What tool is commonly used to assess the overall condition of a battery?

A battery load tester is specifically designed to evaluate the performance and overall condition of a battery under load conditions. This tool applies a defined load to the battery for a specified duration and measures how well the battery can maintain voltage under that load. This is crucial for determining the battery's health, as a good battery should not drop below a certain voltage when under load.

While a digital multimeter is useful for measuring battery voltage, current, and resistance, it doesn't simulate real-world operating conditions like a load tester does. A clamp meter, primarily used for measuring current without direct contact, does not evaluate battery health. Similarly, a voltage tester can check if a battery is delivering sufficient voltage, but it does not assess the capacity or performance under load. Therefore, the battery load tester is the most effective tool for thoroughly assessing a battery's condition.