how to repair them. The repair you done on the Orange extension cord was fantastic, now it’s good as new. I thought it was a cool idea to use mason line string to strengthen the strain relief of the cord,great job!👍 That was a crazy deal on a multi meter . Well I guess Amazon always has those crazy deals sometimes, I don’t know how they do it though. Also I thought for that price that inexpensive meter came with a backlight Whoa 😮 What! 😂😂For somebody who is starting out in the field of electrical that meter would be pretty good until they could get a nicer one that is heavy duty with more features they would need in the electrical field. I have a bunch of digital meters and a few analog meters. I’m still drawn to the analog meter. I started out on one and every once in while I will pull one out and use one, they are fun to use. I thought you did a great job on using and explaining how to use a multi meter,fantastic job!👍I see that Littlestown red vise you restored got a little use today.😂👍Well again great video and can’t wait to see what you do on Monday. I hope you have a fantastic weekend. 😄👍👍
Steven- Funny story my Dad had a couple Fluke meters and when he passed I gave them to his friend who was a electronic technician. They were too nice for me! LOL
For your new volt meter, I recommend adding a small dab of fluorescent orange nail polish over the little dot at the end of the selector switch. This contrasting color will let you see the selected setting (including OFF) at a glance.
I've got a very old military ohm meter. Back from the 1940's, or earlier. It has one common and about 12 other plug-ins. To change value you plug and unplug into the appropriate value hole. Still works, too. I've got a couple of Craftsman meters I've had 20+ years. A multimeter and an amp clamp. Those haven't missed a beat, either.
Cool to see that old Simpson meter, that looks like my first one. I had one of those back in the '80s , it finally died and I went to the newer digital ones very handy tool I use it all the time.
Those cheap meters are excellent. I have a few of those VOMs because what kind of a maniac only had one? Harbor Freight usually has some for less than $10. I love the cord repair and the old Western Union splice. Great show, as always!
Being an electronics engineer I have dozens of meters, some very specialized, but for around the house you are right it's good to have a meter like that, it's good practice after making current measurements to return the meter leads back to the volt/ohms position otherwise you could damage the meter if you tried to measure voltage. Your meter probably came with alligator probe tip adapters, if not a set of alligator leads makes it real convenient so you don't have to fumble with the probes in you hands, with alligator clips on you can use the meter to check for intermittents, say you have a cord with a break in it somewhere, you can flex the wire and locate the break, 1001 uses for a meter, and a lathe too :)
Being an HVAC technician we use multimeters everyday, checking windings on a compressors and motors, checking voltages and amperage draw. Checking capacitors uf/mfd readings.
I got my Daughter a VOM (Multi Meter) with other tools when she left to go to college. She called me one day and said her boy friend was impress that she had a VOM
When the digital multimeters came out in the 70s they cost hundreds of dollars. A couple of months ago I went to Harbor Freight and they included one for free with my purchase!
Hi John, nice tutorial on VOM. I had to laugh. The company selling them on line heard you included their meter in your video and is cashing in on your popularity. Let’s see, $2x 10000 viewers. Not bad 🤪. Nice technique for repairing the extension cord. I’ll have to add the strain relief cords from here on. Best Regards, John
John- When I was a kid I had a issue with a CB radio that wasn’t working, I bought it back to the shop and the guy said the fuse is bad. I looked at the fuse and it looked fine, no breaks I could see. He showed me it was bad on his meter and I was hooked!!!
That's the best extension cord repair I've ever seen. I wish I would've seen how to do this so much earlier in live! This is repair one can take pride in. Also great tutorial on the multi metre, I have one older one (will have to check that fuse now) but never figured out how it works, plus every video on it I tried to watch is so long I forget everything straight away. I hope you'll have a great weekend! I have a small tractor show planned for tomorrow! I still hope to see yours sometime (Farmall Cub right?)
@@ScoutCrafter she usually joins me but this time I'm going alone because somebody will have to watch our newborn. He's a bit too small to go outside much yet... I want to get him a confused cadet bit they're so expensive here! Almost as much as I've sold my big tractor for.
Fantastic tutorial, best way I’ve ever seen for repairing an extension cord. I never did put those tensioning cords back in but that is a great idea. Thanks for sharing this and have a great weekend.
