Author Topic: Need longer tip plugs  (Read 1705 times)

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Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Need longer tip plugs
« on: November 09, 2024, 12:00:55 am »
Wasn't quite sure where to post this; I hate to clutter up the Test Equipment forum with such a picayune problem.

Tip plugs: probably the most mundane electronic parts imaginable. I need some to make new test leads for a multimeter. I have some plugs, but it turns out they're not long enough to reach into the meter's sockets.



Standard tip plug diameter is 0.08" (2mm). The plugs I have, and just about all the ones I was able to find online, are a little less than 1/2" (12mm) long. I need them at least about 3/4" (19mm). Any idea where to find them? And is there a name for the longer ones?

I couldn't find any at Digikey, which was surprising. Their parametric search unfortunately doesn't include plug length as one of the parameters. I looked at a bunch of datasheets there, and all the ones I found were all a bit less than 1/2" long.

Jameco was a similar bust, with the added annoyance that their search function is not only not parametric but gives all kinds of spurious results.

If worse comes to worst I can always make something out of a nail and a plastic sleeve, but it'd be nice to get the right thing.
 

Online J-R

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2024, 01:57:01 am »
I've bumped into this eBay store a few times over the years; maybe they have some ideas: https://www.ebay.com/itm/232630799620
 

Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2024, 02:23:20 am »
Thanks. That looks like a good resource for those who need complete probes, or something custom-made.

I'm just looking for the parts pieces here.
 

Offline George Edmonds

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2024, 05:11:11 am »
Hi

Older multi meters of say the 1970/1980 era manufactured in China or surrounding countries used the plugs that you are looking, but they were normally moulded on as part the entire probe assembly.

You may have some luck searching eBay for 2mm banana plugs as they are used as speaker connectors by the audio brigade.

G Edmonds 
 

Online Ian.M

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2024, 06:11:00 am »
DIY is an option if you are somewhat handy with power hand tools and take inspiration from these:

Vintage split Wander plugs (3mm dia)
5/64" or 2mm phosphor bronze spit pins are available in lengths up to around 50mm or even longer.   To use as a plug, you need an externally threaded collar, bore 2mm, slotted to take the head of the split pin + an internally threaded plastic cover.  Some makes of inserts for repairing/reinforcing threaded holes in light alloys have the required exterior thread and slot, and the M2 size (or possibly M2.5) could simply be drilled out to 2mm plain bore.

The covers  are a little trickier, but plain cylindrical ones could be made from colored delrin rod, with no more tools than a drill press with vice and a split wooden jig to hold the rod - drill through axially to the wire diameter, drill part way to the split pin head width, then to the insert exterior thread minor diameter, for the depth of the insert.  Now you've got to tap them to the insert exterior thread.  If you cant readily obtain the tap, Delrin is soft enough that you could get away with loctiting one of the inserts on a bolt, then cutting flutes in it with a Dremel cutoff wheel, taking care to get a sharp leading edge, then use that as a tap.  For low voltage use, you could also consider 3D printed covers.

However that's a *LOT* of work to make a couple of plugs, and the parts and materials are difficult to obtain in small quantities so lets hope someone else can find you an 'off the shelf' supplier.
 
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Online J-R

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2024, 09:04:21 am »
Thanks. That looks like a good resource for those who need complete probes, or something custom-made.

I'm just looking for the parts pieces here.
No, they sell just the parts as well.  They may have a solution or know of a supplier for what you're looking for.
 

Offline Overspeed

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2024, 09:18:29 am »
Hello

You can use brazing rod available in 2 mm or brass rod available for model making and cast an epoxy handle after soldering

Regards
OS
 

Offline Later

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2024, 11:29:20 am »
速卖通上买2MM的香蕉插头
 

Offline tooki

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #8 on: November 09, 2024, 11:57:19 am »
@Later: a 2mm pin plug and a 2mm banana plug are NOT the same thing.

In the pin plug system, the contact springs are in the socket. In the banana plug system, the contact springs are in the plugs.
 

Offline tooki

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2024, 12:20:04 pm »
Wasn't quite sure where to post this; I hate to clutter up the Test Equipment forum with such a picayune problem.

Tip plugs: probably the most mundane electronic parts imaginable. I need some to make new test leads for a multimeter. I have some plugs, but it turns out they're not long enough to reach into the meter's sockets.
Do you actually need 19mm pin length, or is that only because the socket itself is recessed (i.e. the plug body is preventing the pin from being inserted fully)?

