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Looking for test lead clips

peejay75

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2017
Messages
312
I'm having trouble finding just the alligator clips that fit this style test lead. Is there a name for this type of test lead?

Thanks!

(Edit...appears it's just a 4mm banana plug, the point on the probe is what was throwing me off...well, that and the look of the tension springs surrounding the "banana", as alot of banana plugs i see are smooth, no springs...)

1000034924.jpg
 
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richfinn

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Jan 29, 2011
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4,812
Location
Leeds, Yorkshire, England
I'm having trouble finding just the alligator clips that fit this style test lead. Is there a name for this type of test lead?

Thanks!

(Edit...appears it's just a 4mm banana plug, the point on the probe is what was throwing me off...well, that and the look of the tension springs surrounding the "banana", as alot of banana plugs i see are smooth, no springs...)

1000034924.jpg

Those are called "lantern tips" they are compatible with 4mm banana plugs (female)
 

Rusted Nut

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Dec 11, 2022
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PNW
Check out Probe Master. I bought a set of leads and probes from them last year. Very well made, great design. Family owned, made in USA; no affiliation with them, but highly recommended them

 
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iron block

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Jun 22, 2015
Messages
262
Location
Bay Area, CA
I'm having trouble finding just the alligator clips that fit this style test lead. Is there a name for this type of test lead?

I believe it is an unwritten rule on GJ that at least one reply must (a) suggest that you are asking for the wrong thing to begin with, and (b) further suggest a ridiculously over-the-top solution. :evil:

I'm here to help...

A slip-on alligator clip might not be the best solution, as it relies on a friction fit to the probe. That probe can come loose, though, if the leads are accidentally tugged or the meter falls off the bench or something. There are some cases where you **really** do not want a naked probe tip flopping around in the breeze.

OK, so that addresses GJ rule (a). :unsure:

The industrial-grade solution is to have screw-on alligator clips. These stay attached. You can get a set from Fluke for $48 AC175 clips; though you will also need the test leads themselves for another $44. TL71 test leads

And that addresses GJ rule (b)! :dunno:

On a more practical note, you might want to consider adding a second set of test leads with permanently-attached alligator clips. Should be plenty of inexpensive ones around. Just for peace of mind if you probe any high voltage points.
 
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peejay75

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Joined
Sep 4, 2017
Messages
312
I believe it is an unwritten rule on GJ that at least one reply must (a) suggest that you are asking for the wrong thing to begin with, and (b) further suggest a ridiculously over-the-top solution. :evil:
This reminds me of my subset of rules/practices:

1) if i want it, it's going to be extremely hard-to-find, and when i do find it, it's gonna be more than i would expect to pay for the equivalent, mainstream item

2) once i ultimately purchase it, i will be pleased with the aesthetics of the item, but will regret the purchase because it's all show and no go

3) i will then purchase the version everyone recommended in the first place!
 
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peejay75

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 4, 2017
Messages
312
I have never seen them made that way with the banana plug on the tip of the probe. Is the probe made on to the cable or does it unplug ?


Those are called "lantern tips" they are compatible with 4mm banana plugs (female)
Thank you!

No idea about the quality or resistance of these...
saw those, but they have the "little" .08" diameter opening (which led to me, "oh, there are 2 different sizes???")

Check out Probe Master. I bought a set of leads and probes from them last year. Very well made, great design. Family owned, made in USA; no affiliation with them, but highly recommended them
done/will do more, they may be able to "point me in the right direction!

A slip-on alligator clip might not be the best solution, as it relies on a friction fit to the probe. That probe can come loose, though, if the leads are accidentally tugged or the meter falls off the bench or something. There are some cases where you **really** do not want a naked probe tip flopping around in the breeze.

The industrial-grade solution is to have screw-on alligator clips. These stay attached. You can get a set from Fluke for $48 AC175 clips; though you will also need the test leads themselves for another $44. TL71 test leads

On a more practical note, you might want to consider adding a second set of test leads with permanently-attached alligator clips. Should be plenty of inexpensive ones around. Just for peace of mind if you probe any high voltage points.
And here I thought the "rare" ones I seek were somehow superb, but I can see the drawbacks as you've outlined. The leads in question are Craftsman, and lo and behold, I lost the negative alligator clip, ended up buying the entire test lead kit again just to replace that part, and was looking to avoid that in the future when I inevitably lose the clip(s) again! Screw-on or permanently attached would solve that problem, as would a more reliable short-term memory.
 
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