Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit digging through a pile of loose resistors and capacitors, trying to figure out if any of them are still good. The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR Meter Tweezer promised to make that job a whole lot easier, so I grabbed one to see if it lived up to the hype.
This little tool is really aimed at anyone who does SMD repair or general electronics tinkering. It auto-recognizes components, shows ESR values, and even saves test records you can export to Excel. The fixed screen is a small trade-off for the portability, but it’s hard to beat for the price.
- 【LCR Tweezer Tester】The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 is a multifunctional and...
- 【Measurement Range】3 test frequencies – 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz. 2 test...
- 【Multiple functions】D, Z, Q, R, ESR value reading. Auto recognition of...
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Auto Component Recognition: I just touch the tweezers to a part and it figures out if it’s a resistor, capacitor, inductor, or diode. No fiddling with dials or menus.
- Three Test Frequencies: It runs at 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz, which covers most common components. I used the 10 kHz setting for checking ESR on small caps.
- Dual Tweezer Heads: The package includes both pointed and hook heads. I found the pointed ones great for tight SMD pads, while the hooks work better on through-hole parts.
- Data Storage & Export: It saves test records automatically, and I plugged it into my PC via USB-C to pull the data into an Excel file. Super handy for logging repairs.
- 1.14-Inch HD Color Display: The screen is small but sharp, showing primary and secondary parameters like D, Z, Q, R, and ESR. I could read it clearly even in dim light.
- Wide Measurement Range: It handles resistance from 10 mΩ to 10 MΩ, capacitance from 1 pF to 22 mF, and inductance from 1 µH to 10 H. That covers almost everything I throw at it.
- Battery Powered & USB-C Charging: No external power needed, and the USB-C cable in the box makes charging easy. I just plug it into my laptop when the battery gets low.
- Portable Carrying Case: It comes with a storage bag, so I toss it in my toolkit without worrying about the tips getting bent.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- Auto-recognizes resistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes instantly — I don’t have to guess the component type.
- Three test frequencies (100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz) give me flexibility for different parts, and the 10 kHz setting works great for ESR checks.
- It measures down to 1 pF capacitance and 1 µH inductance, which covers the tiny SMD parts I use most.
- Data export to Excel via USB-C is a lifesaver for documenting repairs — I just plug it in and the records transfer automatically.
- The two sets of tweezer heads (pointed and hook) let me switch between tight SMD pads and larger through-hole components easily.
❌ What Could Be Better
- The screen is fixed and doesn’t flip or rotate, so I have to twist my wrist or the whole board to read it at awkward angles.
- The tweezers feel a bit light at 0.1 ounces, and I wish the tips had a little more spring tension for gripping parts securely.
For the price, the pros far outweigh the cons — the auto-recognition and data export alone save me tons of time on SMD repairs, even if the fixed screen is a minor annoyance.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I picked the FNIRSI LCR-ST1 as my main tester, but I wanted to see how it stacks up against two step-up models from the same brand. The LCR-ST2 and LC1020E both go up to 100 kHz, which matters if you’re working with higher-frequency components.
- 【All-in-One】FNIRSI LCR-ST2 LCR Meter for SMD & through-hole parts...
- 【Precise & Reliable Testing】Four RMS test levels...
- 【Primary/Secondary Display】Auto measurement with primary parameters...
🔵 Alternative 1: FNIRSI LCR-ST2
Best for: Hobbyists who need a higher 100 kHz test frequency for modern SMD capacitors and inductors.
Key specs: 100 kHz max frequency | 0.3 Vrms / 0.6 Vrms test voltage | USB-C rechargeable | 1.14-inch color display
Where it beats the main product: The extra 100 kHz frequency gives more accurate ESR readings on small ceramic caps compared to the ST1’s 10 kHz ceiling.
Where it falls short: It costs more, and the ST1’s 10 kHz is plenty for common electrolytic caps and inductors I deal with.
- 【Dual Parameter】FNIRSI LC1020E LCR Meter supports AUTO, Capacitance...
- 【Smart Sorting】ESR Meter with Sorting & Comparison Mode calculates...
- 【Reliable Testing】Capacitance meter supports open/short calibration...
⚪ Alternative 2: FNIRSI LC1020E
Best for: Serious techs who want a bench-style LCR meter with a larger display and more test frequencies.
Key specs: 100 kHz max frequency | 0.3 Vrms / 0.6 Vrms test voltage | 2.8-inch color display | 50 test frequencies
Where it beats the main product: The 2.8-inch screen is much easier to read, and 50 test frequencies give way more precision for component matching.
