is it possible to make a Power Probe?

[Mr_Sunn93]

Hello forum,
Ive just started in the automotive industry and was looking into purchasing tools for electrical diagnostics, and was interested in a power probe but i dont have enough funds for it at the moment is there a way to construct one? Any help and answers are Much appreciated !

 

[Lx460]

I suppose it's doable but here's one for $40...makes you think "is it really worth it". You'd have a small investment between the case design and build (your time is worth something), the switch, circuit breaker, probe lead, etc...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271698392356

 

[dowmace]

A project box a long machine screw, a nut for the screw. Some wire and alligator clips plus a spring switch. That gets you power at the press of the switch but you'll still not have the breaker or display.

 

[ford33]

I know you said that money is not available but should you get a gift of cash for the holiday's, Amazon has the PP3 with lead set for $114.

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Probe-PP3LS01-Circuit-Tester/dp/B007QV0R7W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418200668&sr=8-1&keywords=power+probe+3&pebp=1418200694413

 

[Iroc-Z]

To be honest I have a test light and a power prob and I rarely grab the power probe.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

There isn't much you can't do with a good voltmeter, some pins, and a set of alligator clip test leads.

 

[kf4zht]

I would just buy a multimeter. If you can't afford a PP then you probably can't afford to replace whatever you will smoke with it. Not saying you are a bad mechanic but everyone smokes something with a powerprobe

If you have to make one pick up some quaility duplex wire, one of these: http://www.bgmicro.com/mini-dc-panel-mount-voltage-meter-blue.aspx, a DPDT momentary switch, project box, few LEDs and hack up a meter lead set. Guessing you could do it for around $30 depending on how long the power leads were and what quality wire.

 

[Mr_Sunn93]

Sounds good! Thank you all for the input , i am having some doubt of getting the power probe, seeing as how I am just starting out I might ruin a delicate Circuit, as pointed out earlier. :0 haha
Seeing as how a multimeter was brought up , what would be a good starter meter?
I have looked at the Innova 3320 and the craftsman 8 function meter but i dont know which would be better?

 

[gte718p]

Yes PP2 is easy to make. The new one has a bunch of new features that make it a little harder to make. If you know what your doing and have the tools it is trivial to make (even the new one). If you have to ask it will probably be easier and cheaper to buy.