I once saw compact florescent appliance bulbs at the store. Brilliant idea! Any savings in electricity from the bulb are immediately wiped out by holding the fridge door open waiting for the bulb to reach full brightness! It probably took even longer than normal, seeing as how florescent lights work so well in the cold!
I bought a kill a watt meter when i was setting up a small solar system. It really worked well to determine the watts needed on a freezer compressor on startup and various other items. Made matching up solar components to the electrical load i had quick and easy.
I go to tag sales and have bought many brand new Kill-A-Watts for a dollar or 2. When homeowners sign up for an energy audit they are given a Kill-A-Watt as part of the package. Most people don't even know what they are and sell them for cheap. Good information John, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Great information, I've seen you demonstrate these before, but now I can see just how much I need one. Definitely need to check my soldering iron, I doubt it's ever been cleaned. That blub test was really interesting. Have a happy Thanksgiving John. Thank you for all you do.
Great gadget and I do actually have one but now need to check my soldering iron with it because I was just using it thinking it’s not quite as hot as it should be 👍
Those instant light bulbs were pretty smart the reason those compact fluorescent bulbs took a while to reach full brightness is they contain a mercury amalgam which is solid at room temperature and it needs to be heated and turned to gas in order for the bulb to reach full brightness. The halogen bulb in the centre of those instant bright fluorescent tubes is doubly clever it not only provides instant light but the added heat from the halogen helps the mercury get hotter quicker so the fluorescent tube got to full brightness quicker.
I also like the convenience of online shopping, but it is probably the beginning of the end of the small tool stores. I still enjoy going to a tool store and looking and handling the tools. So I try as much as possible to support them. Thanks for another great video!!!
Thanks John, that's a very valid point about Black Friday pricing it's easy to get caught out if you're not on the ball price wise ! You picked some good examples to demonstrate the use of the meters, I'm just off to check them out. I've never seen a composite bulb like that, interesting idea, those fluorescent bulbs were a pain you had to plan in advance when you wanted light !
Always learning from you John 🙌😉.. by the way.. I bought the Milwaukee pens.. can’t wait to try them in dust water and oil 😃👍and I might leave the top off for a while 😬😂cheers Rob
I went to Caldors to get a new watch one time because their flyer that week advertised 25% off all Timex watches. I was disappointed that they didn’t have the style I wanted. The sales clerk told me not to worry, they always sold Timex at 25% off even if it wasn’t in that weeks flyer.
For every reason you stated John, Black Friday will always only be a rockin’ good Steely Dan song for me. That’s it. Another great episode! Thanks for all you do, Sir!
I never miss your videos, but it seems you work in such a small space in your basement. For years I did my furniture builds in basements until I built my shop space, which I enjoyed 20 years ago. I miss that amount of free space to work in.
Paul- It’s true- I have the whole basement but have a favorite spot to work in. When I was a kid my first workshop was the old coal bin that I converted. Sometimes a new shop can ruin your turnout. I’ve seen it often- The new shop has everything except Feng Shui. 😂👍
@@ScoutCrafter Like a chef needs a "work triangle" where stove, sink and refrigerator are sensibly arranged, a great shop has that flow from one work space to tools and on to another. I had a 16 x 24 foot shop with natural lighting and high ceiling. I was so productive, and I could expand the things I wished to work with because of all the available room.
Love my watt metres There is the new style that are like the small usb meters with microprocessor This Wattmeter stlye has a large colorfullly backlit screen that displays everything at once, Volts Amp Watts Hertz P/F Total watts consumed Runtime and other features Some have wifi to monitor on your device They are like 15 to 30 bucks depending on the features. Probably be right up your alley. Mine is Atorch brand
I see your point, however if we want to nitpick you would, at least, need a third meter with order of magnitude more accuracy in order to compare 2 other meters 😊
John, I am not sure but looking at the display on your kill a watt, I am guessing it uses a Zebra type connection. They after time, just get dirty, if you take it apart, and if it is a zebra type, you might can take it apart, you will see a strip remove it and clean it using ipa. Clean everything in the display that the flat strip connects too. Not sure if it is a zebra but it sure looks like that type of display, You can youtube videos, that will show you how to clean those. By the way, Love this channel I watch every video you put up.