If it’s just the fat plug body that’s the problem, how about making your own plugs, e.g. by using 2mm electrical contacts (like this: https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=showdoc&DocId=Data+Sheet%7FY6-E542-000-000%7FA%7Fpdf%7FEnglish%7FENG_DS_Y6-E542-000-000_A.pdf%7F61-0205-011-000 ) and then using heat shrink to insulate part of it to make a grip? I’ve done that for various pins to make test leads (for example, banana plug to single d-sub pins and sockets).
 
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Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #10 on: November 09, 2024, 10:15:04 pm »
Wasn't quite sure where to post this; I hate to clutter up the Test Equipment forum with such a picayune problem.

Tip plugs: probably the most mundane electronic parts imaginable. I need some to make new test leads for a multimeter. I have some plugs, but it turns out they're not long enough to reach into the meter's sockets.
Do you actually need 19mm pin length, or is that only because the socket itself is recessed (i.e. the plug body is preventing the pin from being inserted fully)?

Both, really; the contacts are recessed far enough that the "regular" length ones (~12mm) just don't reach.

Quote
If it’s just the fat plug body that’s the problem, how about making your own plugs, e.g. by using 2mm electrical contacts (like this: https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=showdoc&DocId=Data+Sheet%7FY6-E542-000-000%7FA%7Fpdf%7FEnglish%7FENG_DS_Y6-E542-000-000_A.pdf%7F61-0205-011-000 ) and then using heat shrink to insulate part of it to make a grip? I’ve done that for various pins to make test leads (for example, banana plug to single d-sub pins and sockets).

Those would be perfect. However, not sure how to find a source for those: do you have any links to purchasable items?

And I'd do better than just heat shrink, make a proper plastic sleeve for them. Esthetics, dontcha know.
 

Offline MarkF

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #11 on: November 09, 2024, 10:34:11 pm »
They look an awful lot like the old Radio Shack analog multimeter test probes.

On eBay, I found these Radio Shack 278-712B Right Angle Pin Tip Plug Test Probe Leads
You would have to ask the seller to measure the plug diameter and length.
 

Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #12 on: November 09, 2024, 11:08:21 pm »
Those would probably fit.
But gedouttahere: I ain't paying $20 for something I can cobble together for pennies.
 

Offline MarkF

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #13 on: November 10, 2024, 12:07:20 am »
 

Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #14 on: November 10, 2024, 12:17:51 am »
Yeah, for $11.60 for 4.
Thanks but no thanks.
 


Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #16 on: November 10, 2024, 03:16:29 am »
Fine. It's in Chinese. I don't read Chinese.

So how many more unhelpful irrelevant replies will there be? C'mon, keep 'em coming!
 

Offline Nominal Animal

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #17 on: November 10, 2024, 05:01:16 am »
Non-acid curing RTV silicones as used for automotive gaskets are excellent for grippy bits.

You can also use more putty-like silicones like Sugru, Oogoo, Kintsuglue and others to mold into the grippy bits.  You'll want to use gloves for the molding/shaping, as otherwise your fingerprints can be left in the surface.  With silicone, just wet a finger to get a smooth surface.  For electrical stuff, do check their conductivity properties, though.

Next time you do SMD soldering, prepare a metal or bamboo grill skewer with a sphericalish silicone droplet at the end, like supersized matchsticks, by dipping the ends in gasket silicone.  For best results, let it cure a bit between dips, and do a few thin layers.  Otherwise it'll end up lopsided, or you need to make a mold to let them sit in while curing.

If you get the right durometer stuff (depends on what kind of hardness you prefer from your pokin' bit), they'll be nice tools to hold small parts in place while soldering.  Many automotive gasket silicones can handle the temperatures for extended periods, and don't cost much.  I always keep an eye open for cheap, low-durometer (soft) non-acid curing RTV silicone tubes myself.
 

Online J-R

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #18 on: November 10, 2024, 05:23:59 am »
Fine. It's in Chinese. I don't read Chinese.

So how many more unhelpful irrelevant replies will there be? C'mon, keep 'em coming!
I don't know why anyone would be motivated to continue to help.  You're coming across as a jerk.  You want everyone to waste their time searching the internet for you, but you're not willing to spend $10-$20 to solve the problem?
 
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Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #19 on: November 10, 2024, 05:42:38 am »
You want everyone to waste their time searching the internet for you, but you're not willing to spend $10-$20 to solve the problem?

Spend $10-20 to solve a problem that I can solve for pennies?
 

Online J-R

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #20 on: November 10, 2024, 05:43:51 am »
You want everyone to waste their time searching the internet for you, but you're not willing to spend $10-$20 to solve the problem?

