Okay, let's break down your situation and look at some options for a clamp meter to complement your Cen-Tech DMM.

Cen-Tech Meters: General Thoughts Value Proposition

You've already hit the nail on the head. Cen-Tech (Harbor Freight's brand) offers a lot of features for the price. They're generally a good starting point or for occasional use.

Durability

This is their main weakness. They are built to a price point, so expect compromises on ruggedness, long-term reliability, and (sometimes) accuracy, especially over a long period of time.

Accuracy

For hobbyist use and non-critical applications, their accuracy is usually acceptable. But if you're dealing with precise measurements or safety-critical situations, you'd want to rely on a more reputable brand.

Safety

This is where you need to be the most careful. Ensure any meter you use (especially for mains voltage or high current) is properly rated for the application. Check for CAT ratings and proper fuse protection. Cen-Tech meters generally meet the basic safety standards printed on the product, but it's still a good practice to double-check and verify.

Model Variation

Cen-Tech changes models fairly frequently, so reviews of one model might not be entirely relevant to another.

Clamp Meter Considerations

Since you're looking for a "cheap clamp-on style for occasional use," here's what to think about:1. Current Range

What's the highest current you anticipate measuring? Common ranges are 0-200A, 0-400A, 0-600A, or higher. Select a range based on your need. Note many inexpensive clamp meters will not be able to read below 0.5 amp with any accuracy or may not even be able to measure DC current.
2.

AC vs. DC

Do you need to measure both AC and DC current? DC clamp meters tend to be more expensive.3.

Jaw Size

Consider the size of the conductors you'll be clamping around. Thicker wires will require a wider jaw opening.4.

Features



Inrush Current

Useful for diagnosing motor starting problems.

Backlight

Helpful in dark environments.

Data Hold

Freezes the reading on the display.

Min/Max Recording

Records the highest and lowest readings.

Auto-ranging

Automatically selects the appropriate range.5.

Safety Rating

Ensure the meter has the appropriate CAT rating for the environments you will be working in.6.

Accuracy

Most clamp meters are not as accurate as standard DMMs. Don't expect pinpoint precision with a budget clamp meter.7.

Reputation and Reviews

Even for a cheap meter, check online reviews to get a sense of reliability and accuracy.

Cen-Tech Clamp Meter (And Other Budget Options) Cen-Tech Clamp Meters

Harbor Freight sells a variety of Cen-Tech clamp meters. Keep in mind my comments above about the brand's limitations. Carefully consider the specs. Check Harbor Freight frequently for sales and coupons.

Other Budget Brands

Look at brands like:

Klein Tools

Known for decent quality at a mid-range price point. They offer clamp meters in the $50-$150 range.

Amprobe

They have some affordable clamp meter options, but read reviews carefully.

Uni-T

These are generally quite affordable.

Extech

Extech is generally okay but not great.

Tenma

Often sold at MCM Electronics/Newark.

Milwaukee

These are generally rebranded clamp meters with a higher price point.

Amazon Basics

Believe it or not, Amazon sells surprisingly affordable and usable clamp meters under their "Amazon Basics" brand. Read the reviews, but they can be a good option for occasional use.

Recommendations

Given your criteria:1. Check Harbor Freight for Cen-Tech Clamp Meters

If you want to stick with Cen-Tech because you already like their DMM, check their current clamp meter offerings. Compare features and prices.2.

Consider a Klein Tools or Amprobe

If you want a slight step up in quality and reliability without breaking the bank, look at Klein Tools or Amprobe.3.

Read Reviews

Before you buy anything, spend some time reading reviews on Amazon, Home Depot, or other retailers. Pay attention to comments about accuracy, ease of use, and durability.4.

Don't Overspend

Since it's for occasional use, don't feel you need to buy the most expensive meter. $50-$100 should get you something perfectly usable.

Important Safety Notes



CAT Ratings

Ensure the clamp meter is CAT III or CAT IV rated if you'll be working in electrical panels or mains voltage situations.

Fuses

Check that the meter has properly rated fuses, and replace them with the correct type if they blow.

Inspect Leads and Clamps

Always inspect the test leads and clamp jaws for damage before use.

Never Exceed the Meter's Ratings

This is critical. Know the maximum voltage and current the meter can safely handle.*

If in doubt, hire a professional

Ultimately, the best clamp meter for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Do your research, read reviews, and prioritize safety. Flag for review