Finest possible multimeter test leads? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: JGAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 08:50:14 pm
content: Don't really know much about multimeters, only how to use one so bare with meI'm looking for test leads that are fine enough to use with mobile devices -- 01005, 0201 packages in a high density. I have tried sewing needles (sharps #7) soldered to the ends of my current ones, and they are exact enough for what I do but for some reason they don't have good conductivity/continuity -- I'm guessing they are coated with something that insulates them.So far,thisis the only thing I can find, but it is from China and I'm not sure of the quality. Where can I find/what do I search for multimeter test leads that are as fine as sewing needles?

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 08:56:02 pm
content: Fluke's TL910 are pretty sharp:http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-TL910-Electronic-Test-Probes/dp/B000VRJH0G

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 08:57:26 pm
content: Not as sharp as needles, but I use Fluke TL910 for very fine work.http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-TL910-Electronic-Test-Probes/dp/B000VRJH0GEdit: Wytnucls bet me to it...

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 08:59:33 pm
content: It might be possible to solder some gold plated pogo pins to a cheap set of meter leads.Pogo pins are pretty sharp.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 08:59:52 pm
content: Also check out POMONA 6341http://uk.farnell.com/pomona/6341/test-lead-set-blk-red-1m-60v-3a/dp/4135775

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 09:16:30 pm
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on June 28, 2015, 08:56:02 pmI second these. They come with both solid and spring pogo-pin tips and are sharp enough to draw blood.

author: JGAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 09:26:09 pm
content: What exactly are pogo pins?

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 09:26:56 pm
content: Quote from: JGAN on June 28, 2015, 09:26:09 pmThey're sprung pins.. So they compress a little when you probe with them.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 09:31:47 pm
content: Quote from: JGAN on June 28, 2015, 09:26:09 pmhttp://www.mouser.com/ds/2/193/70-15233.pdfUse tip type B

author: corax
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 09:39:34 pm
content: These fit on the ends of the regular probes:http://us.flukecal.com/products/accessories/test-leads-probes-and-clips/8845a-efptThey are pretty sharp, but not quite as fine as sewing needles.

author: EvilGeniusSkis
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 10:11:00 pm
content: I made a set of probes for lo voltage work out of a couple cheepo pens, wire and sewing needles, work well, just store them with something over the tips, figured that one out the hard way.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 10:36:39 pm
content: Take an empty genuine BIC ballpoint with the cone shaped tip. Remove and discard ink tube and wash out ink from tip with WD40 or similar. Push brass part of tip out. Punch the tiny ball out from the brass part with a small hard pin from the inside. Rinse brass part with IPA. *Either* dip a needle in conc. copper sulphate solution to flash plate it with copper so its easily solderable, then when there's enough copper on it, rinse with water then IPA *or* get a gold plated needle. Solder in place in the brass part of the tip with a few mm protruding. Reinstall in plastic part of the tip. Drill the end plug at the top of the body to suit the test lead wire, thread it through and solder to the eye of the needle. Reassemble and use BIC cap to guard the point while its in your toolbag.I wouldn't care to use such a probe at greater than SELV voltages, but for low voltage work its quite usable and if you need a thin sharp probe that can access an individual QFN package pin, its about the cheapest that's effective.

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 10:41:20 pm
content: I have a set of dmm leads from:http://www.probemaster.com/index.php?cPath=2They are spring loaded, gold plated SHARP tips. Excellent for probing tiny devices and the tips are SHARP!!Nice silicone wire, nice soft probes in your hands and highly recommended.cheers,george.

author: JGAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 11:00:12 pm
content: Sawtheseon probemaster. The 8161 are .013 inches, is that the radius or diameter at the point?

