I used the Klein CL120 and CL220 for weeks. I carried both in my bag. They look the same. But they work differently. Here is what I found.
Klein Tools CL120 Review
I tested the CL120 first. It feels strong. It has a nice orange grip. I held it with gloves. It did not slip. I checked a wall outlet. The reading was fast. It showed 122 volts. This matched my pro meter.
The beep is loud. I like that. It helps in loud rooms. I checked a breaker box next. The clamp fits big wires. I checked a water heater. The screen was steady. It showed 18 amps. The light on the screen helps in the dark.
But I had one issue. I tested new LED lights. The numbers jumped around. This meter is not “True RMS.” It gets confused by new tech. It gives a rough idea. But it is not exact.
I also dropped it. It fell six feet. It hit the hard floor. It did not break. It still works fine. This tool is tough. It is great for home use.
| Good Things | Bad Things |
| Low price for a good brand | Not precise on new tech |
| Loud beep is helpful | Cannot measure heat |
| Easy to use | Cannot check car batteries |
| Strong build | Leads get stiff in cold |
| Safe voltage tester in tip | Screen fades from side view |
Klein Tools CL220 Review
I bought the CL220 for HVAC work. It can measure heat. This is a big plus. It comes with a temp probe. I tested an AC unit. I put the probe in a vent.
The number came up in five seconds. It was fast. I did not need a second tool. This saves time. I also tested a furnace fan. These motors are tricky. The CL120 struggled here. But the CL220 was great.
The reading locked on. It showed 3.4 amps. It did not bounce. This is “True RMS.” It works better on modern tools. The grip feels the same. I can use it with one hand. The beep works well too.
The battery is good. I used it for three weeks. It is still full. It beeps before it turns off. This saves power. It feels like a pro tool. It is small but smart.
| Good Things | Bad Things |
| Accurate on all electronics | Cannot check car batteries |
| Measures heat and cold | Costs a bit more |
| Tough and strong body | Beep could be louder |
| Steady readings on motors | Case is very thin |
| Bright screen light | Basic test leads |
Details Comparison for Klein CL120 vs CL220
I used both on real jobs. Here is how they compare.
Accuracy Test
This is the big difference. The CL120 is “average.” The CL220 is “True RMS.”
I tested a plain light bulb. Both were the same.
Then I tested a smart switch. The CL120 jumped around. The CL220 stayed steady. The CL220 is better for new homes.
| Test | CL120 Result | CL220 Result |
| Old Lights | Good | Good |
| Smart Tech | Unsteady | Steady |
| Trust | Okay | High |
Heat Check
This is simple. The CL120 cannot do it. The CL220 can.
I put the CL220 probe in ice water. It read 33°F. That is close to perfect.
I put it in hot water. It read 211°F. This is great. If you fix AC units, get the CL220.
| Test | CL120 Result | CL220 Result |
| Temp Port | None | Yes |
| Range | None | Wide range |
| Use | None | Great for HVAC |
Screen Look
I used both in the dark. I used both in the sun.
The screens are the same. The numbers are big. You can read them easily.
The light is orange. It is bright. But do not look from the side. The numbers fade. Look straight on.
| Part | CL120 Result | CL220 Result |
| Light | Bright | Bright |
| Size | Big | Big |
| Sun View | Clear | Clear |
Build Feel
I put them side by side. They are twins.
Both feel hard and dense. They are not cheap toys.
I squeezed them hard. No creaks. The dial clicks well. You can feel it click. The jacks are tight. The leads stay in.
| Part | CL120 Result | CL220 Result |
| Body | Hard plastic | Hard plastic |
| Drop | Safe at 6ft | Safe at 6ft |
| Plugs | Tight fit | Tight fit |
Cost Value
This is the main choice. The CL120 is cheap. It saves you money.
But you lose features. You lose accuracy on new tech. You lose the heat probe.
For a simple home box, the CL120 is fine. For a pro, the CL220 is worth the extra cash.
| Point | CL120 Result | CL220 Result |
| Price | Low | Medium |
| Value | Good for basics | Good for pros |
| Future | Low | High |
Conclusion
If I had to pick, I would buy the Klein CL220. It is more accurate. It measures heat. It works on new tech. The CL120 is fine for simple checks. But the CL220 does more.