Source for probe tips

[ataradov]

I'm looking for a source of reasonably cheap probe tips for a custom instrument I'm working on. The tips must have sharp ends, think probing TQFP-144 pins.

I'm looking for something like this (just the metal part) - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Multimeter-Universal-1000V-10A-Test-Lead-Probe-Cable-SMD-SMT-Needle-Tip-/261512308841?hash=item3ce3592869:g:EygAAOSwBvNTpllt

Any ideas?

[Marco]

P50-B1 pogo probes not sharp enough?

[ataradov]

I've been looking at all sorts of pogo pins (and have ordered some for evaluation), but they all seem to have very small diameter.  P50-B1 has 0.68mm diameter along the entire length. I'd prefer something that starts as 2-2.5 mm in diameter and tapers down to a sharp point.

[Marco]

The P125-B gets close, 1.7mm diameter. Just need to put them to a grinder to get the needle tip.

TME has a version with a tip which seems pretty sharp from the picture, but it's a tad more expensive.

[ataradov]

That's much better. I was only able to find up to P100, which is 1.3 mm. 1.8 mm is very good, I'll order some of those too.

[IconicPCB]

Alex,

try

http://www.tciinfo.com/

I used to sell their probes down under. They have a reasonable selection of standard parts and may be willing to meet Your specific needs.
They are in Upland California.

The other mob You might get Joy from are IDI ( http://smithsinterconnect.123jobfocus.com/idi/?clientcache=0 ) another range of springloaded pins I used to sell.
 

[TerraHertz]

Have you considered gramophone needles? Very robust, very sharp hard steel point. And you can solder them to whatever type of mount you want.
Yes, they are still made, and cheap. Like $10 for 300. Search ebay, there are plenty.

[IconicPCB]

Terra brings up interesting option...

Talk to your local tattoo equipment manufacturer they too use sharp rigid needles.

[ataradov]

Have you considered gramophone needles?

I did not even know that anyone would still make them . Ordered some of those too.

[ataradov]

Ok, so all the stuff from ebay has arrived. Just in case anyone else has the same problems, here is a short summary.

1. Gramophone needles are awesome, but really short.
2. P125-B pogo pins are also good, but the pin itself is short and a pain to extract. But pogo effect itself can be cool. I'll need to test drive it a bit more to know how it feels on the probe. I think it will be a bit wobbly.
3. Sewing Needles. The most economical solution. I ordered  this item http://www.ebay.com/itm/201375965201?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT . They are long (15 cm == 6"), 1.6 mm in diameter. They are easy to chop to any size you need and solder very well, especially after some sandpaper to get rid of chrome plating.