Klein CL810 vs CL800: A Hands-On Comparison

I fix tools for a living. I fix pumps and saws. Paper specs often lie. They do not tell the whole story. I tested the Klein CL800 against the new Klein CL810. I wanted to see which one is best for you.

Klein Tools CL810 Review

The CL810 is the new model. You can see why. The screen is black with white numbers. It looks like a phone screen. But does it work well? I took it to a job site. I tested a broken blender and a pump. I wanted to try the new “Inrush” mode.

The Inrush mode is great. I tested a pool pump. It hummed but did not start. Old meters just showed jumping numbers. The CL810 showed the true spike. It showed 55 amps. That told me the motor was bad. This saved me an hour of work. The light on the jaw is also good. I used it inside a dark dishwasher. It helps a lot.

Pros & Cons: Klein CL810

It is not perfect. The screen is nice inside. But outside, it has glare. The sun makes it hard to see. You have to tilt it. But for indoor work, it is the best.

Klein Tools CL800 Review

The CL800 is an old favorite. It is tough. It feels like a tank. It lacks the fancy screen. But it just works. I tested it next to the CL810. I checked a breaker panel. The readings were the same. It is fast and sure.

I checked a generator with it. The “LoZ” mode works well. It blocks “ghost” voltage. It showed 0 volts on a dead line. That is safe. The orange light is good. The grey screen is easy to read in the sun. It is better outside than the CL810.

Pros & Cons: Klein CL800

It lacks Inrush mode. That is bad for my work. I tested that same pool pump. The CL800 just said “OL”. It was too slow. If you fix motors, you will miss this mode. If not, this tool is fine.

Detailed Comparison for Klein CL810 vs CL800

Both tools measure volts and amps. They are accurate. But they feel different on the job. Here is how they compare in real life.

1. Motor Diagnostics (Inrush Mode)

This is the big difference. Most meters take an average. Inrush meters catch the fast spike.

The CL810 wins here. I work on power tools. I tested a miter saw. The CL800 showed 12 amps. The CL810 showed 48 amps at start up. This is key data. It helps you size a breaker. The CL800 can not do this.

2. Screen View

One looks cool. One is practical. The CL810 has a black screen. The CL800 has a grey screen.

In a dark room, the CL810 is great. The numbers glow. But outside, it is hard. The sun reflects off the black glass. The CL800 is dull but clear. You can read it in bright sun easily.

3. HVAC and Flame Sensors

Do you fix heaters? Then this matters. Gas heaters use a “flame sensor.” It uses a tiny current. This is called Microamps.

The CL810 can read this. I tested a furnace. It showed 3.2 microamps. That meant it was good. The CL800 can not do this. It only reads big amps. You would need a second tool. The CL810 does it all.

4. Job Site Feel

Small things matter. Both tools feel strong. They have rubber grips. But the lights differ.

The CL810 has a light on the jaw. It shines on the wire. This is very helpful. I used it in a dark panel. I could see the wire colors. The CL800 has no jaw light. You need a separate flashlight.

5. Price and Value

The CL810 costs more. Is it worth it?

If you wire houses, buy the CL800. It is cheap and strong. It does the job well. But if you fix motors, buy the CL810. The Inrush mode saves time. It pays for itself fast. Buying the wrong tool costs more in the end.

Conclusion

Do you just check wires? Save your cash. Get the Klein CL800. It is a great tool. But do you fix motors or pumps? Then get the Klein CL810. You need the Inrush mode. It will save you time and guessing. It is the better tool for repair work.