Astro AI Digital Clamp Meter Review: Crap or DIY Must Have?

The challenge of getting good, reliable auto DIY grade code readers and scanners was first, being that almost everything wrong with a modern vehicle today needs to start from its OBD II port.

However, there were also electrical components that needed testing: circuits, fuses, relays, continuity between points, sensors, and batteries. For this, the OBD II scanners I had started investing in weren’t simply built to deal.

That was when I knew I needed to consider, separately, a DIY-friendly multimeter. This realization spurred a hunt that would take me to the Astro AI digital clamp meter reviewed here (as I’ve come to expect, there wasn’t any meaningful roundup of DIY friendly multimeters, so I decided to create mine).

I decided upon the Astro AI clamp meter, and no, I did not choose it because of the ‘AI’ wording in its name. My purchase was well before artificial intelligence became a thing.

Today, I’m going to review this unit after spending about 5 years with it and ultimately conclude whether it’s a great DIY tool to add to your tool or glove box.

First things first, though: what was the reasoning behind a relatively more expensive (digital) clamp meter? What happened to the basic single digit dollar (analog) affair?

It turned out that those super cheap options simply weren’t going to cut it (as you’ll see below).

Why a Digital Clamp Meter?

When I started the hunt for a multimeter, I came across many of the regular type multimeters that my mechanics (before I answered the auto DIY call) used. The meters were simple, straight to the point, and importantly, cheap (at least, when compared to a comparative clamp option). They also came in digital and analog forms.

But, these relatively cheap multimeters did not appeal to me in the least for a singular reason: I run all manner of DIY activities at home, which often require electrical testing of voltage in a non-contact fashion, a function which most of the basic units I came across didn’t support.

Whether using the clamp function to detect voltage or the Non Contact Voltage (NCV) function to test which wires/cables were live, I needed something that had a little sophistication beyond the mere basics.

That ‘sophistication’ also meant a built-in backlight/flashlight function for those moments when I have no option but to work in the dark without any express means of illumination.

The sensible and practical conclusion was for a ‘digital’ option; an option that would be easy to read and give no room for reading errors, even at a glance or when/if I was in a hurry.

When I was ready to buy, I knew exactly what I was shopping for: a clamp meter with a backlit display and a built-in flashlight that could test voltage in a non-contact manner and, importantly, display digitally.

This was where the Astro AI clamp meter came in and filled the position, especially given that it retails at a super sensible price point.

The counts? I chose the 4k count model: it was a middle ground between the 2k and 6k, powerful enough to give me exact readings but also price-sensitive enough to justify its retail price.

Astro AI Digital Clamp Meter Review: First Impression & What’s in the Box

Unlike my other auto DIY tools, when this multimeter shipped, I wasn’t exactly excited or eagerly anticipating it: I was busy with life right up to the moment the mailman knocked at my front door to deliver.

Or, it could be that the reason was that I shipped other items with it so naturally, my attention was divided. I remember, if memory serves, that the Noco GB50 was in that consignment.

However, when I finally got to the Astro AI digital clamp meter, I was instantly impressed: the unit came in a slim, rectangular box and was, even without opening it, an easy affair to work with and use.

Inside the biodegradable box was a soft pouch that held the multimeter itself: the clamp meter was already powered by a pair of AAA batteries and ready for use. The user manual was around the corner, eager to show those who didn’t know how to use the probs (and rotary dial) how. By the probes themselves, was some sort of welcome/support card, offering support channels and thanking me profusely for choosing Astro AI.

Picking up the multimeter itself, it felt solid to the feel and had weight upon it just enough to assure you of its quality; feeling light enough, at the same time, for prolonged use. The probes were covered at the end and felt solid too, with the additional ability to further expose them at their tip, should the occasion demand.

I immediately adjusted the dial to test non-contact voltage and held the meter to a functional AC wall outlet, and immediately, a weak indicator came on, with a repeated chime. This chime got ‘thicker’/faster as I took the unit closer to the wall socket, while the indicator changed in intensity.

I was sold. Immediately!

Functions & Abilities

In my business hobby as an auto DIY mechanic, the raw functions and abilities of the things I review remain the most interesting for me. The reason, of course, is simple: this is the acid test of whatever it is that comes my way (and ultimately helps me decide if I should recommend it or not).

Shared below is how this multimeter performed in the functions and abilities department.

Basic AC/DC Voltage Test

First and foremost, anyone interested in a multimeter, either directly or indirectly, looks to test voltage with their meters when they finally get one (if not immediately, down the line). At the core of the reality of any multimeter is the ability to measure the current pushing pressure called voltage.

Voltage testing on the Astro AI is done primarily via the AC or DC route, with the option of figuring out the corresponding Hertz when dialed out and switched accordingly.

This multi-feature select gives the multimeter the ability to apply itself to a wide array of use cases, including the predominantly DC world of auto DIY and the AC world of regular home repair.

I’ve cross-referenced the accuracy of this multimeter in voltage testing with dedicated battery testers such as the Ancel BA101 and the Foxwell BT705 and have found it to be strikingly accurate.

Basic AC/DC Current Test

The rate at which charged particles flow (in either AC or DC settings) is also what this compact, smart handheld multimeter is also capable of accurately measuring. With the dial tuned in and locked on either of the two Amp measurement points, it’s easy to zero down and take readings in AC or DC formats by alternating between what you need tested.

