Replacing fuses in a Multimeter?

[tony3d]

How do you guys replace fuses in a multimeter, specifically from something like a Fluke 87V, without damaging anything? The only thing you can do is pry them out right? The reason I ask is I'm looking for a new multimeter, and most of them require you to open the case, sometimes the board, and then he fuse! something like a Brymen 869 has SMD components directly below one of the fuses. So what is the safest way to get to these buggers, because about the only really decent meter I can find with battery door access is something like an Agilent U1270 series, and that eliminates a lot of good meters. I have only had to replace a MA fuse once. It was my mistake, but it does happen.

[Wytnucls]

They're really not that difficult to replace in most meters. It may require some light dismantling, but nothing too challenging for someone who is not ham-fisted.
In electronics work, the mA fuse is easy to blow, as one gets overconfident and seldom start testing a circuit on the Amps range first. If you find it a nuisance, look for a meter with a resetting polyswitch instead of a fuse, protecting the mA range. Failing that, choose a meter with a large mA range, like 600 mA.

[electronics man]

There made to be opened up and replaced as long ans you don't go and damage components and cutting thing your not going to do any harm. Don't pry the fuse out with a screwdriver just pry it out with Your fingers so you don't damage anything don't be scared its fine.

[tony3d]

There made to be opened up and replaced as long ans you don't go and damage components and cutting thing your not going to do any harm. Don't pry the fuse out with a screwdriver just pry it out with Your fingers so you don't damage anything don't be scared its fine.

Jus by looking a some of these tear downs on multimeters, I don't see how you can get fingers in there to remove many of them?

[Lightages]

Pull the old fuse out with pliers or use a dedicated puller using something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ideal-34-001-Safe-T-Grip-Midget-Fuse-Puller-/200938410727

[PedroDaGr8]

Pull the old fuse out with pliers or use a dedicated puller using something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ideal-34-001-Safe-T-Grip-Midget-Fuse-Puller-/200938410727

I've even used string in a pinch to pull them out. It's very easy.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

[tony3d]

Pull the old fuse out with pliers or use a dedicated puller using something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ideal-34-001-Safe-T-Grip-Midget-Fuse-Puller-/200938410727

I've even used string in a pinch to pull them out. It's very easy.

Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk

Ok, never thought of string! That's a pretty good idea! Now maybe I sure reconsider some of my other options in a new multimeter.

[w2aew]

When I replaced a fuse in my Fluke 87, I rolled video....

[tony3d]

When I replaced a fuse in my Fluke 87, I rolled video....

Thanks that was very helpful!

[Rick Law]

Tony3d,

I had a fuse in a Microwave Oven so stubborn it was holding on for dear life while after it was already dead...  I use the string method (an 18 awg wire to be exact) and I didn't like the lack of control - the "string" slides around the fuse catching on to the holder clip and was at risk of pulling the fuse holder clip out.  It was a glass-fuse so I know if I merely grab it with a plier, it wound break and I would have glass all over. 

So, I came up with another method that worked: 
1. Grab some duct-tape and a paper clip.
2. Cut a strip of duct-tape a couple of inch or so long.
3. Cut the width of the duct-tape strip to a width that
    can slide under the fuse that is still in the holder.
4. Use the paper clip to guide the duct-tape (sticky side up)
    over and around the fuse.  The stick side faces towards the
    fuse (but don't let it stick to the fuse yet)
5. When it is half way over, the mid-point of the duct-tape is
    under the fuse.  Now pull it in a way that sticks it to the fuse
    at the bottom and around the fuse.
6. close the duct-tape on itself all the way to the top.

Now you have a fuse with a 1 inch duct-tape "pull tab".  Pulling that with a plier is a piece of cake.

Stubborn fuse 0
Rick Law   1

I won.  In this case, like Roman times, that was it for the looser - it got carried out with the garbage.

Rick

[tony3d]

Tony3d,

I had a fuse in a Microwave Oven so stubborn it was holding on for dear life while after it was already dead...  I use the string method (an 18 awg wire to be exact) and I didn't like the lack of control - the "string" slides around the fuse catching on to the holder clip and was at risk of pulling the fuse holder clip out.  It was a glass-fuse so I know if I merely grab it with a plier, it wound break and I would have glass all over. 

So, I came up with another method that worked: 
1. Grab some duct-tape and a paper clip.
2. Cut a strip of duct-tape a couple of inch or so long.
3. Cut the width of the duct-tape strip to a width that
    can slide under the fuse that is still in the holder.
4. Use the paper clip to guide the duct-tape (sticky side up)
    over and around the fuse.  The stick side faces towards the
    fuse (but don't let it stick to the fuse yet)
5. When it is half way over, the mid-point of the duct-tape is
    under the fuse.  Now pull it in a way that sticks it to the fuse
    at the bottom and around the fuse.
6. close the duct-tape on itself all the way to the top.

Now you have a fuse with a 1 inch duct-tape "pull tab".  Pulling that with a plier is a piece of cake.

Stubborn fuse 0
Rick Law   1

I won.  In this case, like Roman times, that was it for the looser - it got carried out with the garbage.

Rick

That's a really great idea. Thanks!