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Fluke Test Leads

HaroRider

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Hey all, I am having an issue with my Fluke test leads. I bought the unit used on eBay so I am unsure if what I have is even supposed to be used together or if a piece is missing.

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/fluke-87v

I have the leads and what appear to be the alligator clips in the picture.

These are not threaded. They fit so loose in the alligator clip that it makes them so difficult for testing accurately.

Does anyone have any ideas on why this is?
 
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BMack37

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Aug 28, 2015
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Fluke has two different clips, one is 2mm that goes on the probe time and 4mm which goes on a banana plug. Both fit tight on what they're meant to be used on. Show pictures of the probe and the connection on the back of the clips. They could be well used or fakes...either the probe or the clips, or both. The probe tips are standard size so most probes should fit tight into the clips.
 

jmcf1949

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Bought my Fluke 87V fifteen years ago and the alligator clips fit just as snug now as when I bought the meter. Are you sure you have the correct parts?
 

Rabid Badger

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Apr 2, 2018
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The Fluke 87V comes with TL75 test leads and AC175 alligator clips. The alligator clips are designed to slip on to the TL75 leads or screw on to Fluke's threaded leads. When new the clips make a solid connection with the leads. If the set you have is worn to the point that they don't conduct reliably you need to replace them.

Probe Master leads are much, MUCH better than the stuff Fluke sells and are a fraction of the price. This set will replace what you have and give you additional options I guarantee will be useful in the future:

https://probemaster.com/8000-series-kits/
 

M6erfan

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I've no idea what's going on with your Fluke leads but as others have said... Probemaster.
 
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HaroRider

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I really dont want to spend the money on new leads. This is what I have. So apparently the alligator clips I have are for the 4mm banana jacks. Where can I find some nice fluke clips for these style probes?
 

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MattT

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Where can I find some nice fluke clips for these style probes?

You'll find them out in the barn inbetween the Cornwell truck and the unicorns. That style are ****. Doesn't matter who makes them.

Rabid Badger posted a link to the Fluke clips earlier in the thread. Do yourself a favor and put the money towards a decent 4mm lead set instead.
 
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HaroRider

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So are these the correct clips, and this is how they fit? If that's the case I guess I agree and its a really bad design.
 

M6erfan

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Genuine Fluke alligator clips are going to run about the same as a Probemaster test lead set (with alligator clips included) like linked above.

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-AC175-Threaded-Alligator-Flexible/dp/B00937VGY0/ref=pd_sbs_60_t_0/130-5723818-2629129?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00937VGY0&pd_rd_r=f5a1d42b-feac-475b-b03b-25c1f4de52a3&pd_rd_w=OIm4W&pd_rd_wg=yldFc&pf_rd_p=5cfcfe89-300f-47d2-b1ad-a4e27203a02a&pf_rd_r=Z7C56AX0FYZ0WSFFC2XV&psc=1&refRID=Z7C56AX0FYZ0WSFFC2XV

DO NOT buy cheap China alligator clips, they're garbage. Mueller are the best IMO.

Just get the Probemaster set. Less than $30 with free shipping, Made in USA, and are nicer than the Fluke leads.
 
Last edited:

2ndGearRubber

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While I know you mentioned not wanting to buy new leads:

I've found the best option is to just get banana jack cables and attatch the ends as required. That's how pico and snap on do it, and it's much easier to just swap tips than have multiple sets of leads with each individual type of end on them. The type you posted is nice for AC electrical and basic battery terminal sized automotive stuff. Amazon sells silicone leads with banana ends, then just buy some back probes and gators as you like.
 

Rabid Badger

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I really dont want to spend the money on new leads. This is what I have. So apparently the alligator clips I have are for the 4mm banana jacks. Where can I find some nice fluke clips for these style probes?

Those leads are shot and any readings you take with them are suspect.

I get not wanting to lay out more money but the money you spent on that meter is wasted until you have proper leads to use it with.

A mediocre meter with quality leads is a better tool than a top quality meter with ****** leads.

Trust me on the Probe Masters. You'll understand when you use them.
 

Bogie1632

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Feb 18, 2018
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I really dont want to spend the money on new leads. This is what I have. So apparently the alligator clips I have are for the 4mm banana jacks. Where can I find some nice fluke clips for these style probes?

Unless my eyes deceive me, those definitely are a mismatched probe/alligator clip set. Probe doesn't have the treaded end to screw the clips onto. As others have suggested, get a new set. You won't be disappointed. Probe master leads are cheap, nice, and have plenty of options for accessory tips to add as needed.

V/R
Bogie
 
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HaroRider

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Yea I really didnt want to spend more money. The Fluke leads seem decent to me. But the aligator clips not so much.

Maybe Ill just break down and get new leads and clips. This forum is expensive lol.
 
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