Best Voltmeter Or Multimeter To Test Battery Charge

[bbodkin]

Hey basically the title explains what I'm looking for. I need a good cheap $20-$30 voltmeter to check the charge left in the battery so that I can charge it properly. Not looking to buy one online. Trying to find one in an auto parts store or bass pro/academy sports kinda place. Sorry for all of the posts I am just trying to get the best bang for my buck, and there seems to be a lot of experienced people on here. Thanks.

[Scott F]

Try radio shack. Any volt meter will work.

[Fishing Rhino]

Cranking battery, or trolling motor battery? 

[slonezp]

Good AND cheap????

Any basic battery operated or analog meter will tell you what you want.

[Smokinal]

i agree with all the above; any old voltmeter will work. having said that, the best way to test a battery for state of charge is with a battery hydrometer. around $8 at any auto parts store. youtube some vids on testing battery specific gravity. very easy. wear safety glasses.

[nosdog2]

Harbor Freight if you have one near you.   You can't get one cheaper; plus they usually will have a coupon for a free one with a purchase of anything else that rotates in their ads.   I have three of them placed around and they work just fine. 

[Way2slow]

Not just any old meter, you need a digital. As mention, harbor freight has them for about $5. Hopefully it will work more than once or twice.

Also, as mentioned, a hydrometer is an essential item if your battery has removable caps. A volt meter will not show you when a battery being charged has reached full charge.

[Gotfishyfingers?]

You might want to find a voltmeter with a load tester option.

[wnspain]

I understand the want to ascertain the state of charge, but with most new battery chargers, detection circuitry is designed in. When I get through using mine (battery), I hook it up to the charger and it lets me know I have it connected right, the battery is charging, and when it is fully charged. All for around $30.

[F14A-B]

Even a bad battery can show "proper voltage"

Load testing says more than just voltage

[DogBone_384]

Try radio shack. Any volt meter will work.

X2 on the Radio Shack, if you have one near you.  Any inexpensive meter from Home-D, Sears, or alike will suit your needs, especially if you're on a budget.

 

If you're looking for something that performs load testing, you'll spend between $50 - $100.

 

We can bring batteries to most auto parts stores up here and they'll load test for free.

 

Check with your local stores to see if they offer the same.

[wnspain]

Even a bad battery can show "proper voltage"

Load testing says more than just voltage

This is true, no dispute whatsoever, but the OP stated he wanted a "voltmeter to check the charge left in the battery so that I can charge it properly". Determining the condition of the battery requires a bit more than a simple volt meter.

[joefish]

Sears Craftsman has a pretty nice VOM for less than $20.  I like the one I got there.

[J Francho]

Radio Shack filed chapter 11 on 2/5. Over 1700 stores closed. just an FYI.

[bbodkin]

Hey I decided on a battery tender plus charger. It tells me if its under 80% charged, over 80% or fully charged. And I know if it's plugged up right. Thanks guys for all of the responses.