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 11:07:28 pm
content: Radius of the probe, the tip is needle sharp. They are spring loaded and will pierce you skin just with the spring pressure as an example of how sharp they are.I have a set of 0.040" tips (just measured) which is still quite tiny and the tips are needle sharp and taper quite a bit from the tip - so very low profile for fitting between components.cheers,george.

author: georges80
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 11:16:07 pm
content: Quick picture. You can look up the chip datasheet to get an idea of the lead width/pitch. Discretes are 0603 size for some perspective.cheers,george.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 28, 2015, 11:43:29 pm
content: Many (maybe most) pins are brass with a nickel plate. Hard to solder to. Not particularly strong so they are easily bent. Sewing needles are almost always steel so won't bend easily, but again may be chrome or nickel plated for appearance and smoothness (suits the actual purpose). They are also hard to solder, so I suspect your resistance issues came at the solder joint.I would think you could get what you want by using needles, with appropriate treatment pre-solder treatment. Sand or grind the coating off the back end, use appropriate flux and go wild. You might also have to take the coating off the tip using a small stone like you would use when sharpening a knife.

author: CrashO
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 12:38:11 am
content: I useHIRSCHMANNprobes hooked on to my standard banana leads, which are pretty sharp. Iuseabuse them reguarly to bend leads on PowerSSO-36 packages (0,5mm pitch, making the space i'm using to wiggle them to the side about 0,25mm). Because my tweezers won't fit between the leads, but the probe does..

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 12:55:15 am
content: And the ones you've linked in the original message are really cheaply made, so if you are a multimeter snob, or worry about working with high energy circuits, then stay away. Otherwise, they work perfectly fine and they are very sharp.Here is a cheaper versionhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/111288483688But if you do need to use them on a regular basis, then go for more expensive stuff.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 02:05:33 am
content: I use small croc clips on hypodermic needles. Cheap, and disposable when they eventually lose their edge.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 03:40:18 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on June 28, 2015, 08:56:02 pmQuote from: orbiter on June 28, 2015, 08:59:52 pmPomona OEM for Fluke and Agilent/Keysight on that part, very fine if you get the set of tips with crowns as well as sharp points. The downside is the cables wear out and go open circuit quickly in day to day use.

author: gaijin
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 04:48:28 am
content: TL910s are nice but I've had 2 brand new sets open or intermittent right out of the package.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 05:10:20 am
content: Yes the stupid expensive fluke Panoma made pogo pin test probes doesn't last. I have one the pins just slide in and bottom out its annoying and the electrical connection goes open once a while so it really makes testing test leads very time consuming. The leads are very light and flexible no doubt made of thin gauge wires which snaps easily if tugged accidentally. Great for probing smd pcbs only when it works. The pogo pins can be quite flimsy. Looks cool sex on stick but it's got STD avoid at all cost, overpriced piece of garbage.Extremely disappointed with them!!!!I have these two in my watch list forever never got around buying them but it should serve well.http://www.ebay.com/itm/111016849664http://www.ebay.com/itm/221292518412

author: daddario
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 08:07:20 am
content: I'd recommend the PRUEF 2 from Hirschmann:http://www.sks-kontakt.de/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_sks_all.tpl&product_id=73&category_id=21&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=121&lang=en

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 08:42:28 am
content: Quote from: JGAN on June 28, 2015, 08:50:14 pmGet these:http://uk.farnell.com/hirschmann-testmeasurement/932959001/test-lead-kit/dp/1011414I'm using these all the time. I even got 2 sets.

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 09:11:26 am
content: What gaijin and nukie saidWhich is unfortunate because they are a nice probe to handle

author: meeder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2015, 11:07:09 am
content: The leads I got with my BM869s are sharp as hell and work really nice.

author: joeqsmith
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2015, 12:18:30 am
content: For fine pitch, I have my Fluke and Probe Master probes. The Fluke are a little finer but the long length of the Probe Master ones comes in handy often. Shown next to 20 MIL QFP.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2015, 12:03:05 pm
content: Fluke TP88 or Pomona Model 6544 Rigid Back Probe Pin? These push on to Fluke TL71 and TL75 probes if you have them.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2015, 01:01:12 pm
content: Quote from: joeqsmith on June 30, 2015, 12:18:30 amI have the Probemaster version of the Fluke/Pomona (Probemaster 8150), as well as the Probemaster you've photographed. Much prefer the pogo set (more ergonomic IME), and they'll usually reach.One caution though, the pointed pogo tips are so sharp they can make you bleed (I didn't even feel it, just noticed the blood afterwards).

