Multimeter leads

[tmmdmmm]

Every time I find myself needing some very fine leads I say I'll buy them. Every time I say I'll buy them I don't.
Tired of having to MacGyver or risk ruining a harness when trying to pinpoint solutions to those odd headaches. Its not often, but ideally I'd like to have some probes that are thin enough to stick straight into connectors without damaging them.
Anyone have any recommendations?

[slimslob]

Re: Multimeter leads

If you have any production finishers that cut staples to the needed length, cut off about a 1 inch length. Just the right size for what you want and stands up far enough to attach a clip probe to. Used them for years.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Multimeter leads

For those of you who went to Electronics School, you'll probably remember using a Logic Probe. The clips used on a logic probe are ideal for getting into tight spaces without fear of shorting out something.

The other end can be connected to a multimeter probe.


Keysight Technologies - U1163A - Grabber Clip Black/Red 3A 300V Rating - Allied Electronics & Automation

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Multimeter leads

A picture (video) is worth a thousand words?

[slimslob]

Re: Multimeter leads

For those of you who went to Electronics School, you'll probably remember using a Logic Probe. The clips used on a logic probe are ideal for getting into tight spaces without fear of shorting out something.

The other end can be connected to a multimeter probe.


Keysight Technologies - U1163A - Grabber Clip Black/Red 3A 300V Rating - Allied Electronics & Automation

A picture (video) is worth a thousand words?

Yep, those the type that I used to attached to the staples.

[blackcat4866]

Re: Multimeter leads

I keep a film canister of straight pins and a set of small alligator clip leads in my case. When metering out small connectors, I push a straight pin into the connector & clip the ground to frame. If I cannot get into a particular connector I push the pin into the wire insulation (without damaging it too much).

I've shrink wrapped a couple of pins, for situations where the contact points are close and the pins can arc.

While I'm driving between calls, I have imagined a lead with a clamping device on the end (like a miniature drill chuck), in which I could clamp a fresh straight pin (when the previous one became too bent up). A straight pin is 0.026" (#71). These thoughts have never come to anything ... but there you are.

Titan 11003 - 27 Piece Micro Drill Set with Driver _ Google Shopping.pdf

[anothertech]

Re: Multimeter leads

Just type "needle tip meter leads" into google, or Amazon. Plenty of choices.

[KenB]

Re: Multimeter leads

Years ago, I used an inexpensive set of leads, and soldered a sewing needle to each tip, extending by about a half inch or so.

I then covered all but about the last eighth inch or so with heat shrink tubing, and heated it.

This let me poke into tight places, and the needles were sharp enough to pierce most insulation without damaging it.

I used a small pencil eraser to cover the tips when not in use. In addition, they cleaned the tips each time they were taken off or put on.

Very inexpensive and effective.

[slimslob]

Re: Multimeter leads

Years ago, I used an inexpensive set of leads, and soldered a sewing needle to each tip, extending by about a half inch or so.

I then covered all but about the last eighth inch or so with heat shrink tubing, and heated it.

This let me poke into tight places, and the needles were sharp enough to pierce most insulation without damaging it.

I used a small pencil eraser to cover the tips when not in use. In addition, they cleaned the tips each time they were taken off or put on.

Very inexpensive and effective.

Reminds me of a trick I used to use when soldering in tight spaces. Before plugging in the soldering iron to get hot I would wrap a length of 26 or 28 gauge copper wire around the tip and let it extend about an inch beyond the tip.