I do my extension cord repairs the same way but have not done the strain relief, great idea! My wife cut so may extension cords with the hedge trimmer that I got pretty good at repairing them. I finally bought her a battery powered hedge trimmer and no more cord repairs! :) I bought two nice digital voltmeters at the hamfest that was held north of Austin, TX last weekend to go with my Simpson 260 and Harbor Freight giveaway special. After all, what kind of maniac only owns one or two voltmeters? Not a Fluke but Triplett and Amprobe for only $20 each. Can"t go wrong! 73 to N2STX
I noticed that your variac is stated for 110V input, so the output voltage scale is probably calibrated based on this. If so, it will not be accurate since you have 120V from your house outlet. That said, for accurate result, I always use a VOM.
When I was a kid I purchased a multimeter from RadioShack. It was a Micronta brand. It was around $7, quite a sum for a kid with a paper route. It had an analog scale, only a few settings, but it works great to this day. Much later I purchased a Craftsman. It had LCD readout and many more settings. I have a thermocoupler for it and I use it to gauge the temperature of lead for casting bullets.
I have an Ideal clamp meter that reads DC amperage. I use it to measure the amps of my battery chargers to determine when the batteries are done charging.
Hey señor Juan, great video, thanks to you , I have learned something new today and very useful. Kee3o up the great job you do, señor Polak. Gracias, saludos.
I liked how you added that strain relief on the repair of the extension cord. Thanks for link for the Multi Meter too (You can never have too many meters!). I have several including an old analog Radio Shack and a Triplett Model 630 (You know, one of those that use those odd batteries). The Freebie Harbor Freight meter they use to give away and a couple other nicer/more gooder Harbor Freight meters (not freebies). 😁
Good segment. The Simpson 260 picture is the type meter used in the railroad industry. Signal & Train Control maintainers use them for testing purposes at train signal locations and signalized grade crossings. Haven’t thought about a Simpson meter in a long time. They are very accurate meters.
Scout, as usual, you're as right as rain regarding the usefulness of a multimeter. You showed the former Gold Standard of meters the Simpson 260 (and for some applications still the best). The current King of the Hill would be a Fluke. Don't get me wrong, Fluke makes an outstanding meter, but what really makes them shine are their leads. A good meter is useless with hinky leads. PS - GREAT job on splicing a drop cord.
Yes! Fluke seems to be the standard now of professionals. I had two but gave them away to a friend of my father after he passed. They were too good for a novice like me! 😂👍
@@ScoutCrafter C'mon, don't be so demure, Scout. Nothing's too good for you. After I bought a Mod. 27, I gave my old Fluke to my buddy, John. That was about 20 years ago and he's still using it. I should have given him my new (then) 27 and took back the smaller Mod. 97 (?).
ScoutCrafter, Besides a multi-meter, I have a ZTS, Inc. MBT-1 Multi-Battery Tester. This meter tests batteries under load and if a battery needs replacement. Bob
What kind of maniac only has one voltometer? Ah, I do not have a voltometer. I do have a very healthy respect for electricity. I am going to buy a voltometer for the simple purpose of checking my batteries. I have a very bad feeling that I am going to have blue flame shooting from my nostrils. Wish me luck. Great video. Thank you for the repair lesson. I had no idea about strain relief. Super. While I am shopping for a voltometer I have to find a roll of heat shrink.
I’d like to know how to determine the usefulness of a battery like you showed. But I am not 100% on what setting I should use and at what point a battery is really spent, or if it has a little bit of life left in it
Joe- Some meters like my Craftsman have battery settings that will put a slight load on the battery when testing so you get a better reading. With this meter the 20v DC is good for most batteries including your Car battery. 😃👍
I found my original Tandy multimeter a couple of weeks ago. One thing I don't like about many cheap multimeters is that the leads are not very flexible. It's worth upgrading any meter to silicon leads imo.
The Variac scale isn't accurate because it is calibrated for 110V input voltage (as shown on the scale itself), and usually the voltage in the mains in the US is usually 120V. Appliances are usually designed to work with a higher or lower voltage, a tolerance of +/- 10% must be tolerated by them.
