Diagnostic Tools Reviews

It's no "fluke" that the John C. Fluke Corp consistently puts out quality test instruments that have superior value and usability. This is no exception. Fluke was the first to offer 3200-count digital multi-meters when everyone else had 1999-count (3.5 digits). They were also the first with an analog bar-graph in addition to the 3200-count digital readout -- the fast-update bar-graph is a must for fast-changing readings or peaking/nulling adjustments.

The model 111 has 6000-count digits which update 4 times per second and a 33-segment bar-graph that updates 40 times per second.

I love the min/max/avg functions, being able to check capacitors, ac frequency, ac current from 5Hz to 50kHz, dc current, resistance, continuity, etc. I don't leave home without it!

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I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS ITEM.
Reason: Fedex not delivered this product to my address.

I love my new porter-cable cordless drill. It has the power I need, and is light weight. I had been useing dewalt, this new drill out performs an is more user friendly.

Thank You; Jerry DBA Burnet heating & Air.

So far it has been great working with this drill. I had no previous experience with drills , - so cannot compare to other products. But I must say that for the novice like me using Porter-Cable 9820 was a very easy and exciting experience. Double gear is a very nice feature when you work on drilling different types of surfaces and using this as a screwdriver.

One con: comes with no drills - need to buy the set yourself.

What a neat little tool.
I've used a Colortune on my 1970 Datsun 240Z for several years with great results. More suited for carbs than injection, it lets you fine tune the gas mixture by viewing the color of firing through a glass-core spark plug. It's best to wait until dark to make adjustments so you can see the mixture properly...

NOTE: this used to come in a nice black box along with a small bottle of cleaner for the glass. The cleaner is not included anymore and the box is now rickety plastic, but the tool is still the same quality. Buy one before they vanish off the market.

Recently purchased an SPX/OTC Scan Pro, model number 3409. Besides retrieving and clearing codes, you can also perform various tests, view and record live PID data. There are actually quite a few tests that you can run, but they may not be available for your vehicle. For instance, I wanted to run a O2 monitor test, but apparently my vehicle's PCM and software don't support this test. If you have a model year vehicle later than my 1997 I'm sure you could use more of this scan tool's functions.

I really like the fact that there was no additional software to buy, the controls/menu are intuitive, the fact that the screen is illuminated. The graphing function, and the playback of the roadtest data are very useful. Want to know how many lbs air/minute your MAF is measuring at 4750 WOT, or what your timing is doing is at 5,000 rpm with 40% load? No need to guess. Just plug in the scan tool and go for a ride.

My only real beef is that I wish that a paper manual came with this unit. Yes, it does have a manual on CD, but unless you want to drag your laptop out to your car while you try to figure out how to use this scan tool, it's a little inconvenient.

This scan tool costs a mere fraction of the GM or Ford specific scan tools, yet it works with all the domestic vehicles and most imports. While it may not be as useful as the GM or Ford scan tools, if you merely want to pull/clear codes, look at snap shot data for when that code was tripped, or look at/record live PID data, this tool is more than you'll need. All in all, I'm happy with my purchase.

Very useful in remodelling work for assessing exisiting plumbing/HVAC work, framing and finding that fish tape that you just can't seem to maneuver correctly. My only complaint is that the light could be brighter. Sure it is a "nich" tool - but it is priceless when it solves a major headache with minor damage to walls.

Of the low cost, this is the best. Beats the B&D Firestorm by far, and the Hitachi be some. Better batteries and charge, good range of products. Top of the low cost line. Can be used in daily work, but not all day - for that go to Dewalt or Milwaukee and PAY$$. Beware tho some erratic quality control, if you get one with a motor that sparks just exchange it right away!

Porter Cable's 19.2 Volt line has major flaws. I bought the driver and saw kit and the hammer drill kit. In the first year I replaced the drill/drivers three times...while under warranty. The saw worked well and the flashlight was the best part of this kit. Now it is a couple years old and the batteries are dead and at $90 each I am not replacing them. I bought Hitachi this time with a five year warranty. I wasted $600 on the Porter Cable junk.

I've bought so called cordless tools in the past, but this combo pack is the first true cordless "tool" set I've owned. Because of the demanding nature of the renovation jobs I am currently doing to my home, I depend on and use this pair constantly. The hammer/drill/driver is the most versatile tool. It meets all my 1/2 inch or less hole drilling, screw and small hex bolt driving, and light hammer drilling needs. Never lets me down. It delivers the power and mobility for use everywhere, like in tight attics, crawl spaces, on roofs, and outdoors away from power outlets. The Tiger saw has power and versatility, too, cutting literally anything and everything using the proper blade. I use it to cut framing and plywood, siding, drywall, sheet metal, old tires, plastic and metal pipe, bricks. The PorterCable drywall blades work especially well on PVC pipe. The saw is even good for cutting tree limbs. And both tools can go absolutely ANYWHERE !! Make sure to buy yourself a third battery and keep one on the charger at all times, then you'll never want for power. The batteries charge in about 45 minutes. One point about the saw; if you use it on a material, like sheetmetal, or in a tight place where the blade can catch or hit its end on something solid, the saw can jamb, and you must manually pull the blade forward a bit and run it briefly before returning to cutting. A minor inconvenience. To sum up, I could not have chosen a better cordless combo, especially with my aspirations to do professional contract work someday. Look for more of my reviews of PorterCable power tools and the 19.2V Network cordless system.

THIS HAMMER DRILL AND RECIP SAW OFFER GREAT CORDLESS POWER. I JUST USED THE DRILL TO MAKE THIRTY FIVE 1/4' HOLES IN BRICK/CONCRETE ON A SINGLE CHARGE, AND I USED THE RECIP SAW TO CLEAR A 75' HONEYSUCKLE HEDGE. BOTH EXCEDED EXPECTATIONS.

I've had the very same problem as others. Obviously the Charger is crap.

As others have stated, this charger is a piece of garbage. I have a 10 year old cordless Skil that keeps working, and a 7 year old DeWalt that just don't stop. This is very expensive junk that is better to look at than use.

Drill is nice and works well. But, I have blown through 2 chargers now. Batteries keep working. P/C should realize that this is no better than generic and 10x the price! Do yourself a favor and don't buy another charger. Just buy a new drill but a DIFFERENT brand than Porter Cable! Obviously the company is going after profit RATHER than quality.

I am very disappointed with the charger for my PC 12 volt. I should have know that something was wrong when the initial charger quit working 2 weeks after purchase. Since it was still under warranty I got a new one. It has lasted approximately 3 years and now this charger has gone bad. Bad transformer. I love the drill and flashlight so I guess that I will be forced to buy another charger. I wish PC would stand up and notice this, do something about the design and offer a improved product.