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Recommend some multimeter leads

pendragon1998

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I just got a Fluke 17B which came with regular leads. I'd like to buy a set of clip on leads, and maybe something to backprobe harnesses. Suggestions? I know to avoid cheap leads, but I am a home guy trying to save a buck, too.
 
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matt stott

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the Fluke leads are really hard to beat. I like the TL-175 set for a basic kit, but use the TLK225 daily for the flexibility of changing the tip styles. Been using them at work for decades now- they only get replaced when I do something dumb with them.

I did just buy a set (Probemaster 8017S) from Jensen about a year ago. They feel and work nicely and have held up well so far.... Very impressed for the price.

Matt
 
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pendragon1998

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Fluke TL-71 are really nice.

That's basically what I have now. TL75 leads.

pR-RMXEMP8VzLt89p1FnjhH92fC3WkkfZVUp_wNjVG8n3TFUMFzeQ8dKoxafZKF8H1YAMan8QQl-_BG89HdHYgkjLAtI0gyoURIsu-FHzGQBEC9v1SwNxxYvfVESpC7iEZ6ggKdaGJvsqIcp0_81eceuEwfATqpg2tgH-ZSyGu_gLze0TgI=s500-pd-e365-rw-pc0xffffff


I want something to clip on like an alligator clip. Like last night, I needed to clip onto a 1/4" motor terminal while I was testing my dryer motor.
 

Slednut

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I use clips form a **** set/telephone test set, they have the bed of nails too. I cut the probes off and put them on the ends myself.
 

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rlitman

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I use clips form a **** set/telephone test set, they have the bed of nails too. I cut the probes off and put them on the ends myself.

Safe for low voltage applications, but crazy dangerous when testing line voltage motor leads.

This is what I use at work:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4OY0W8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Currently unavailable on Amazone, but I see them on eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/323278609831?ViewItem=&item=323278609831

Super flexible silicone insulation, 1000V Cat IV rating. The probe tips screw on and off the wires, as do the clamps, and the wire ends are finger safe with the tips removed. Plus the clamps have full insulation coverage, and will grab things over an inch in size (I'll use them on 350MCM and larger terminal blocks).
 

FigureItOut

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the Fluke leads are really hard to beat. I like the TL-175 set for a basic kit, but use the TLK225 daily for the flexibility of changing the tip styles.
Matt



The Fluke TL224 is what you're looking for.

These guys are both suggesting the same leads I use, the TL224 is just the leads with no probe tips, while the TLK225 is a larger kit. I use Fluke TL223, which has AC220 SureGrip Alligator Clip Set, TP1 Slim-Reach Test Probes, and a TL224 SureGrip Silicone Test Lead Set. Great setup for me, along with a couple pieces from Power Probe and the Electronic Specialties 142-5 Flexible Silicon Back Probe Pins. Screenshot_20180627-172419.jpeg

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theoldwizard1

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Pomona (owned by Fluke) has been the electronics industry leader for leads, clips, adapter for as long as I can remember. Google Pomona 5903A or Pomona 6530A. Expensive, but they are the best !
 
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CooperS

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I stumbled on to this thread and remembered I have been looking for a replacement set for a few years for a decent Craftsman DVOM that the leads have just fallen apart(wires just pulled out of the probe). The meter is fine but the leads are just ****. Are all these leads the same size on the meter plug end?


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Wrench97

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No you'll need to measure them, some of those old Craftsman units had smaller leads.
4mm is the most common now on better DVOM's
See here> blog.muellerelectric.com/what-size-banana-plug-are-you-using
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mrjaw14

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TL224 is what you want, OR Pomona makes a lot of the leads for fluke, so i sometimes buy Pomona if I get a deal on them. Pomona 5907A Iec 1010 Test Leads is their version of the TL224. There's about $10 difference between them.
 

Bartleby

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I just got a Fluke 17B which came with regular leads. I'd like to buy a set of clip on leads, and maybe something to backprobe harnesses. Suggestions? I know to avoid cheap leads, but I am a home guy trying to save a buck, too.