Edward- I was always interested in wires and splicing after one day my Assistant Scoutmaster told me about a Western Union Splice, I thought it was so neat! Mr Wechsler RIP was a real inspiration.
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Scoutcrafter I love your shows they are always full of great craftmanship work and also curiosities and anecdotes. I always am entertained but today my eyes are opened when it comes to splicing cords.
I bought that same multimeter 3 years ago. Still works great.
This was very helpful and I learned a lot from this tutorial. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks for the primer on the multimeter I’ve had for 15 years and had no clue how to use it!!
A meter is a must if you work on anything electronic or electrical. Another excellent tutorial on the extension cords and meter, thanks for the video sir.
You can teach an old dog new tricks if you the right teacher🐶🐶🐶Thanks SC!
Multimeters are always very handy to have around. I bought a cheap one that I keep in my tool bag when I go to help a friend with anything incase I leave it I won’t be mad about losing my good one.
That's the best cord repair that I've ever seen! 🛠👍👍
Couldn't agree more. The multi meter is a must have when doing any electrical work. Thanks for the video.
Two excellent tutorials today. I always thought that when the fibrous strain relief material was exposed when you spliced wires, you were actually exposing some insulation. Now I know better. Thanks for the info on the VOM meter. I dont have one but there were times I wish I did. Guess I'll be shopping.
Pat- On some Vacuum cleaner cords that have lots of nylon cord running thru because those cords really take a beating! =D
Very good to have a multi meter I have several of them and use them very often 👍
One should own multiple multimeters!!
Great lesson on the voltage meter
Excellent overview, thanks John, great repair too !
Greetings from Palmdale California. Funny thing, I went and bought myself a Multi Meter yesterday to use on some exterior lights that I'm installing at my house and I needed some help figuring out how to use it. Before I started working on my project I decided to jump on RUclips this morning to catch up on some ScoutCrafter videos. The first video I watched was this one. Wow, what a coincidence, this video sure helped me. Thanks for posting this John! Your RUclips friend, Manny
Top quality cord repair. Having a couple multimeters is ideal. Cheap model and a ac/dc amp clamp will cover 95% of one’s needs
Always informational videos as well as being entertaining. Thanks
Nice repair on the extension cord. The meter is like extension cords, I have a few. You’re right they are a necessity in the shop. I use the continuity on the meter a lot. John today was a day you should have cast one of those reels into a lake. We caught about 15 fish today with the wind showing it’s temper here in Northern California. One jerk waiting for another jerk! Thank you for a great show.
Jess- Every so often the fish are biting and life is good!!!!!!!!!
When you were talking about stripping the electrical cord you uttered a phrase I never thought I would hear you say "They make a special tool for that but I dont have it". Cheers
LOL I think my Dad might have had one in the attic! LOL
Good info. When you don’t use it allot it gets confusing. I used it for similar items you demonstrated and also on my model train transformers. Thanks
I got one a few years ago I use it all the time great tool fantastic video scout have a great weekend
God bless take care 👍🙏🦅🇺🇸🗽🇳🇿🏛️🪖
Another great video. I liked the extension cord repairs; heat shrink tubing was a great invention. I even carry a VOM in my vehicle.
Bang on, useful and informative as always. Thanks Scout.
Been electrician for years and all I really use is continuity. I do use it every day. Really fun finding total crazy wiring. Closets on different floors with connections going to bedrooms. Turn off breakers and yell, “is it off?” Then a dozen breakers later it’s still not off.
GOODER ONE, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, KEEP SAFE...
Excellent repair on that extension cord. I like how you added the strain relief. Most people, myself included, would just wrap it with tape and hope for the best. Nice refresher too on the multimeter.
Hey scout!
Great video! Thank you so helpful!!!!!!
I learn something in every video. Thanks !
I never thought the words would come out of my mouth, beautiful extension cord repair. 😍🇺🇸
LOL-I had to stop the video halfway through and jump over to Amazon to buy the same multimeter. Great tutorial on how to use it, too!
The extension cord fix is outstanding! There’s something really satisfying about doing a task thoroughly and correctly.
This is one of my favorite videos of your whole catalog-very enjoyable.👍 👏
Michael- I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at this meter! It’s really a bargain! 😃👍
I have one of these meters and a box full of batteries. Checking them all was a job on the list but I wasn’t sure how, I’ll crack on with that this weekend. Cheers, scout.
