Replacement lantern springs? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Signal Simon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2020, 07:14:46 pm
content: Hi all,Just wondering if anyone knows if replacement 4mm lantern contact springs are available for test lead probes?Not the screw on attachment for threaded probes, just the springs themselves for fixed probes - although I see myself having to buy some probes or attachments to remove the springs from.I've tried numerous searches with no luck.I have quite a few test leads, mainly MEGGER ones where the lantern spring has broken in half and fallen out as I removed the croc clip, so can no longer make a reliable contact with the socket in the croc clip attachment.As the test leads themselves are in good condition, I would like to replace the lantern springs to get a few more years out of them.Thanks,Simon.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2020, 07:54:38 pm
content: I think I would look around the electronics distributor sites and try to find some ordinary 4mm jack plugs with suitable lantern springs of similar dimensions that can be salvaged. It's bound to be a far cheaper route than buying probes. Lantern style 4mm jack plugs are very common.

author: Signal Simon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2020, 02:46:46 pm
content: Cheers Gyro, that's what I thought I might end up doing anyway.I thought that if I could get the springs on their own, I would not risk stretching them while removing from another similar 4mm plug.Simon.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2020, 08:12:37 pm
content: The lanterns presumably had enough stretch in them to be slid over the end of the plug and into their locating slot in the first place. The only methods I can think of to minimise stretching..1) Gently spread the slit in the leading end of the lantern with a blade while sliding it off. Refit to the plug on your probe the other way round.2) try to insert a shim to get the lantern over the step (piston ring removal style), probably the least feasible.3) Snap, saw or twist the end of the plug off (it ought to break in the necked section) - given that any plugs you get as lantern donors are sacrificial anyway, that could be the safest option.It might be possible to gently squeeze the ends of the lanterns down a bit before re-fitting too.Chris.

author: DickensCar
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 22, 2021, 08:52:19 pm
content: Hi. I ran into the same problem, but I was camping and my family and I lost one light source. I had spare springs at home, you have to look them up on websites, they are for sale. When I fixed the lantern, the spring started getting really hot for some reason. I thought I had wired it wrong, so I decided not to bother and get a new light. I ordered one fromhttps://www.amazon.com/Vont-Hurricane-Emergency-Collapsible-Batteries/dp/B00NPLSZF8and it was much cooler than my previous ones. I replaced all of my old ones with several of these and they have been working perfectly for a year now. I am not exaggerating.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 12:35:40 am
content: I'm leaning towards this approach:Quote from: Gyro on October 06, 2020, 08:12:37 pm

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2021, 06:17:10 am
content: Honestly I'd buy new probes and test leads. Especially if that MEGGER is a instrument with high voltage output.I actually see test leads, in almost any form factor, as expendable wear times. The last thing you want is an electrical shock. Your life is worth far more than the cost of a test lead set.