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2015, 09:45:38 pm
content: Quote from: corax on June 28, 2015, 09:39:34 pmI have a set of these and they are great for probing small stuff. Just don't stick yourself. Draws blood really easily.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 05:52:49 am
content: At the recommendation of some of you in this thread, I ordered some probemaster leads and like them a lot.The Probemaster lead wiring is *extremely* supple, quite nice. I also like how the probe bodies are short and easy to maneuver.From left-right:Fluke 287 OEM leads34465A OEM leadsBM257s OEM leads (from TME.eu)Probemaster 8028S (http://probemaster.com/8000-series-kits/)Probemaster 8151 (http://probemaster.com/micro-tip-probe-kit/)Fluke TL910

author: JGAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2015, 07:17:25 am
content: Mmmmm... Those Probemasters definitely look really nice and shiny; I almost want to lick themI have been out of town for a couple of weeks so I haven't ordered any yet, but I think those are what I am going to go for when I get back. But if anybody else has any other suggestions, keep it going! You guys are the best, thanks again!!

author: JGAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 02:19:14 am
content: Finally got my Probemaster 8150 probes and used them today while working! They are amazing so far. Supple PVC wire, ergonomic grip, perfect length. Would definitely recommend them for the money.I took some photos of them in use as well as compared to some other probes. The album ishere.Thanks for your help everyone!

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 03:06:21 am
content: Another vote for Probemaster. I have several sets of their 8000 series, and I really like the fact that you can just screw on different accessories like alligator clips, spring loaded test clips, spade connectors, etc. Actually I use them on my power supply too - usually with alligator clips, but the probe tips are awesome for applying voltage to parts of a circuit during testing.Highly recommended, the set I got with various screw-on attachments was $28. And they are by far the sharpest probes I have in my collection.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 05:56:52 am
content: Quote from: JGAN on July 22, 2015, 02:19:14 amNice close-ups of the tips. Did you get the set with the assorted pogo pin tips?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2015, 03:19:23 pm
content: Quote from: JGAN on July 22, 2015, 02:19:14 amGlad you like them.BTW, the wire insulation is silicone, not PVC (PVC isn't that supple, and it gets harder over time, making the wire stiffen).

author: Redeeman
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 06:23:02 pm
content: I dont own the following probes, but browsing frankies store, i noticed these:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Test-Probes-Extra-Thin-and-Sharp-0-7mm-Stainless-Steel-Tip-1-Pair-Red-Black-/200922717139http://www.ebay.com/itm/Test-Probes-Sharp-1mm-Stainless-Steel-Tip-1-Pair-Red-Black-/200901433108http://www.ebay.com/itm/Test-Probes-Stainless-Steel-Tip-1-Pair-Red-Black-/170997180341might be of interest

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 06:30:13 pm
content: Try the TP88 tips for your FLUKE probes:

author: pascal_sweden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 06:41:55 pm
content: Why does the Probemaster 8028S have a screw at the end of the tip?This looks weird to me honestly. I prefer the other probes (Fluke, Brymen).

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 06:47:54 pm
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on July 24, 2015, 06:41:55 pmThey come with a set of accessories that screw on, like alligator clips etc. The screw connection reduces the resistance of the interface. I didn't post a picture of the included accessory kit.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 06:55:49 pm
content: Quote from: pascal_sweden on July 24, 2015, 06:41:55 pmSo accessories can't come off accidentally (damage and injury prevention).

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 07:00:59 pm
content: Ah, the accessories are on the page I linked. I like them:http://probemaster.com/8000-series-kits/

author: soren
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 08:59:00 pm
content: What's the best way for Europeans to buy Probemaster products?

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 24, 2015, 10:15:02 pm
content: Quote from: soren on July 24, 2015, 08:59:00 pmThey do direct sales rather than use distributors, and this includes for international customers.BTW, don't use the shipping calculator in the cart, contact them via email instead. Much cheaper this way. Might also want to look into a reshipping service (have Probemaster ship to their US address, then they repack & ship to you).

author: JGAN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2015, 04:59:56 am
content: Quote from: dadler on July 22, 2015, 05:56:52 amNice close-ups of the tips. Did you get the set with the assorted pogo pin tips?