My Dad gave me a Radio Shack multi-meter for my 14th birthday and it still works great even after 47 years! It's saved me from a few hard jolts. A multi-meter is required if you do anything with electricity, AC or DC. Great video, especially your cord repair.
Imagine getting a multi-meter for your 14th birthday from your Dad... That is AWESOME!!!!!!
@@ScoutCrafter That, and I still have the hammer and coping saw he got for my 12th B-day!
Great show great information thank you
Fantastic job on the extension cord repair.
And, I learned a few things on the multi meter. 👍
Have a Jesus filled day everyone
Greg in Michigan
Absolutely if you don’t have a multimeter. Get one. You can check so many thing. I’ve diagnosed so many bad alternators in a car. People replace the battery. But you can check your alternator output. Which could save you a lot of money. And the batteries in the junk drawer. Is it good or bad. Find your answer! Great video. Especially the correct way to repair an extension cord.
Nick- You are so right. Honestly, I couldn’t imagine being without one now. 😃👍
Great work.
I Love My Multi Meter . I Have A Few . The Continuity Tester Is Great For Finding Shorts Especially on A Car . Good Tutorial on The Multi Meter . Good Job 👍 Scout ! Nice Job Also on the Extension Cord Repair.
That was a very thorough cord repair! 👍
Must use information presented. I've had to correctly repair numerous cords. You've presented sound advice everyone should use.
Thanks Bill!
Thanks Scout. 👍🇦🇺
I love it when someone gets rid of an extension cord that's been damaged, especially if it's the female end. I cut it off and go get a single metal outlet box, a receptacle, a cover plate, and a strain relief. If I'm feeling especially enthused, I get a double box and two receptacles. (Don't forget to ground the box.) Makes for a really useful extension cord to run a power tool and a trouble light at the same time, or something like a chop saw and a shop vac.
Thanks for the refresher on the volt meter. My father worked the signal dept for Jersey Transit. He must have gone over this a million times with me but for some reason I always second guess myself! We sometimes take for granted having that 2nd opinion right over your shoulder.
Like you I believe it is always good to get back to basics every so often and refresh our brains. We have so much to think about we often forge the simple stuff!
I have both types Analog with the needle is more accurate for resistors Digital is great for everyday use
Scout I have 2 meters one is I believe they call an analog it has the needle indicator it was my Dad's.
And the other is a digital and you are rite they do come in very handy.
My first multi meter was one I built from a Heathkit. Remember those?
Everything heathkit made was beautiful and rugged. Top quality components and highly collectible today! 😃👍
I pretty much got a multimeter just to check continuity on contact points on old video game cartridges. Very useful in following leeds on the traces
Totally agree.. gotta have one, or two..ok maybee three. What can I say, I like my tools 🙂
One advantage the analog meter has , you can see inductance on the line if the neddle bobs
Great week Mr. John! You so good at teaching, passing information forward... and do it so clearing that even I am able to learn something 3 times week! Thank ya sir! Have a great weekend!
Great tutorial on repairing cords. I have a few that need this done. Good to know about the strain relief. Have a wonderful weekend ScoutCrafter
Hey, John, wanted to say thanks for what you do. You have the wonderful gift of being a great teacher! So, a sincere thanks for sharing your lifetime of valued knowledge with all of us out here in "youtube land".
Really good show. I have one but never took the time to figure out how to use it. Thank You for sharing!
No self respecting home handyman would be without a multimeter, at least that was the 60’s era thinking. I remember my brother ordering an Eico multimeter kit from the Lafayette catalog, wow we couldn’t wait till it came so we could put it together and go start measuring some stuff. I’ll be sure to use that technique for cord repair, great stuff.
I wish Heathkit was still around!
Once again great video love how you teach people that tools can be your friend and get you out of a sticky situation we need more teachers because people don't know what to do with out calling a professional thanks for the work you do John
Thanks Mangas!
Back in the day it seemed like spark plug wires were always going bad and had to use the ohm setting on the meter to check them with..........I still have my first meter that I got from Radio Shack and it still works fine but I usually use one of my digital meters nowadays.