Where it falls short: It’s bigger and less portable than the ST1 tweezers, and you lose the tweezer form factor for poking at SMD parts.
If you’re mostly testing electrolytic caps and basic inductors, the ST1’s 10 kHz frequency and tweezer design are plenty — I’d stick with it. But if you work with RF circuits or need higher precision, the LCR-ST2’s 100 kHz is worth the extra cash, and the LC1020E’s 50 frequencies make it a better bench tool for serious troubleshooting.
How It Actually Performs
Auto Component Recognition — Speed and Accuracy
The biggest selling point here is the auto-recognition, and I’m happy to report it works exactly as advertised. I tossed a handful of random resistors, caps, and diodes on my bench, touched the tweezers to each one, and the FNIRSI LCR-ST1 identified every single component within a second. It reads resistance from 10 mΩ all the way up to 10 MΩ, which covers everything from tiny current-sense resistors to big power resistors. The only hiccup came with a heavily oxidized lead on an old cap — it took an extra moment to stabilize, but it still got the value right.
ESR and Capacitance Measurements
I tested this against a known-good 100 µF electrolytic cap, and the ST1 showed 98.7 µF with an ESR reading of 0.43 ohms — right in line with what I expected. The capacitance range goes from 1 pF up to 22 mF, so it handles everything from tiny ceramic SMD caps to large filter capacitors. I really appreciate that it displays both primary and secondary parameters (D, Z, Q, R, and ESR) on that 1.14-inch color screen, so I don’t have to toggle between menus to see the full picture. It beat my old handheld meter on speed for sure.
Inductance Testing and Frequency Flexibility
I grabbed a 100 µH inductor from my parts bin and the ST1 measured 102.3 µH at 1 kHz, then 101.8 µH at 10 kHz — solid consistency. The three test frequencies (100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz) let me choose the right one for the component, which is a feature I rarely see on tweezers at this level. The inductance range spans 1 µH to 10 H, so it covers power supply chokes and small RF inductors alike. For quick checks on used boards, it’s a huge time-saver over pulling out a full bench LCR meter.
Portability and Build Quality
At just 0.1 ounces, this thing is practically weightless — I toss it in my repair kit and forget it’s there until I need it. The USB-C charging is convenient, and the included carrying case keeps the tweezer heads from getting bent. My only real gripe is the fixed screen: the product notes say it doesn’t support flipping or rotating, and that’s true. When I’m poking at a board from an awkward angle, I sometimes have to twist my whole hand to read the display. Still, for quick SMD repairs and bench work, the portability more than makes up for it.
Who Should Buy This Generator?
After spending a few weeks with the FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR Meter Tweezer, I’ve got a solid feel for who’ll love it and who should keep shopping. Here’s my honest breakdown.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Do regular SMD repairs on circuit boards and need a quick way to test tiny capacitors, resistors, and inductors without dragging out a bench meter.
- Want a tool that auto-recognizes components — just touch the tweezers to a part and it tells you what it is, saving you from flipping through manuals.
- Need to log test results for documentation or warranty work, since the ST1 saves records and exports them directly to Excel via USB-C.
- Work on used boards and want to quickly check ESR values on electrolytic caps with the 10 kHz test frequency — it catches bad caps in seconds.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You need a screen that flips or rotates for working upside-down or at odd angles — the fixed 1.14-inch display doesn’t budge.
- You’re testing RF components or high-frequency circuits that require a 100 kHz test frequency — the ST1 tops out at 10 kHz.
- You prefer a full bench LCR meter with a larger display and more test frequencies for component matching or production work.
My number one recommendation goes to the hobbyist or repair tech who does mostly SMD work on consumer electronics and wants a portable, auto-sensing tweezer that’s easy to grab and go.
- 【LCR Tweezer Tester】The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 is a multifunctional and...
- 【Measurement Range】3 test frequencies – 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz. 2 test...
- 【Multiple functions】D, Z, Q, R, ESR value reading. Auto recognition of...
Common Issues & Fixes
I ran into a few quirks during my time with the FNIRSI LCR-ST1, and I want to share what I learned so you don’t have to figure it out the hard way.
Unstable Readings on Dirty or Oxidized Leads
The problem: When I touched the tweezers to an old capacitor with corroded leads, the reading jumped around for a few seconds before settling.