author: knotlogic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 11:09:54 am
content: Quote from: JGAN on July 22, 2015, 02:19:14 amAnd yet another vote for them! I picked up the 8150 probes and they are great. The photos in this thread make them look large compared to the Fluke TL910, but they're not.Now the only thing is I picked up some of their screw thread accessories thinking they'd fit onto a Fluke TL175E. They don't, my bad. Might pick up a pair of their regular 8000 series probes to go with them.Does anyone know if the right angle connector on the Probemaster 8017S is the same as on the 8150? Their website says the former has an improved connector and I'm wondering what that means.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 06:23:29 pm
content: Probesmaster 9104R Electronic Deluxe Kit looks great, about 80$http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_13&products_id=166Probesmaster Industrial/Automotive Deluxe Kit- Model 9106R, about 86$http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_13&products_id=168Probesmaster 8043SK Master Kit, about 50$http://www.probemaster.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_12&products_id=285

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2015, 07:16:43 pm
content: Quote from: knotlogic on July 29, 2015, 11:09:54 amYes. Either 8000 or 9000 series' lead wire sets will come with the same right angle connector/s if that's what you order.Regarding the new connector, it's supposed to seat deeper on all products (older connector didn't go all the way in some input jacks).

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 30, 2015, 08:48:40 pm
content: Quote from: gaijin on June 29, 2015, 04:48:28 amI had one set of the Fluke TL910 and two sets of the Pomona equivalent 6341. They are so similar I suspect Pomona make the Fluke TL910. So similar in fact that they have all shown intermittant continuity to the removable tips, all brand new probes. I complained to Pomona and got brushed off, they didn't seem to care that they have a serious manufacturing problem here.Anyhow, I like the form of the probes so much I tried to cure the problem by soldering the removable tip in place but that didnt help, so had to bypass the probe handles with a wire - I only use them on max 24V circuits.

author: knotlogic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2015, 02:41:20 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on July 29, 2015, 07:16:43 pmAh, that makes sense. Comparing the 8150 against the Fluke TL175E, the shroud is slightly longer and the bottom of the banana jack closer to the end of the shroud on the 8150. That's probably why it sits higher when plugged in.

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 04, 2015, 04:56:12 pm
content: I use TP88's on TL175E, they fit okay, not as good as they did on the TL910 but work.Given up on TL910 as they go open circuit(My TP88 and crog clips came with a TL910 set with a case)

author: ogara
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 05, 2015, 12:36:57 am
content: For budget minded, Aliexpress has this for only $1.79 with free shipping, at this price can treat it as disposable leads:http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-1-Pair-Universal-Needle-Tip-Probe-Test-Leads-Pin-For-Digital-Multimeter-Meter-Tester/32383303198.html

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2015, 06:46:29 am
content: I just got a pair of Probe Master 8152 fine tips leads. Really like them so far. Super flexible silicone wires and super sharp tips. $22 at Amazon direct from Probe Master just can't be beat.Hope they hold up well.

author: unitedatoms
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2015, 03:15:39 pm
content: With sandpaper anyone can sharpen cheap ordinary probes for $0.

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2015, 05:20:21 pm
content: Then you lose the plating. The tip oxidizes and becomes high resistance.Then your measurements are not trustworthy and you find yourself chasing your tail thinking your circuit is not working as expected.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 16, 2015, 03:23:13 am
content: Quote from: rx8pilot on August 15, 2015, 05:20:21 pmTips made from stainless steel would be an exception though.

author: dadler
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 17, 2015, 12:41:28 am
content: After all this talk and more daily use of the 8008 series leads, I decided to pick up a couple more sets of Probemaster 8008S.At $15.90 per set, they are a great deal:http://probemaster.com/8000-series-leads-only/Note that Probemaster has just redesigned their website, and all of the old links have broken. I updated my old posts with working links.

author: noidea
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 07, 2017, 04:39:41 am
content: Quote from: Shock on June 30, 2015, 12:03:05 pmBringing this one back from the dead as it's relevant to my questionDoes anyone know of any other alternatives to the Fluke TP88 or Pomona Model 6544 back probe adapters that will slip over the end of a 2mm multimeter probe?I have a new toy on the way and need this option.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2017, 05:19:08 am
content: QuoteAll the probes I have ever sharpened have been made of a straw/gold colored alloy underneath the shiny silver (chrome?) plating. I always figured wherever you were to press the point, you should get a good contact, even if it has tarnished. Just from the high PSI applied at the sharp point. Perhaps similar to the way a tarnished wire and square post will make good contact when you wire wrap them. I don't know if this is really the case, or if this alloy just doesn't tarnish much. But I have never had any problems to date with my sharpened probes.I just tested them and even though they aren't as shiny as newly ground, they show 0 resistance just lightly touching the deplated tips together.