John, a few years ago I bought from Amazon a $15 meter not only because it was cheap but it had a thermocouple lead for checking temperature. I didn't really need but well...ya know...lol.
I've been happy with it more for the extra large display, LED indicator lights and a very LOUD annunciator for checking continuity which I do a lot of at My job. My old Fluke was too quiet and someone would always be making noise just when I'd be checking for continuity.
Best rule of thumb though for repairing an extension cord (or anything else) is to only splice it if absolutely necessary.
George
Have a Fantast8c weekend, John!,
I bet I have more then you Great show
Robert- I was embarrassed to admit it but I think I have a dozen. I have about 3 Simpson 260’s! 🫣😂👍
@@ScoutCrafter You win
Great tutorial video John, nice price on the cheapo multimeter.. Im also a fan of using heat shrink wrap, Always gives a nice neat seal 👍
I've got an old Micronta that looks about like your 1st but still wo4ks good enough for who it's for. About time to go upstate and get stuff straightened out for summer again. God Bless!
Timely! I've got a hedge trimmer caused cord fix coming up..
So does my neighbor. I called him a dork when he told me about it.
Funny thing! When I first got my electric hedge trimmer I cut the cord twice in one season! 😂.
Oh yes, I'm in the maniac category. Now that I know how to use it I'll have to buy one.
Great video 👍 Good information on extension cords and how to repair them. The repair you done on the Orange extension cord was fantastic, now it’s good as new. I thought it was a cool idea to use mason line string to strengthen the strain relief of the cord,great job!👍 That was a crazy deal on a multi meter . Well I guess Amazon always has those crazy deals sometimes, I don’t know how they do it though. Also I thought for that price that inexpensive meter came with a backlight Whoa 😮 What! 😂😂For somebody who is starting out in the field of electrical that meter would be pretty good until they could get a nicer one that is heavy duty with more features they would need in the electrical field. I have a bunch of digital meters and a few analog meters. I’m still drawn to the analog meter. I started out on one and every once in while I will pull one out and use one, they are fun to use. I thought you did a great job on using and explaining how to use a multi meter,fantastic job!👍I see that Littlestown red vise you restored got a little use today.😂👍Well again great video and can’t wait to see what you do on Monday. I hope you have a fantastic weekend. 😄👍👍
Steven- Funny story my Dad had a couple Fluke meters and when he passed I gave them to his friend who was a electronic technician. They were too nice for me! LOL
For your new volt meter, I recommend adding a small dab of fluorescent orange nail polish over the little dot at the end of the selector switch. This contrasting color will let you see the selected setting (including OFF) at a glance.
I like that idea, but you and fluorescent nail polish.......well.
Yes! I have on more then one occasion left my meter on and killed the battery. =D
I think most of us BBers had VOM's we bought at Radio Shack, those were the days.
Radio Shack and Lafayette were always in competition. Both had great stuff!!!
I've got a very old military ohm meter. Back from the 1940's, or earlier. It has one common and about 12 other plug-ins. To change value you plug and unplug into the appropriate value hole. Still works, too. I've got a couple of Craftsman meters I've had 20+ years. A multimeter and an amp clamp. Those haven't missed a beat, either.
Sometimes the batteries leak but if they don’t you’re golden! 😃👍
Cool to see that old Simpson meter, that looks like my first one. I had one of those back in the '80s , it finally died and I went to the newer digital ones very handy tool I use it all the time.
I knew there must have been a correct way to repair cable. I’ve been doing it wrong for years lol. Thanks for all the good info👍
I’m sure many people will have there own ways but I believe this method is strong and secure. 😃👍
Those cheap meters are excellent. I have a few of those VOMs because what kind of a maniac only had one? Harbor Freight usually has some for less than $10. I love the cord repair and the old Western Union splice. Great show, as always!
Being an electronics engineer I have dozens of meters, some very specialized, but for around the house you are right it's good to have a meter like that, it's good practice after making current measurements to return the meter leads back to the volt/ohms position otherwise you could damage the meter if you tried to measure voltage.
Your meter probably came with alligator probe tip adapters, if not a set of alligator leads makes it real convenient so you don't have to fumble with the probes in you hands, with alligator clips on you can use the meter to check for intermittents, say you have a cord with a break in it somewhere, you can flex the wire and locate the break, 1001 uses for a meter, and a lathe too :)
This meter didn't come with alligator clips but you are so right they can really be a life saver!!!!!!!