I would buy the following:

1. Pomona 5907A or Fluke TL224 made in China. Those Flukes worked well for me so far.

2. Get some of these Alligator clips

3. Pomona backprobe pins that you can plug the leads into. Personally, I just use T-pins.

AESWave has other styles that you might like.

4. Also consider Pomona 6405 that you can use to tap into a wire.

AESWave also have their own, which I've used and like a lot.
 
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MikeF2316

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I was disappointed with the leads that came with my Fluke too. On the recommendations of the great minds of Garage Journal, I bought a Pomona 6530 kit. I've been very happy with them.
 

Rickss96

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I would buy the following:

3. Pomona backprobe pins that you can plug the leads into. Personally, I just use T-pins.

4. Also consider Pomona 6405 that you can use to tap into a wire.
/QUOTE]

Have used Pomona leads for many years with no problems.
I also use T-pins for back probe, they work fine. Go to a sewing shop and buy a box for a few bucks.
I never use a piercing probe if it can be avoided. don't want to leave a hole in the insulation.

Good advice there in #21 to check size/style of your banana plugs. An older Craftsman meter may not accept these newer safety shielded plugs.
 

Fatboyslim

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Aug 24, 2014
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I have the Fluke TLK289 Industrial Master Test Lead Set. It has everything I have needed plus great quality
 

Jeeper

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cstmg8

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I'm surprised that no one has suggested magnetic leads. They are very convenient in most situations and are easier than alligator clips.

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Dingleburry

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TL223 -1 SureGrip™ Electrical Test Lead Set is my fav set of leads

F-tl223-1_01a_s_328x220px.jpg


Beware, they dont fit in outlets. I very rarely use non insulated tips. Only use them if i need to jam them into outlets.
 
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theoldwizard1

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On the recommendations of the great minds of Garage Journal, I bought a Pomona 6530 kit. I've been very happy with them.
Several years ago I "treated" myself to a good set of leads, clips and probes. I bought the Pomona 6530A set. Slightly different.

6530.JPG 6530A.JPG

Mine came in a roll up pouch. I was not complete satisfied so I added

• A set (1 red, 1 black) of 48" sheathed banana-banana plug leads
• A set (1 red, 1 black) of sheathed banana plug splices/couplers (Pomona 6252)
6252.JPG
• 4 - standard size alligator clip, 2 with red insulators and 2 with black insulators
• 1 - 84" black banana-banana plug lead


I know I spent 3 - 4 times what I paid for my meter, but if you can not get a good connection to what you are trying measure, what is the use of having a top dollar DMM ?
 

MikeF2316

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Several years ago I "treated" myself to a good set of leads, clips and probes. I bought the Pomona 6530A set. Slightly different.

6530.JPG 6530A.JPG

Mine came in a roll up pouch. I was not complete satisfied so I added

• A set (1 red, 1 black) of 48" sheathed banana-banana plug leads
• A set (1 red, 1 black) of sheathed banana plug splices/couplers (Pomona 6252)
6252.JPG
• 4 - standard size alligator clip, 2 with red insulators and 2 with black insulators
• 1 - 84" black banana-banana plug lead


I know I spent 3 - 4 times what I paid for my meter, but if you can not get a good connection to what you are trying measure, what is the use of having a top dollar DMM ?

I agree. The leads are as important as the meter. I hate those cheap stiff ones that want to stay folded up as they were when you bought them. I didn't like the Pomona pouch either. I keep all of the bits that are not in use in one of those removable pouches that comes inside a laptop bag.
 
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pendragon1998

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Should I watch out for those cheap 'genuine fluke leads' I see all over ebay that are way cheaper than they are on Amazon? Are they fake?
 

MikeF2316

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Should I watch out for those cheap 'genuine fluke leads' I see all over ebay that are way cheaper than they are on Amazon? Are they fake?

I have genuine Fluke leads that I wouldn't sell to anybody. They are way too stiff to be considered quality leads. These are the ones that came with my 233. So I'll bet those are genuine leads that people don't like.
 

ChevyEFI

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Phoenix, AZ
Should I ask what the circumcised 4mm banana plugs leads are for the Non-Fluke stuff? My Sunpro set are busted, and the free HF meter leads are way too short. Or should I pony up for an upgrade?
 
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