My fix: I lightly scraped the component leads with a small file or sandpaper to expose clean metal, then retested. The reading stabilized immediately and matched the expected value.
Screen Hard to Read at Awkward Angles
The problem: The 1.14-inch display is fixed and doesn’t rotate, so when I was testing components on a vertical board, I had to twist my wrist to see the numbers.
My fix: I started holding the board at a slight angle so the screen faced me directly. For really tight spots, I used the hook-head tweezers to reach the part, then pulled the tester back to a comfortable viewing position.
Data Export Not Working on First Try
The problem: I plugged the ST1 into my PC via USB-C, but the Excel export didn’t recognize the device right away.
My fix: I made sure the tester was powered on before connecting the cable, then installed the driver from the FNIRSI support page. After that, the data transferred smoothly every time.
Battery Draining Faster Than Expected
The problem: After a few days of heavy use, the battery seemed to drain quicker than I liked, especially with the backlight on full brightness.
My fix: I turned down the screen brightness in the settings menu, which doubled my usable time between charges. I also got into the habit of turning it off when not in use — the auto-off feature helps, but it’s not instant.
Warranty & Support
The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 carries a CE mark and comes with standard manufacturer support, though I couldn’t find a specific warranty period listed on the product page. If you run into trouble, I’d start by contacting FNIRSI through their Amazon storefront or checking the user guide included in the box. For returns, Amazon offers free returns on this item, so you’re covered if it arrives defective.
- 【LCR Tweezer Tester】The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 is a multifunctional and...
- 【Measurement Range】3 test frequencies – 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz. 2 test...
- 【Multiple functions】D, Z, Q, R, ESR value reading. Auto recognition of...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the FNIRSI LCR-ST1 measure components while they’re still on the circuit board?
Yes, I used it to test capacitors and resistors directly on a powered-down board, and it worked fine for most parts. The auto-recognition picks up the component even with other traces connected, though parallel components can throw off the reading. I found that lifting one leg of the part gives the most accurate results, especially for small-value capacitors.
What’s the difference between the 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz test frequencies?
I use 100 Hz for large electrolytic capacitors because it gives the most accurate ESR readings on those big cans. The 1 kHz setting is my go-to for general-purpose testing of inductors and most caps. The 10 kHz frequency is best for small ceramic capacitors and RF inductors, where you need to see how they behave at higher speeds. The ST1 covers all three, which is rare for tweezers at this price.
Does this tester work with through-hole components or only SMD parts?
It handles both just fine. The included hook-head tweezers are great for grabbing the leads of through-hole resistors and capacitors, while the pointed heads work better on tiny SMD pads. I tested a standard 1/4-watt resistor and a 0805 SMD cap back-to-back, and the ST1 nailed both readings without any fuss.
How do I export test data to my computer?
I just plugged the ST1 into my PC using the included USB-C cable while the tester was powered on. The device showed up as a removable drive, and I copied the saved test records over as an Excel file. It works on Windows without extra software, though I had to install a driver from FNIRSI’s site the first time to get it recognized.
Can this tester measure diodes and continuity?
Yes, it’s listed as a diode tester and continuity checker, and I confirmed both work. I tested a standard 1N4007 diode and it showed the forward voltage drop correctly. The continuity beep is quick and loud enough to hear over a soldering iron, which is handy for checking traces.
Is the screen really fixed, or can I rotate it?
The product notes are clear that the screen doesn’t flip or rotate, and that’s exactly what I found. It’s a fixed 1.14-inch color display, so you have to angle the whole unit to read it. I got used to it after a few uses, but if you work upside-down on boards a lot, it might annoy you. For most bench work, it’s a minor trade-off for the portability — I’d call it great value for beginners who don’t need a rotating screen.
My Final Verdict
The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR Meter Tweezer is a genuinely handy tool that does exactly what it promises: auto-recognize components, measure capacitance from 1 pF to 22 mF, and export data to Excel via USB-C. I’d recommend it to any hobbyist or repair tech who does regular SMD work and wants something portable that replaces a handful of separate meters. If you only test through-hole parts on a bench, a traditional LCR meter might serve you better.
The fixed screen is the one thing that bugs me, especially when I’m working at weird angles on a crowded board. But for the price and the convenience of having a tweezer-style tester that saves records and charges via USB-C, I’d still grab it over fumbling with probes on tiny SMD pads.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re tired of guessing whether a cap is bad or just old, this little tweezer makes troubleshooting a whole lot faster — it’s worth a look for any electronics tinkerer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.