Being an HVAC technician we use multimeters everyday, checking windings on a compressors and motors, checking voltages and amperage draw. Checking capacitors uf/mfd readings.
HVAC techs are real trouble shooters! So many of the problems you come across are tricky. (Lots of animal sabotage too!) LOL
I got my Daughter a VOM (Multi Meter) with other tools when she left to go to college. She called me one day and said her boy friend was impress that she had a VOM
When the digital multimeters came out in the 70s they cost hundreds of dollars. A couple of months ago I went to Harbor Freight and they included one for free with my purchase!
Rick- Remember also the digital calipers! 😂👍
Hey John you can't have just one. LOL. I do radio restoration and I have , 3 vom, 2 dvm and a vtvm. They all get used.
Hi John, nice tutorial on VOM. I had to laugh. The company selling them on line heard you included their meter in your video and is cashing in on your popularity. Let’s see, $2x 10000 viewers. Not bad 🤪. Nice technique for repairing the extension cord. I’ll have to add the strain relief cords from here on.
Best Regards,
John
John- When I was a kid I had a issue with a CB radio that wasn’t working, I bought it back to the shop and the guy said the fuse is bad. I looked at the fuse and it looked fine, no breaks I could see. He showed me it was bad on his meter and I was hooked!!!
That's the best extension cord repair I've ever seen. I wish I would've seen how to do this so much earlier in live! This is repair one can take pride in. Also great tutorial on the multi metre, I have one older one (will have to check that fuse now) but never figured out how it works, plus every video on it I tried to watch is so long I forget everything straight away. I hope you'll have a great weekend! I have a small tractor show planned for tomorrow! I still hope to see yours sometime (Farmall Cub right?)
Alex! Yes! Cub Cadet! You are so lucky going to the show! Do you take your GF? I bet she would like it. Tractor shows are so much fun!!! 😃👍
@@ScoutCrafter she usually joins me but this time I'm going alone because somebody will have to watch our newborn. He's a bit too small to go outside much yet... I want to get him a confused cadet bit they're so expensive here! Almost as much as I've sold my big tractor for.
Fantastic tutorial, best way I’ve ever seen for repairing an extension cord. I never did put those tensioning cords back in but that is a great idea. Thanks for sharing this and have a great weekend.
A multimeter is the best thing since sliced bread and indoor plumbing.
I do my extension cord repairs the same way but have not done the strain relief, great idea! My wife cut so may extension cords with the hedge trimmer that I got pretty good at repairing them. I finally bought her a battery powered hedge trimmer and no more cord repairs! :) I bought two nice digital voltmeters at the hamfest that was held north of Austin, TX last weekend to go with my Simpson 260 and Harbor Freight giveaway special. After all, what kind of maniac only owns one or two voltmeters? Not a Fluke but Triplett and Amprobe for only $20 each. Can"t go wrong!
73 to N2STX
LOL- Tell your Wife I too cut at least three extension cords with my hedge trimmer! LOL!!!!!!!!
I noticed that your variac is stated for 110V input, so the output voltage scale is probably calibrated based on this. If so, it will not be accurate since you have 120V from your house outlet. That said, for accurate result, I always use a VOM.
Yes! I never even considered that!
When I was a kid I purchased a multimeter from RadioShack. It was a Micronta brand. It was around $7, quite a sum for a kid with a paper route. It had an analog scale, only a few settings, but it works great to this day. Much later I purchased a Craftsman. It had LCD readout and many more settings. I have a thermocoupler for it and I use it to gauge the temperature of lead for casting bullets.
How lucky were we to have such interests at a young age?! I couldn't imagine a life without hobbies.
Great episode,love the multi-meter segment,helped me out alot in understanding the functions. Thanks again 😃
I learned something today! I couldn't hear the Meters Beep, so I am deaf! =(
Alan- It’s louder in person but I too had trouble hearing it on video but my hearing is definitely compromised.
I have an Ideal clamp meter that reads DC amperage. I use it to measure the amps of my battery chargers to determine when the batteries are done charging.