John watch a couple of repair videos on like Multimeters that have Zebra connections, Fluke used them for years, not sure about now. But yea try it, It's not difficult and you should have no troubles. Hey by the way, I got a Tube Of Towels and those things are amazing. I used them to clean some Amateur Radios and CB radios I've been repairing, and I was amazed! Those towels are FANTASITC John thank you so much for recommending those in your videos!
Watt meter is an asset to have. The led lights are cheaper to run but they don’t last as long as the fluorescent bulbs. I had 13 watt in by bathroom (13) they lasted 10 years. Don’t turn them off and on. It will shorten their life. LEDs for the last five years and I replaced half of them so far. The drivers in them don’t last. They are either made in Mexico or China. Failure rate in a commercial use is higher then fluorescent. They both have their places. That’s my prospective on them.
I saw a guy doing videos of going into dumpsters. He found a whole dumpster of new bulbs which I don't think can be sold now. I thought that's a ScoutCrafter honey hole.
A few weeks ago I found a box of 25 used incandescent bulbs in the trash- Apparently someone upgraded their entire house to LED’s. The funny thing is I didn’t take them! I live all sorts of bulbs but the older incandescent bulbs are just too hungry and I rarely use them for anything. I really like low wattage efficient bulbs that you can run for pennies. 🫣😂👍
Great video sir. Your rule regarding being good at one thing and not so good when trying to do multiple things holds of entertainers and politicians, I believe. Do one but stay away from the other; it's better for everyone concerned, in my opinion. 😉
Scout, I bought a chinese digital 7 function multimeter (on your advice) because you make it look so cool . When I went to measure household current draw on a light fixture (dont have a watt meter), I notice there is no scale for AC amps. There is DC amps only. Thought maybe I didnt spend enough money (certainly under $20, may have been closer to $10), so I checked a few others on Amazon - same thing. Then I got out my vintage Radio Shack analog multimeter with sweep dial) - no AC amps there either. Disappointed I am.
In order to check AC amperage the meter has to be placed only on the hot (positive) lead. If you have a clamp meter it too has to be placed around the hot lead. Some newer inexpensive multimeters have that clamp on top (looks like a lobster claw) and you can check AC amperage. 😃👍
There is a difference in the accuracy vs price for meters. The meters shown in today’s show are low cost meter’s - shouldn’t expect the same accuracy as a $300 Fluke. The specifications are rather over stated but the meters are useful especially for their price. The meters have the same useful accuracy as the old analog meters while providing more functions at a lower price. The accuracy is good enough for most trouble shooting.
A good Fluke meter is a "buy once - cry once" purchase. Expensive but super accurate and will last for a long time. You don't even have to spend $300, you can get one that's more than good enough for home users for about $100.
Absolutely- There are quite a few differences between low cost test equipment and the better units. My approach has always been if I’m not sure if I will use the item I will buy a low cost entry level unit and see if I like it and how much it will be used. Then depending on my usage I will buy a good one with features I now know that are important to me. Even though this meter I showed might be considered low grade and moderately accurate it will introduce people to a device they never would have bought if it was expensive. At $9 shipped it really is like A low risk endeavor. 😃👍
@@ScoutCrafter Full disclosure, I own a “Kill A Watt Ez”; it is a useful tool. The model you reviewed is a good value at $10. To complete disclosure, I also own an 1980’s HP industrial DVM and a mid-tier Klein.
Let there be light! And there was light! Now, You could calls it light, or you could calls it halogen or you can calls it fluorescent or you could calls it halogen fluorescent, but yas doesn't hasta calls it just light! 😮
Ok John, plug both kilowatts into the power strip, set them on voltage and check the voltage with your DVM. The DVM is more accurate and you'll really know which is more accurate. As to the dim segments on the one, I believe you can correct that if you open the unit and clean the pressure connector for the display. Always like your videos and have been considering a kilo watt for a while now. See link below around 4 min into it. th-cam.com/video/zZFrRiCdfT8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xHIKRp44ZDVcPRZm
I once saw compact florescent appliance bulbs at the store. Brilliant idea! Any savings in electricity from the bulb are immediately wiped out by holding the fridge door open waiting for the bulb to reach full brightness! It probably took even longer than normal, seeing as how florescent lights work so well in the cold!
