Test Leads Hook Clip Option - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 06:21:17 pm
content: I need a hook clip lead and I've seen two types. one is the "U" shaped clip and the other is a two pronged clip that opens at the end, then retracts back.Is one more preferable than the other?VS

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 07:15:08 pm
content: Double hook is way better. Especially if implemented correctly. Tektronix used to make those double grabbers with a very thin neck that could easily reach between the standard 0.1" connector pins.But they seem to be no longer available from anywhere. Looking at my eBay history, they are called "Tektronix 020-3043-00".

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 07:20:13 pm
content: Erm.The two-pronged clip is around five times larger than the hook clip and only useful for larger wires and terminals. Forget 0.1".The hook clip can be used on 0.1" terminals and DIP pins with care.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 07:50:11 pm
content: If you are looking for very small, EZ-Hook. These for example (they have many different types)https://e-z-hook.com/test-hooks/micro-hook/x2015-ultra-thin-double-gripper-micro-test-hook/Macro-sized I'd look at Probemaster. Again, they have many types of pincers and sprung hooks.https://probemaster.com/9169-sprung-hook-probe/The double-hooked one you posted seems kind of big. The other type of spring hook you show could be OK, but there are a lot of cheap-o versions in that style that are not that great.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 08:12:20 pm
content: I should have added that I am mainly going to use these to grab wires for testing, between 16 and 22 AWG. I'm just tired of messing with alligator clips for that sort of wire grabbing/testing purposes.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 08:24:52 pm
content: To be clear, all those cheap grabbers are horrible and borderline useless.Here are Tek grabbers going between 0.1" connector pins to reach to the far pins of the right angle connector. They were not cheap, but they are excellent. Unfortunately, it does not look like they are available anywhere.But for grabbing floating wires with good access, it makes no real difference.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 09:01:57 pm
content: Those look like the Tek SMG50 grabber clips that are included with certain high-performance passive probes like the P6156. The Tek p/n is 206-0364-01 and this eBay seller has some. That price is a screaming deal IMO, the EZ-Hook ones are $18 each.https://www.ebay.com/itm/373386038191

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 09:10:39 pm
content: As ataradov said, those two hook clips are basically useless, specially the second one.On Aliexpress one can find these copies of the Tek's grabbers:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32661192484.htmlorhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002181034665.htmlAnd the other day I found these micro grabbers:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000311702921.htmlandhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/32589469448.htmlI didn't order or tested it yet, so I can't say if they are any good but it looks similar to the EZ-Hook linked above.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 09:52:12 pm
content: Pomona makes SMD grabbers in the two prong style. Of course, they're not cheap.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 10:19:30 pm
content: SMG50 is indeed a good search term. They go for about $40 shipped / 20pcs, which is a great price. As far as mini grabbers go, I have not found anything that is even remotely comparable. And I definitely would not bother with knock-offs that are not that much cheaper.Although those tiny ones capable of grabbing TQFP pins are interesting. I'll order some to see how they preform.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 10:22:43 pm
content: Quote from: Microcheap on June 15, 2021, 09:10:39 pmI'm just using them to grab floating wire ends for testing purposes, not SMD work.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 10:39:00 pm
content: Quote from: DW1961 on June 15, 2021, 10:22:43 pmIf you have modular test leads then the Probemaster ones that I linked will be excellent for that purpose, as well as grabbing test points and pins.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 11:01:44 pm
content: Just for grabbing wires any of them will work. I have used the single hook version from your post, and they don't feel great, but they do work.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2021, 12:52:57 am
content: Quote from: bdunham7 on June 15, 2021, 10:39:00 pmInteresting you said that. I'm in the process of building my own male male leads for the bench supply.Anyway, I'm looking at these also so I can make male to male leads. I think I need non insulated leads for both ends?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VJ4J9KF/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B08VJ4J9KF&pd_rd_w=M8bX2&pf_rd_p=91afecf5-8b2e-41e2-9f11-dc6992c6eaa1&pd_rd_wg=E4pjI&pf_rd_r=W9DWE9K46CM6W723DAD7&pd_rd_r=fb90cf1e-66c9-4323-9512-76dc821de2cc&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzODBYV0NTMEpPN1FFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTY5MTM1MVY3RkdXVjQyQzhYNyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDMzMzIzMVZRSVpRNzBST0tRSCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2021, 01:04:33 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on June 15, 2021, 11:01:44 pmYeah, they look like garbage, but they say they will handle 10A. I could probably get a 5A job because my measurements will probably never be over 2-3 A, but then again, if I run 12V RGBs in my house, they could easily go over that. I don't want to guess about amperage and would rather just get a 10 amp lead and use 18AWG wire and not have to think abut it.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2021, 01:30:54 am
content: For high current applications I would use Wago splicing connectors -https://www.wago.com/us/discover-wire-and-splicing-connectorsKeep one side always plugged in into the power supply and use the remaining connections as needed.They are not as convenient do disconnect, but still pretty easy and no tools required.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2021, 02:40:09 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on June 16, 2021, 01:30:54 amI can get these right now for free from the Amazon review program:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XZNJS3JBut still it's for testing purposes, not running equipment. That's why I was looking at quick disconnects. I have a soldering station and everything I need to build my own. Those connectors just look bulky for testing purposes.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2021, 03:10:26 am
content: The Wago connectors I suggested are pretty quick and can be easily disconnected with a finger. The style you linked will require at least something pointy to open it up.Those things are no bulkier than the grabbers. And also they are much safer in high current situations, since nothing is exposed or can short out.

author: DW1961
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2021, 03:46:01 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on June 16, 2021, 03:10:26 amPretty interesting. I'll give them a closer look.heh:https://www.amazon.com/Splicing-Connector-Lever-Nut-Assortment-Pocket/dp/B07NKT2P2F/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=wago+connectors&qid=1623815171&sr=8-10