Test Lead Advice

[Mr. Scram]

At least I got the text right.   

Was this about the getting plugs stuck in sockets? The cause seems to be cheapness on my part Banana lead plugs that haven't been soldered through, which fit too loosely or too tightly, skimpy wires, you name it. I'm a bit done second guessing the gear every time I see an odd reading, with it actually being the gear 80% of the time. Having a probe lead break on me during continuity testing also was a fun one. I'm not sure what would happen if I ever stuffed any actual current through one of these leads, but I have a feeling it wouldn't be pretty. Long story short, having Chinese alternatives on hand can be nice if you don't have anything else, but I'm growing a bit tired of constantly being on my toes for reasons other than the circuit I'm working on.

I don't mind spending some money if that helps to solve the problem. I'm just not going to spend $30 a pop.

[nanofrog]

At least I got the text right.   

Was this about the getting plugs stuck in sockets? The cause seems to be cheapness on my part Banana lead plugs that haven't been soldered through, which fit too loosely or too tightly, skimpy wires, you name it. I'm a bit done second guessing the gear every time I see an odd reading, with it actually being the gear 80% of the time. Having a probe lead break on me during continuity testing also was a fun one. I'm not sure what would happen if I ever stuffed any actual current through one of these leads, but I have a feeling it wouldn't be pretty. Long story short, having Chinese alternatives on hand can be nice if you don't have anything else, but I'm growing a bit tired of constantly being on my toes for reasons other than the circuit I'm working on.

I don't mind spending some money if that helps to solve the problem. I'm just not going to spend $30 a pop.

Yes, and I certainly understand your reasoning.

FWIW, I'm fond of Mueller, but they're expensive for some things. Take the BU-78K Kelvin Clip that goes for $50.92 per for example; a bit too rich for me. E-Z Hook makes some good stuff as well. I always look for NOS for good stuff on eBay. Saved a small fortune this way.

DIY helps with quality issues (soldering or crimping). But you're right on the variance issues so it's a bit of a gamble on the banana connectors. I have found the Mueller BU-32614 clones to be decent (retractable + stackable), which is my favorite type as it's truly universal. 

[precaud]

I'd recommend Probemaster over Fluke/Pomona where possible; especially for spring loaded probes as they're better quality. {snip}

FWIW, Fluke owns Pomona and the quality has taken a turn for the worse (Danaher/Fortive). 

My recent experience agrees with that. I just bought some Pomona minigrabbers to make up some odd-length test leads. The springs in these new ones are mush compared to the old ones, which are nice and firm. The new ones are unusable, IMO.

[nanofrog]

I'd recommend Probemaster over Fluke/Pomona where possible; especially for spring loaded probes as they're better quality. {snip}

FWIW, Fluke owns Pomona and the quality has taken a turn for the worse (Danaher/Fortive). 

My recent experience agrees with that. I just bought some Pomona minigrabbers to make up some odd-length test leads. The springs in these new ones are mush compared to the old ones, which are nice and firm. The new ones are unusable, IMO.

FWIW, I was talking about Probemaster's Spring Loaded Micro-Tip Test Lead Kit as the Pomona version uses thinner wire and there's no strain relief so the wire goes intermittent/breaks open.

Good to know about Pomona's current minigrabbers. If you find anything that was made in the ITT ownership era, you should be OK IMHO (i.e. NOS from eBay).

Otherwise give E-Z Hook or Mueller a look (links are to their plunger & grabber connectors).

[David Hess]

My favorite test probes are the ones I have made myself using test lead wire, banana jacks or a 3/4" dual banana jack, a steel or stainless steel probe, and an alligator clip.  For premade probes, I sometimes replace the negative test probe with an alligator clip.