I have to agree, the watt meter would be very handy all around in diagnosing electrical issues. I never thought they sold for so cheap, wow.
Less than $9 shipped! Amazing! 😂👍
I bought a kill a watt meter when i was setting up a small solar system. It really worked well to determine the watts needed on a freezer compressor on startup and various other items. Made matching up solar components to the electrical load i had quick and easy.
Wow! Great tutorial, I'm getting one of those, never knew how handy that meter could be!
I bought one when you first introduced it. Very useful. Thanks
I go to tag sales and have bought many brand new Kill-A-Watts for a dollar or 2. When homeowners sign up for an energy audit they are given a Kill-A-Watt as part of the package. Most people don't even know what they are and sell them for cheap. Good information John, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Great information, I've seen you demonstrate these before, but now I can see just how much I need one. Definitely need to check my soldering iron, I doubt it's ever been cleaned. That blub test was really interesting. Have a happy Thanksgiving John. Thank you for all you do.
Great gadget and I do actually have one but now need to check my soldering iron with it because I was just using it thinking it’s not quite as hot as it should be 👍
I bought a similar power meter from Amazon recently. Good show today.
Great show today John! I always seem to learn something from you and today is no exception. Thank You for sharing!!!
Lol, LCD display. What does the D stand for? 😂 great episode as usual.
Hope you'll have a great week John!
Those instant light bulbs were pretty smart the reason those compact fluorescent bulbs took a while to reach full brightness is they contain a mercury amalgam which is solid at room temperature and it needs to be heated and turned to gas in order for the bulb to reach full brightness.
The halogen bulb in the centre of those instant bright fluorescent tubes is doubly clever it not only provides instant light but the added heat from the halogen helps the mercury get hotter quicker so the fluorescent tube got to full brightness quicker.
Matthew- I’ve heard many of those bulbs had a short lifespan and weren’t very popular- I just think the premise is genius. 😃👍
I also like the convenience of online shopping, but it is probably the beginning of the end of the small tool stores. I still enjoy going to a tool store and looking and handling the tools. So I try as much as possible to support them. Thanks for another great video!!!
Phil- I agree- Think of all the things that have come and gone… it’s mind blowing! 😃👍
Mine arrives tomorrow $9.02 including tax n ship. 🤗
I thought you were gonna tackle that bicycle wrench laying near your little turntable- lol
Soon! 😃👍
Thanks John, that's a very valid point about Black Friday pricing it's easy to get caught out if you're not on the ball price wise ! You picked some good examples to demonstrate the use of the meters, I'm just off to check them out. I've never seen a composite bulb like that, interesting idea, those fluorescent bulbs were a pain you had to plan in advance when you wanted light !
Thank you for showing the meter. I appreciate it. Have a nice Thanksgiving too.
Immediately bought one of those handy gadgets. Thanks for heads-up on the Black Friday deal!
Gerald funny thing I bought mine a month ago for almost double! 🫣😂👍
They just put out an upgraded model, for a buck or so more-- on Amazon. Thanks for the fun video, as always. Wayne out West (Colorado)
Great show and very informative. Thanks
Very useful episode for me. Thank you.
Thanks for the heads up, I ordered one!
Hope you enjoy it! 😃👍
Another great video. I am going to buy one of those devices.
Good idea John
Good Show Bud!! Always lookin' out for your Fans!! You should buy about 100 of them and give them out at the Spring Extravaganza ☻
😂😂😂
Always learning from you John 🙌😉.. by the way.. I bought the Milwaukee pens.. can’t wait to try them in dust water and oil 😃👍and I might leave the top off for a while 😬😂cheers Rob
I went to Caldors to get a new watch one time because their flyer that week advertised 25% off all Timex watches. I was disappointed that they didn’t have the style I wanted. The sales clerk told me not to worry, they always sold Timex at 25% off even if it wasn’t in that weeks flyer.