Though this function isn’t common when working around vehicles, it’s what you’ll be using most of the time if you’re handy and are inclined to working on DIY projects around the home.

Continuity & Resistance Testing

Resistance and continuity are two of the most important multimeter settings you’ll be needing almost all the time on a vehicle, besides the standard voltage and current test functions.

Such cases as figuring out if a path exists and, if positive, the strength of that path are where you’ll be needing this function.

In more cases than I can now remember, rodents had a field day on the electricals of a vehicle that only a multimeter capable of measuring DC continuity and resistance of said continuity, if found, could figure out what the issue was, which lines were affected, and, importantly, the extent to which said lines were affected.

If you’re not open to using a dedicated battery tester for your battery testing needs, the resistance testing feature of this clamp meter will help you in deciding the rough state of your automotive starter battery (clue: for a 12V lead-acid battery, internal resistance should be ideally under 5 milliohms; 5-10 milliohms, okay; 10-30 milliohms, poor and above 30 milliohms, likely unusable).

Capacitance & Diode Testing

The electrical system of vehicles is powered mostly by relays, fuses, and capacitors (which store electrical energy). These capacitors degrade over time and cause all manner of issues, which only a test will rightly isolate.

Diode testing, on the other hand, gives you a quick way to test for shorts, picking up disruptions in normal operation in a jiffy.

These two functions, properly used, will isolate many vehicle challenges, especially performance-related issues inspired by the electrical systems.

Other Notable Functions & Features

On the surface, the above are the basic functions that the Astro AI digital clamp meter sports. However, that isn’t all it’s got: there’s more to what makes it what it is – both in the market and in the hands of users around the world.

Liveness Testing

Perhaps, the greatest feature of the Astro AI worth mentioning, a feature that is very easy to miss, is the liveness testing ability of the multi-meter. You suspect that a wire (naked or not) is live; all you need to do is take the multimeter close to it and confirm.

While the chances of actively benefiting from this feature are slim when working on cars, liveness testing is very important when working around alternating current, especially major lines serving the home.

That beep (and flash), without question, can be the difference between a regular troubleshooting experience and a serious jolt of shock!

Clamp Reality/Non-Contact Voltage Testing

Closely related to the above is the clamp reality. This differs from the liveness testing above in that it doesn’t simply need to have you draw the meter physically close to the testing source before doing its thing.

Instead, for this to work as intended, you need to clamp the transformer jaws around the point/wire that you need to test. This works similarly to the NCV testing the body of the multimeter is capable of, except that in this case, the transformer jaws need to actually circle the point of testing to return accurate results.

LED Display + Mini Flashlight

Sometimes, using a multimeter happens late at night or when/where darkness prevails. When this happens, the LED display of the meter can be activated by the toggle of a button, which also toggles it off, easily.

However, the LED display isn’t the only light source on the body of the multimeter that powers on when needed. The unit is designed with a built-in flashlight right below its clamp for those moments when you need to focus straight ahead and aren’t blessed with light to aid you in seeing what you need to test.

Seemingly insignificant as these two light sources are on the body of the clamp meter, they make a lot of difference. During my use case, many diagnoses wouldn’t have been possible without their outright assistance or my assurance that they were there (even at the oddest of hours).

Limitations

The Astro AI digital clamp meter is one unit that’s difficult to fault – it’s almost perfect. I’ve used the unit for about five years now and honestly, there’s little to cause annoyance, except maybe the fact that the units wraps up at 4000 counts before auto-ranging to the next point (there’s a variation of the clamp meter that steps down to 2000 counts and yet another that steps up to 6000 counts – each perfect for various tasks and purses).

If you’re still desirous of picking faults with the digital clamp meter, then, maybe you’ll also be right to be critical of the soft carrying case (the inner pouch of mine has started giving way, after extended exposure to trunk temperatures through the years).

These two ‘issues’ aside, there’s absolutely nothing to complain about.

Alternative(s) to Consider

While I’ve found no challenges (or annoyances) with the Astro AI digital clamp meter and believe it to be perfectly suited for life around the house as well as the vehicle, it may not be the best option for you if you’re in an alternate reality.

For instance, if you’re on a budget and don’t fancy the clamp feature of the unit under discussion, you’d be best served by the 2000 counts option, from the same manufacturer, especially if what you’ll be testing is basic and doesn’t get complicated.

However, if you’re ‘old school’ and prefer the dated, analogue way of doing things, the Gardner Bender GMT-318 Analog Multimeter is a great option to consider, and it can easily read, safely, up to 500 volts.

Should You Buy the Astro AI Digital Clamp Meter?

Yes, without a moment’s hesitation!

In my time as an auto DIY mechanic, I’ve found the clamp meter more than adequate for all the tasks that I put it to; for those unique use cases that I’ve not yet come across, I’m also positive that it will perform excellently, if and when the need arises.

Around the home, too, the Astro clamp meter has been an invaluable companion in the numerous tasks, renovations, and projects I periodically undertake. The NCV feature has been truly invaluable, especially when I need to be super careful to avoid bolts of electricity registering in my brain!

To wrap up and answer my poser: Is the Astro AI digital clamp meter some digital crap or a must-have tool for the passionate DIYer?

The latter is true: the former, heresy.

The Astro AI digital clamp meter is one of the best the market offers today for those who shuffle around a variety of tasks, especially those who passionately court DIY. For what it offers, its features, and importantly, its price point, I’m yet to find a better option.

You should take a look at the unit on Amazon.

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