Better Quality Retractable Alligator Clip Test Leads?

[bwringer]

I was intrigued when I got the email from Horrible Fright that included a new set of 30 foot alligator clip test leads on a little reel.

30 ft. Retractable Test Leads

Amazing deals on this 30Ft Retractable Test Leads at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

You know, that looks like a very damn good idea for all kinds of vehicle testing.

The concept is simple and brilliant. However, in person they are really cheesy, and there are a lot of complaints from users about the retracting mechanism. Plus, they're only 18 gauge wire (maybe even crappy CCA, which is a whole 'nuther rant; not sure), and over 30 feet of wire that creates a significant voltage drop.

Anyone know of a good quality set that's NOT identical Chinese-made rubbish under a weird computer-generated name?

I'm not all that picky about length -- 10 feet would be plenty for motorcycle work, and 20 feet would cover just about any car or trailer projects I might get into. But I would prefer a set that uses at least 16 gauge real copper wire.

If I Google "test leads", 99.9% of what I get are leads that plug into a meter. I don't want that; I want long leads with alligator clips on both ends.

Or maybe I could make my own... is there a covered spring-loaded retractable reel mechanism out there that might serve?

I humbly await the collective wisdom of the GJ Hive Mind...

 

[four.cycle]

Kastar makes one.
I sold a lot of them, but I never actually used one. Did you check them out?
Kastar part number 1138
catalog available on A&E Tool website which shows other models as well.

 

[qqzj]

Can't you use some crappy jumper cable?

 

[dscheidt]

I have a 15' branded NAPA. Pretty sure it's a kastar, it's likely essentially identical to the HF one (and are made in China). Mine has banananana plugs on it, instead of clips, but I have a set of clips with bananananana sockets on them. They may have came with the real, I don't remember. It's 18 gauge wire, claimed to be copper (I'm not cutting it up to figure out if that's true).

voltage drop isn't really a problem, because you don't usually use them as current carrying wire, but to extend a test point or observe a meter reading from the back of the car. almost no current flow, low voltage drop. I do sometimes use them to test a component (if I put power here, does the light light up?) but that's usually a short test, and binary (works or not).

I used to have set of shunts made out of a 25' (super flexible, high quality) extension cord. Cut the plugs off, soldered on clips big enough to fit a battery post. That worked very well. If you don't need portablity, maybe that, using an ex\tensior cored reel?

 

[Bryanthegreat]

Probably the same units that are rebranded on the tool trucks made by Lang

 

[four.cycle]

Probably the same units that are rebranded on the tool trucks made by Lang

just an FYI:

A few years back, trying to get some information, one of the sales managers at Lang told me on the telephone "Snap-on is our biggest customer."

But do feel free to pay more to the guy in the white truck if you like.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have a set that I picked up off Amazon a while back. Don't remember the brand but about 10 feet with alligator clips. Probably the same cheap Chinese but I have never had a problem with them.

I just looked through my Amazon history and the ones I have are the Lang. 10 foot 18 gauge copper.

 

[bwringer]

Can't you use some crappy jumper cable?

Yeah, I've done that in desperation a few times...

Although a related idea is to get a goodly length of something like trailer lighting cable, lamp cord, or similar and stick alligator clips on either end. Easy enough, but then you wouldn't have the spiffy little spring-loaded reel; you'd have to wind it up on a stick or something.