I have fond memories of Timex. They were very big until Casio came around. 😃👍
For every reason you stated John, Black Friday will always only be a rockin’ good Steely Dan song for me. That’s it. Another great episode! Thanks for all you do, Sir!
Wow, great to see that meter in action. Thanks!
That was a vey helpful tutorial! Have a happy Thanksgiving.
I never miss your videos, but it seems you work in such a small space in your basement. For years I did my furniture builds in basements until I built my shop space, which I enjoyed 20 years ago. I miss that amount of free space to work in.
Paul- It’s true- I have the whole basement but have a favorite spot to work in. When I was a kid my first workshop was the old coal bin that I converted. Sometimes a new shop can ruin your turnout. I’ve seen it often- The new shop has everything except Feng Shui. 😂👍
@@ScoutCrafter Like a chef needs a "work triangle" where stove, sink and refrigerator are sensibly arranged, a great shop has that flow from one work space to tools and on to another. I had a 16 x 24 foot shop with natural lighting and high ceiling. I was so productive, and I could expand the things I wished to work with because of all the available room.
Cool meter thanks for sharing and showings its uses! Appreciate ya all you do for us viewers...and its always interesting!!
Love my watt metres
There is the new style that are like the small usb meters with microprocessor
This Wattmeter stlye has a large colorfullly backlit screen that displays everything at once, Volts Amp Watts Hertz P/F
Total watts consumed Runtime and other features
Some have wifi to monitor on your device
They are like 15 to 30 bucks depending on the features. Probably be right up your alley. Mine is Atorch brand
Great informative video. Thanks. I am going to have to pick one up.
Happy Thanksgiving ScoutCrafter! Thanks for all the informative videos. Love them all.
Thanks for the info! Appreciate your videos, no BS, just full of good useful info!
Some BS- 😂👍
I see your point, however if we want to nitpick you would, at least, need a third meter with order of magnitude more accuracy in order to compare 2 other meters 😊
I really need a certified meter and even then it should be calibrated often. 🫣😂👍
WOW! Very interesting. Great stuff.
Great video
John, I am not sure but looking at the display on your kill a watt, I am guessing it uses a Zebra type connection. They after time, just get dirty, if you take it apart, and if it is a zebra type, you might can take it apart, you will see a strip remove it and clean it using ipa. Clean everything in the display that the flat strip connects too. Not sure if it is a zebra but it sure looks like that type of display, You can youtube videos, that will show you how to clean those. By the way, Love this channel I watch every video you put up.
Hi Max, I should attempt it as I have nothing to lose. I’ve gotten a lot of use from that little gadget! 😂👍
John watch a couple of repair videos on like Multimeters that have Zebra connections, Fluke used them for years, not sure about now. But yea try it, It's not difficult and you should have no troubles. Hey by the way, I got a Tube Of Towels and those things are amazing. I used them to clean some Amateur Radios and CB radios I've been repairing, and I was amazed! Those towels are FANTASITC John thank you so much for recommending those in your videos!
Watt meter is an asset to have. The led lights are cheaper to run but they don’t last as long as the fluorescent bulbs. I had 13 watt in by bathroom (13) they lasted 10 years. Don’t turn them off and on. It will shorten their life. LEDs for the last five years and I replaced half of them so far. The drivers in them don’t last. They are either made in Mexico or China. Failure rate in a commercial use is higher then fluorescent. They both have their places. That’s my prospective on them.
Jess- I think many manufacturers are trying to get the planned obsolescence factor just right but are falling short. 😃👍
Remembering Mr . Wizzard
I saw a guy doing videos of going into dumpsters. He found a whole dumpster of new bulbs which I don't think can be sold now. I thought that's a ScoutCrafter honey hole.
That’s Mike the scavenger, out of Texas, great channel.
A few weeks ago I found a box of 25 used incandescent bulbs in the trash- Apparently someone upgraded their entire house to LED’s. The funny thing is I didn’t take them! I live all sorts of bulbs but the older incandescent bulbs are just too hungry and I rarely use them for anything. I really like low wattage efficient bulbs that you can run for pennies. 🫣😂👍
Another enlightening video John.