Hey señor Juan, great video, thanks to you , I have learned something new today and very useful. Kee3o up the great job you do, señor Polak. Gracias, saludos.
I liked how you added that strain relief on the repair of the extension cord. Thanks for link for the Multi Meter too (You can never have too many meters!). I have several including an old analog Radio Shack and a Triplett Model 630 (You know, one of those that use those odd batteries). The Freebie Harbor Freight meter they use to give away and a couple other nicer/more gooder Harbor Freight meters (not freebies). 😁
Good segment. The Simpson 260 picture is the type meter used in the railroad industry. Signal & Train Control maintainers use them for testing purposes at train signal locations and signalized grade crossings. Haven’t thought about a Simpson meter in a long time. They are very accurate meters.
Alan they still make them! 😃👍
Very useful tool! For DIY users I don’t believe you need a very expensive meter to be exceedingly useful!
Scott- I hope that someone watching this who never had a meter before will give one a shot. They really are useful! 😃👍
What kind of maniac doesn’t have a volt ohm meter! 👍🏻
Scout, as usual, you're as right as rain regarding the usefulness of a multimeter. You showed the former Gold Standard of meters the Simpson 260 (and for some applications still the best). The current King of the Hill would be a Fluke. Don't get me wrong, Fluke makes an outstanding meter, but what really makes them shine are their leads. A good meter is useless with hinky leads. PS - GREAT job on splicing a drop cord.
Yes! Fluke seems to be the standard now of professionals. I had two but gave them away to a friend of my father after he passed. They were too good for a novice like me! 😂👍
@@ScoutCrafter C'mon, don't be so demure, Scout. Nothing's too good for you. After I bought a Mod. 27, I gave my old Fluke to my buddy, John. That was about 20 years ago and he's still using it. I should have given him my new (then) 27 and took back the smaller Mod. 97 (?).
ScoutCrafter,
Besides a multi-meter, I have a ZTS, Inc. MBT-1 Multi-Battery Tester. This meter tests batteries under load and if a battery needs replacement.
Bob
Some good meters have a legit battery tester that adds a small load to the cell... Excellent!
What kind of maniac only has one voltometer? Ah, I do not have a voltometer. I do have a very healthy respect for electricity. I am going to buy a voltometer for the simple purpose of checking my batteries. I have a very bad feeling that I am going to have blue flame shooting from my nostrils. Wish me luck. Great video. Thank you for the repair lesson. I had no idea about strain relief. Super. While I am shopping for a voltometer I have to find a roll of heat shrink.
You are going to really like using a meter. Especially for checking things like fuses or even light bulbs! 😃👍
Im with you John. I have 3-4 meters. Some in the house and a couple in my garage/shop. Very helpful tool! ⚡👍🇺🇸
Good one! Have always had a VOM, bought mine arounf 1955. Also have a (battery) powered test light....good for checking continuity.
I still like the older analog meters. They just look so great. 😃👍
I’d like to know how to determine the usefulness of a battery like you showed. But I am not 100% on what setting I should use and at what point a battery is really spent, or if it has a little bit of life left in it
Joe- Some meters like my Craftsman have battery settings that will put a slight load on the battery when testing so you get a better reading. With this meter the 20v DC is good for most batteries including your Car battery. 😃👍
I found my original Tandy multimeter a couple of weeks ago. One thing I don't like about many cheap multimeters is that the leads are not very flexible. It's worth upgrading any meter to silicon leads imo.
Yes! The first time you try leads that are soft and don't fight you it's a game changer!
I don't own a multi meter, but I bet I will asap
Great video on multimeters! I also have several but especially love my Simpson 260 for antique radio and fan repair.
I have a few, the biggest problem is finding one that doesn’t have corroded batteries inside! 😂👍
The Variac scale isn't accurate because it is calibrated for 110V input voltage (as shown on the scale itself), and usually the voltage in the mains in the US is usually 120V. Appliances are usually designed to work with a higher or lower voltage, a tolerance of +/- 10% must be tolerated by them.
Outstanding! I never took that into account! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Excellent splice. Where did you learn to do such work
Edward- I was always interested in wires and splicing after one day my Assistant Scoutmaster told me about a Western Union Splice, I thought it was so neat! Mr Wechsler RIP was a real inspiration.