New multimeter probes with hooks for a beginner - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2022, 02:14:49 pm
content: I want to get some new probes for my cheap digital multimeter. I need needle points (the ones I have are sometimes too thick) and also I need hooks so I can free up my hands while I'm tinkering.Seeing as I'll only ever be a beginner hobbyist in electronics, is there any reason that options like these won't work? Thankshttps://www.ebay.ca/itm/313683386100?hash=item4908fc9ef4:g:wFMAAOSwyLhhSwHYhttps://www.amazon.ca/Multimeter-Probes-Digital-Electrical-Alligator/dp/B07GRRYJK7

author: BILLPOD
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2022, 05:25:02 pm
content: Good Morning YurkshireLad, I have these and I'm thinking of getting another set. Lots of handy bits.https://www.amazon.com/Bionso-Multimeter-Professional-Replaceable-Gold-Plated/dp/B07GNVFL5D

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2022, 10:41:36 pm
content: Quote from: BILLPOD on April 05, 2022, 05:25:02 pmDo all digital multimeters use a standard size (same depth and diameter) socket for plugging cables in?

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2022, 11:12:58 pm
content: Yes: normal multimeters use 4 mm banana jacks, and modern ones are "shrouded" for electrical safety (keeping your fingers off the male connector when you unplug it).Avoid "miniature" banana jacks, which are only 2 mm, but are almost never used on probes sold for meters.General information on the plugs themselves:https://www.warwickts.com/2149/Guide-to-Banana-Plugs

author: YurkshireLad
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2022, 11:37:58 pm
content: Thanks all. The set BillPod posted would work, though it's probably more than I need.

author: BILLPOD
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2022, 04:50:52 pm
content: As you progress in your electronics hobby you will eventually get better DMMs and you will want better test leads/probes such as Probemaster or Brymen leads.

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2022, 07:34:12 pm
content: re the mini "grabbers" out there which are not actually hooks.I have the Fluke TL940 set of Mini-Hook Test leads - with hooks that grip okhowever, I find the clamping grabber types <> will not hold as secure.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2022, 07:35:38 pm
content: Pomona makes good test leads with J-hook grabbers like their "minigrabber" series.Have a look at page 46 and onwards of their catalog:https://www.pomonaelectronics.com/sites/default/files/2074413g-en-2019_Pomona_Catalog_w.pdf

author: El Rubio
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2022, 02:49:23 pm
content: Quote from: ledtester on April 07, 2022, 07:35:38 pmThese are the ones you want. I have 2 sets for multimeters and 4 sets with BNC connections for O’scopes, etc. One of my MM sets are using Pomona “maxi-grabbers” which are about 5-6inches long. These are awesome for getting into tight locations. Quality is excellent.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 04:28:45 am
content: A good set of "electronics" type test probes seem to be what you want. Electrician sets in general have large more blunt test probes and larger accessories. They can be less than ideal for electronics depending upon the set.Now I have no idea what the brand you referenced is like. I've used Ponoma, Fluke and others. It is well worth the investment to buy high quality leads even for a cheap meter. In the end you will find that your need for leads will expand as you get more instruments and need different functionality. If you can add to your set as needed with compatible hardware you are golden. (if you are wondering I've had issues with mixing shrouded banana plug components from different manufactures) This compatibility issue shouldn't happen but I've experienced it.Also you have to consider if you want unitized test leads or the more modular sets. The modular sets being ones you can plug in to the cord ends various probes, grabbers and etc. By Unitized I mean lead assemblies you can't disassemble and have to replace entirely if you want a different end. I like the modular approach but they are not often the best choice.By the way if you are only doing low voltage you don't have to use shrouded leads. Stackable test leads & jumpers, are extremely useful when you need a meter connected to other instruments and can be very valuable for low voltage work. Shrouded can be well worth it though and if you do any high voltage at all give you a significant improvement in safety. If you do high voltage work, make sure the leads are properly rated for what you are doing.Another thing to consider is test lead length. Frankly there are many places where shorter is better, long leads can just get in the way on a bench.Frankly I'd get on Probemaster or Ponomas web sites and get a feel for what suits you. There isn't a perfect solution here, a time will come when you will wish you had a specific grabber that you saw in one of those catalogs.