Thanks John.
info is "KING", thxs for sharing...
Great video sir. Your rule regarding being good at one thing and not so good when trying to do multiple things holds of entertainers and politicians, I believe. Do one but stay away from the other; it's better for everyone concerned, in my opinion. 😉
Always giving good info.thanks scout
Wise Words, as Always 🐧
Scout, I bought a chinese digital 7 function multimeter (on your advice) because you make it look so cool . When I went to measure household current draw on a light fixture (dont have a watt meter), I notice there is no scale for AC amps. There is DC amps only.
Thought maybe I didnt spend enough money (certainly under $20, may have been closer to $10), so I checked a few others on Amazon - same thing. Then I got out my vintage Radio Shack analog multimeter with sweep dial) - no AC amps there either. Disappointed I am.
In order to check AC amperage the meter has to be placed only on the hot (positive) lead. If you have a clamp meter it too has to be placed around the hot lead. Some newer inexpensive multimeters have that clamp on top (looks like a lobster claw) and you can check AC amperage. 😃👍
6:55. Up to snuff or WATT. 😂
Oh yea... I caught that one 6:50 Happy Thanksgiving Scout !
How about a link to your $9 meter
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BR7Y5PYW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&th=1
I bought a 2-pack for $15.29 thanks
Have to get one
There is a difference in the accuracy vs price for meters. The meters shown in today’s show are low cost meter’s - shouldn’t expect the same accuracy as a $300 Fluke. The specifications are rather over stated but the meters are useful especially for their price. The meters have the same useful accuracy as the old analog meters while providing more functions at a lower price. The accuracy is good enough for most trouble shooting.
A good Fluke meter is a "buy once - cry once" purchase. Expensive but super accurate and will last for a long time. You don't even have to spend $300, you can get one that's more than good enough for home users for about $100.
Absolutely- There are quite a few differences between low cost test equipment and the better units. My approach has always been if I’m not sure if I will use the item I will buy a low cost entry level unit and see if I like it and how much it will be used. Then depending on my usage I will buy a good one with features I now know that are important to me. Even though this meter I showed might be considered low grade and moderately accurate it will introduce people to a device they never would have bought if it was expensive. At $9 shipped it really is like A low risk endeavor. 😃👍
@@ScoutCrafter Full disclosure, I own a “Kill A Watt Ez”; it is a useful tool. The model you reviewed is a good value at $10. To complete disclosure, I also own an 1980’s HP industrial DVM and a mid-tier Klein.
Let there be light! And there was light! Now, You could calls it light, or you could calls it halogen or you can calls it fluorescent or you could calls it halogen fluorescent, but yas doesn't hasta calls it just light! 😮
Gotcha 👍👍🔩🔩
The wattage boys😂
Is the wattage steady on one of those flickering flame bulbs?
I gotta get me one of these
Great show John very interesting god bless take care 🇺🇸🇳🇿🐕🎥45-47DJT
Boom 😂😂😂😂😂😂
I bet Amazon sells out of that meter.
Camelcamelcamel - price tracker.
I need to get ahold of you. I have something I want to send you.
Bicycleguy@aol.com
@@ScoutCrafter I sent you a email with photos,,,, let me know if you are interested
Ok John, plug both kilowatts into the power strip, set them on voltage and check the voltage with your DVM. The DVM is more accurate and you'll really know which is more accurate.
As to the dim segments on the one, I believe you can correct that if you open the unit and clean the pressure connector for the display.
Always like your videos and have been considering a kilo watt for a while now. See link below around 4 min into it. th-cam.com/video/zZFrRiCdfT8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xHIKRp44ZDVcPRZm
Thanks Fred! That video link was outstanding! Much appreciated!!! 😃👍
Google censors your comments everyone.
🇺🇲👍🦃
You know why they call Italian lights Italian lights? Cause there are a lot of them and their not to bright! LOL!
I think every ethnic background has been labeled that way at one time or another- Everyone but the Swiss. 🤔😂👍
God Bless our New President Donald Trump!
Is the wattage steady on one of those flickering flame bulbs?
Surprisingly yes! They only draw a few watts but it’s steady! 😃👍