Spend $10-20 to solve a problem that I can solve for pennies?
THEN SOLVE IT?
 

Online Analog KidTopic starter

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #21 on: November 10, 2024, 06:05:47 am »
So you don't understand why I get annoyed when I pose a question regarding a goddamn tip plug, a penny-ante item, which I need a longer version of--something that should cost, oh, I don't know, less than a dollar, and I get the following responses:
  • Someone's eBay auction for a set of test leads for $19.95
  • Another eBay auction for a set of tip-to-banana adapters (not at all what I was looking for, btw) for $11.60
  • A listing for yet another set of tip-to-banana adapters in a language I don't understand (or perhaps I should just drop everything and learn Chinese for the occasion?)
If that's your idea of helpful, I just don't know what to say.

As I said, if worse comes to worst I'll just make a damn plug out of a nail. I would just like a ready-made solution if one is available and doesn't cost too much.

You'll notice, BTW, that some people here have been kind enough to actually give some helpful advice in this thread.

It's people like you who make life ever so enjoyable. If you really want to be helpful, fine. Otherwise, let me suggest as politely as I know how that you just STFU.
« Last Edit: November 10, 2024, 06:07:26 am by Analog Kid »
 

Online J-R

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #22 on: November 10, 2024, 07:59:31 am »
Actually, all of the posts were very much on point with regard to trying to help solve your problem.  My link to the eBay seller came along with a specific next suggested step, and if you scroll down the listing he offers additional services upon request.  Not to mention his eBay rating is stellar.  How hard is it to just send him a message via eBay and ask if he has a suggestion??  If he doesn't, no worries, you're just trying to solve a problem and sometimes a path doesn't work out.

The tip to banana jack idea is actually quite good, because it allows you to use many popular test leads, since banana jacks are so much more common.

Fine. It's in Chinese. I don't read Chinese.

So how many more unhelpful irrelevant replies will there be? C'mon, keep 'em coming!

There is zero excuse for language concerns these days, as many browsers offer a translate function, as does https://translate.google.com and even your smartphone.

I think that comment is what really made you look like a jerk in my eyes.  Even if you didn't like some of the replies, just ignore them.  I think the only time I would really approve of a minor flame of someone is for some of the high-post-count forum users who seem to just post things without thinking, which clutters up the conversation.
 
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Offline Haenk

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #23 on: November 10, 2024, 09:14:24 am »
Otherwise, let me suggest as politely as I know how that you just STFU.

Welcome to my ignore list, well deserved.
And yes, wanting shiny, great things but not wanting to spend any money is great. Just use your old rusty nail, I guess that will work out fine. But if you already had that solution in mind, there is no reason to bother the forum.
EOM
 
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Offline tooki

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Re: Need longer tip plugs
« Reply #24 on: November 10, 2024, 11:35:43 am »
Wasn't quite sure where to post this; I hate to clutter up the Test Equipment forum with such a picayune problem.

Tip plugs: probably the most mundane electronic parts imaginable. I need some to make new test leads for a multimeter. I have some plugs, but it turns out they're not long enough to reach into the meter's sockets.
Do you actually need 19mm pin length, or is that only because the socket itself is recessed (i.e. the plug body is preventing the pin from being inserted fully)?

Both, really; the contacts are recessed far enough that the "regular" length ones (~12mm) just don't reach.

Quote
If it’s just the fat plug body that’s the problem, how about making your own plugs, e.g. by using 2mm electrical contacts (like this: https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=showdoc&DocId=Data+Sheet%7FY6-E542-000-000%7FA%7Fpdf%7FEnglish%7FENG_DS_Y6-E542-000-000_A.pdf%7F61-0205-011-000 ) and then using heat shrink to insulate part of it to make a grip? I’ve done that for various pins to make test leads (for example, banana plug to single d-sub pins and sockets).

Those would be perfect. However, not sure how to find a source for those: do you have any links to purchasable items?

And I'd do better than just heat shrink, make a proper plastic sleeve for them. Esthetics, dontcha know.
I found those on DigiKey by going into connectors > circular connectors > circular connector contacts, then filtering by pin size (2mm, though I would also look for Size 12 contacts, since those should be 2.05mm, well within tolerances) and pin gender. I usually filter by “in stock only” first, but I don’t remember if I did or not in that search.

FYI, if you don’t know where to find an electronic part that you have a part number for, a) the manufacturer websites often have a distributor stock check function, and b) use octopart.com to search across the majority of major distributors. I use it all the time.
 


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