Multimeter Leads and Accessories

[TorqueRanger]

I picked up a fluke 77 Series II and the leads that came with it are like brand new but are good for some electronic stuff but I was thinking about getting a finer point set of leads .. So I found a couple on ebay for a good price ... But I would like to  know is it worth building your own set with better quality or just buy a set and are the cheap Chinese leads sets any good

Acersserty
Also I need to pick up a set of these  and are the chinese ones any good or am I better off buying a quality set



Thanks
Jay

[nanofrog]

You're better off buying from a quality vendor IMHO.

That doesn't necessarily mean crazy expensive though. I'd recommend browsing around Probemaster's site (http://www.probemaster.com/), and see if they have what you're interested in, as I find the quality similar to Fluke (i.e. good ends and silicone insulation on leads), but at better prices.

[marshallh]

I bought a $15 ebay pair.

They sat in the mailbox for quite a while (15 degrees F) and they were rock-hard when i pulled them out of the package.

0.9 ohms resistance. Pretty high. Continuity tester is noticeably less responsive compared to the original, but very worn Fluke leads.

That $15 is best put towards a better set you won't have to replace 2 years later when the insulation cracks and becomes brittle/turns white. The alligator clip shrouds are rock hard and completely useless.

[Monkeh]

These are rather nice little sets for the money: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-USA-MADE-MILITARY-ELWYN-16PC-METER-DVM-TEST-LEADS-SET-PROBE-BANANA-PLUG-CASE-/190782790940?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6b8a5d1c

[mazurov]

This:

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/product.jspx?cc=US&lc=eng&nid=-536902470.536880343&pageMode=OV

Spring-loaded tips are awesome.

[alm]

This:

http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/product.jspx?cc=US&lc=eng&nid=-536902470.536880343&pageMode=OV

Spring-loaded tips are awesome.

Note that these are the rebranded Pomona probes. Fluke also sells them.

[mazurov]

Do you have a Pomona model number by any chance? I like the Agilent ones and thinking about getting a second pair to equip my second bench.

[alm]

Pomona 6341 or Fluke TL910.

[mazurov]

Thanks!

I checked the prices - the Agilent branded one is still the cheapest at $32. Pomona is 40-ish and Fluke is 53.

[ve7xen]

I bought a $15 ebay pair.

For $15 you can get Pomona 5519a, which is I think the OEM for Fluke's TL71. They're excellent quality, basic leads. Just tack it on to your next parts order.

[nanofrog]

Thanks!

I checked the prices - the Agilent branded one is still the cheapest at $32. Pomona is 40-ish and Fluke is 53.

For standard leads, you can get a set of leads (8000 series) for $14.90, a kit for $26.90, and a Master Kit for $49.90.

Leads http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_12&products_id=198
Kit http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_12&products_id=39
Master Kit http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_12&products_id=285

They also offer a Spring Loaded Probe Set ($35.90 for Rt. Angle Banana's) http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_16&products_id=40.

Nicer than Agilent IMHO (I have used both). Though both use silicone insulation, the Probemaster is more flexible (Probemaster, Fluke, and Pomona use 18AWG, Agilent uses 16AWG). The grips on the probes themselves is something you'll have to try for yourself (aka Softie probes, which will flex in your hand instead of rigid plastic sticks). Not a safety issue at all; in fact, as you have more control, they can be easier to manipulate in tight spaces. 

[mazurov]

Thanks! The spring loaded variant with straight banana tips looks good - it will mate with old Tektronix voltmeter which won't take shrouded tips.

[nanofrog]

Thanks! The spring loaded variant with straight banana tips looks good - it will mate with old Tektronix voltmeter which won't take shrouded tips.

Probemaster is good about offering multiple banana styles for their product lines. 

[IanB]

Take a look at these:





I have both items and use them a lot.