Non-Junk Test Lead / Jumper Wire Kits

[Bronco Leonard]

I've recently upgraded my entire bench with some nice new test equipment (hobby level, nothing too fancy) and find myself still using cheap, crappy old jumper wires.  I've searched this site plus a number of suppliers and still can't find what I want.  I'm looking for decent quality small grabber-to-grabber and alligator-to-alligator and banana-to-grabber and banana-to-alligator leads using quality wire and connectors.  I'm ready to toss all that $5 to $10 dollar kit stuff which are just complete crap.  I've got all the true test leads I need for my multimeters and my new Rigol scope and power supply, etc.  I just want various connector wires.  (BTW, I'm not talking about breadboarding jumpers.)

Who makes better quality equivalents of these cheap (= crap) patch wire Emerson-type  kits?  I'm not looking to spend Pomona or Mueller level money, but there must be something in between.  I also would rather buy them pre-made rather than building my own.  Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance for any help.

[CustomEngineerer]

EZ Hook (http://www.e-z-hook.com/index.html) are generally cheaper than Pomona, and almost as quality. If you have a fry's near you they tend to carry EZ Hook along with Pomona connectors.

[Bronco Leonard]

During a trip to Fry's a couple of years ago, I remember seeing some sets that seemed to be well made and were priced well above the "Emerson" stuff but significantly less than the Pomona, etc.  They were probably the ones you described.  I'll poke around and have a look.  Thanks.

[retiredcaps]

Franky, a respected member here, and honest seller has possibly what you are looking for

http://stores.ebay.ca/99centHobbies

Martin's review



I have no financial incentive or ties with Franky.

Franky was also on eevblab #20

[billfernandez]

These are probably not as small as you want (because they're test leads), but just in case:  I've found the Extech TL809 Electronic Test Lead Kit (with grabbers, alligator clips and banana plugs) to be both inexpensive and good.

[Bronco Leonard]

OP here: thank you for the responses.  I've just ordered some leads from Franky and will also grab some E-Z Hooks items from my local Fry's and see how they all work out.  If I see any interesting differences, I'll report back.  Thanks again.

[rsjsouza]

EZ Hook (http://www.e-z-hook.com/index.html) are generally cheaper than Pomona, and almost as quality. If you have a fry's near you they tend to carry EZ Hook along with Pomona connectors.

I have some of the EZ-HOOK mini hooks purchased at Fry's and not only they are cheaper than other brand name ones but also work quite well.

[nanofrog]

EZ Hook (http://www.e-z-hook.com/index.html) are generally cheaper than Pomona, and almost as quality. If you have a fry's near you they tend to carry EZ Hook along with Pomona connectors.

I have some of the EZ-HOOK mini hooks purchased at Fry's and not only they are cheaper than other brand name ones but also work quite well.

How's the pricing vs. Probemaster?

[rsjsouza]

EZ Hook (http://www.e-z-hook.com/index.html) are generally cheaper than Pomona, and almost as quality. If you have a fry's near you they tend to carry EZ Hook along with Pomona connectors.

I have some of the EZ-HOOK mini hooks purchased at Fry's and not only they are cheaper than other brand name ones but also work quite well.

How's the pricing vs. Probemaster?

The difference is significant in relative terms: about US$2.50: (compare here and here).

[nanofrog]

EZ Hook (http://www.e-z-hook.com/index.html) are generally cheaper than Pomona, and almost as quality. If you have a fry's near you they tend to carry EZ Hook along with Pomona connectors.

I have some of the EZ-HOOK mini hooks purchased at Fry's and not only they are cheaper than other brand name ones but also work quite well.

How's the pricing vs. Probemaster?

The difference is significant in relative terms: about US$2.50: (compare here and here).

Thanks. 

I guess that extra $2.50 is the silicone wire tax. 

FWIW, you can find silicone insulated wire in 20AWG and make your own (I have seen just the mini-grabbers themselves at $0.86 per on their own website). Or buy from Franky.