Test Leads Hook Clip Option

[DW1961]

I need a hook clip lead and I've seen two types. one is the "U" shaped clip and the other is a two pronged clip that opens at the end, then retracts back.

Is one more preferable than the other?



VS

[ataradov]

Double hook is way better. Especially if implemented correctly. Tektronix used to make those double grabbers with a very thin neck that could easily reach between the standard 0.1" connector pins.

But they seem to be no longer available from anywhere. Looking at my eBay history, they are called "Tektronix 020-3043-00".

[Benta]

Erm.
The two-pronged clip is around five times larger than the hook clip and only useful for larger wires and terminals. Forget 0.1".
The hook clip can be used on 0.1" terminals and DIP pins with care.

[bdunham7]

If you are looking for very small, EZ-Hook.  These for example (they have many different types)

https://e-z-hook.com/test-hooks/micro-hook/x2015-ultra-thin-double-gripper-micro-test-hook/

Macro-sized I'd look at Probemaster.  Again, they have many types of pincers and sprung hooks.

https://probemaster.com/9169-sprung-hook-probe/

The double-hooked one you posted seems kind of big.  The other type of spring hook you show could be OK, but there are a lot of cheap-o versions in that style that are not that great.

[DW1961]

I should have added that I am mainly going to use these to grab wires for testing, between 16 and 22 AWG. I'm just tired of messing with alligator clips for that sort of wire grabbing/testing purposes.

[ataradov]

To be  clear, all those cheap grabbers are horrible and borderline useless.

Here are Tek grabbers going between 0.1" connector pins to reach to the far pins of the right angle connector. They were not cheap, but they are excellent. Unfortunately, it does not look like they are available anywhere.

But for grabbing floating wires with good access, it makes no real difference.

[bdunham7]

Those look like the Tek SMG50 grabber clips that are included with certain high-performance passive probes like the P6156.  The Tek p/n is 206-0364-01 and this eBay seller has some.  That price is a screaming deal IMO, the EZ-Hook ones are $18 each.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/373386038191

[Microcheap]

As ataradov said, those two hook clips are basically useless, specially the second one.

On Aliexpress one can find these copies of the Tek's grabbers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32661192484.html or https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002181034665.html

And the other day I found these micro grabbers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000311702921.html and https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32589469448.html I didn't order or tested it yet, so I can't say if they are any good but it looks similar to the EZ-Hook linked above.

[rdl]

Pomona makes SMD grabbers in the two prong style. Of course, they're not cheap.

[ataradov]

SMG50 is indeed a good search term. They go for about $40 shipped / 20pcs, which is a great price. As far as mini grabbers go, I have not found anything that is even remotely comparable. And I definitely would not bother with knock-offs that are not that much cheaper.

Although those tiny ones capable of grabbing TQFP pins are interesting. I'll order some to see how they preform.

[DW1961]

As ataradov said, those two hook clips are basically useless, specially the second one.

On Aliexpress one can find these copies of the Tek's grabbers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32661192484.html or https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002181034665.html

And the other day I found these micro grabbers: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000311702921.html and https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32589469448.html I didn't order or tested it yet, so I can't say if they are any good but it looks similar to the EZ-Hook linked above.

I'm just using them to grab floating wire ends for testing purposes, not SMD work.

[bdunham7]

I'm just using them to grab floating wire ends for testing purposes, not SMD work.

If you have modular test leads then the Probemaster ones that I linked will be excellent for that purpose, as well as grabbing test points and pins.

[ataradov]

Just for grabbing wires any of them will work. I have used the single hook version from your post, and they don't feel great, but they do work.

[DW1961]

I'm just using them to grab floating wire ends for testing purposes, not SMD work.

If you have modular test leads then the Probemaster ones that I linked will be excellent for that purpose, as well as grabbing test points and pins.

Interesting you said that. I'm in the process of building my own male male leads for the bench supply.

Anyway, I'm looking at these also so I can make male to male leads. I think I need non insulated leads for both ends?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VJ4J9KF/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08VJ4J9KF&pd_rd_w=M8bX2&pf_rd_p=91afecf5-8b2e-41e2-9f11-dc6992c6eaa1&pd_rd_wg=E4pjI&pf_rd_r=W9DWE9K46CM6W723DAD7&pd_rd_r=fb90cf1e-66c9-4323-9512-76dc821de2cc&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzODBYV0NTMEpPN1FFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTY5MTM1MVY3RkdXVjQyQzhYNyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDMzMzIzMVZRSVpRNzBST0tRSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[DW1961]

Just for grabbing wires any of them will work. I have used the single hook version from your post, and they don't feel great, but they do work.

Yeah, they look like garbage, but they say they will handle 10A. I could probably get a 5A job because my measurements will probably never be over 2-3 A, but then again, if I run 12V RGBs in my house, they could easily go over that. I don't want to guess about amperage and would rather just get a 10 amp lead and use 18AWG wire and not have to think abut it.

[ataradov]

For high current applications I would use Wago splicing connectors - https://www.wago.com/us/discover-wire-and-splicing-connectors Keep one side always plugged in into the power supply and use the remaining connections as needed.

They are not as convenient do disconnect, but still pretty easy and no tools required.

[DW1961]

For high current applications I would use Wago splicing connectors - https://www.wago.com/us/discover-wire-and-splicing-connectors Keep one side always plugged in into the power supply and use the remaining connections as needed.

They are not as convenient do disconnect, but still pretty easy and no tools required.

I can get these right now for free from the Amazon review program:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XZNJS3J

But still it's for testing purposes, not running equipment. That's why I was looking at quick disconnects. I have a soldering station and everything I need to build my own. Those connectors just look bulky for testing purposes.

[ataradov]

The Wago connectors I suggested are pretty quick and can be easily disconnected with a finger. The style you linked will require at least something pointy to open it up.

Those things are no bulkier than the grabbers. And also they are much safer in high current situations, since nothing is exposed or can short out.

[DW1961]

The Wago connectors I suggested are pretty quick and can be easily disconnected with a finger. The style you linked will require at least something pointy to open it up.

Those things are no bulkier than the grabbers. And also they are much safer in high current situations, since nothing is exposed or can short out.

Pretty interesting. I'll give them a closer look.

heh: https://www.amazon.com/Splicing-Connector-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket/dp/B07NKT2P2F/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=wago+connectors&qid=1623815171&sr=8-10