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2017, 10:59:40 pm
content: I suggest that you take a look at THOSE:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/useful-adaptor-techniques/msg1223935/#msg1223935BTW, I really would have liked to see the abovementioned thread grow!

author: BB3553AM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 09:28:39 am
content: Hello Ogara,I'm surprised nobody ever commented on your post.The first reaction that I have, given the 20 x price ratio it is worth if one out the jungle could perform better. You have this quick review :showing that there are not performing specifically bad.You could even find fast reviews, usually russian user saying that resistor probe are measured to be consistenty low. Why paying more if you have at least 10x difference in price? ( not even mentionning the tl910 of flukes)

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 03:49:39 pm
content: Correction the Probemasters are 7 times more expensive than those and the Probemasters seem good value if you ask me. Cheaper doesn't mean better or safer and people who buy the cheapest things they get a hold of aren't necessarily getting the bargains they think.A video of some guy just checking resistance and doing a few taps with the probes is not a proper evaluation of them. Multimeters have safety ratings remember?He has an affiliate link in the video comments, he is profiting when people buy them. Just like many other youtubers out there doing reviews promoting Chinese products.

author: NoisyBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 06:11:28 pm
content: I agree. It is inadequate to judge probe by resistance alone, and the affiliate link is a dead give away for a biased review.The Chinese can make great probes if they were given the proper spec, adequate budget and quality target. But regardless of where things are made, you get what you paid for, and seriously what can one expect from a set of $2 probes.I came across probes like these from time to time, I have seen the plating coming off, and very often the wire would come out of the probe with a small tug. I often find my time is far more valuable than the little savings I get in cheap tools, not to mention the safety aspect of using such probes.

author: BB3553AM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 06:56:00 pm
content: Some comments, first they are closer to 19 dollar as you can see here:https://probemaster.com/8000-series-test-leads-only/so they are closer to an order of magnitude more expensive and I was not referring to probe master alone, the pomona ones which are not known to be performing exceptionally well are close to 30 euros at digikey :https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/pomona-electronics/6275/501-1248-ND/737642As for security rating, my application involve using sharp leads for testing smds so I don't feel concerned about high voltage. my goal is to have a reliable measurement for a probe that can live for enough time which should be made possible due to the occasional utilisation.True, the video may be biased, but I'm just saying that there is a chance that one of them might be just good enough, I'm throwing my bet on this one:https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000061196885.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.18906c378lohoCok, it is not 2 dollars, how about if doubling the price, it could be the right match ? but Ok I'm a fair player and if I happen to be completely wrong, I will updated this thread accordingly to give my impressions.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 07:18:35 pm
content: I haven't got any Probemaster yet, though they are on my shopping list.I do however own some Pomona 6366 leads, as well as OEM Fluke, Uni-T, Mastech, and RS Pro.The Pomona, Fluke, and RS Pro are leagues ahead of the cheaper brands. I'm not just talking about tip sharpness, but since you bring it up; my RS Pro for example have been in use for 25 years, and the tips are needle sharp still.I seriously doubt your $2 leads can match that level of performance.Then let's consider the insulation. The good branded ones have silicone, and are resistant to accidental soldering iron encounters, remain flexible over time and exposure to chemicals, and do not try to spring back into the folded/coiled position they were stored in.The cheap PVC insulated ones do not retain flexibility, are more vulnerable to chemicals, and burn easily. They retain annoying bends from coiling/folding in storage, and are generally unpleasant to feel compared to silicone.Next, let's think about conductor CSA, and material.Cheap ones will be copper-coated aluminium, have fewer individual strands, and lower CSA and therefore current capacity. They are usually not properly soldered, and/or have little or no strain relief, resulting in premature detachment from the probes/banana plugs.Good ones will have good quality copper, many strands, and a greater CSA. They will be properly crimped or soldered, with functional strain relief, and if not abused, they will lastyour lifetime.Then there's the insulation resistance. Good quality branded ones are properly tested. Ok, you might not need insulation that protects you at more than a few tens of volts, but I do. I would never trust my life to cheap leads; if I have to measure things in the hundreds or thousands of volts, or for that matter, more than a couple of amps, I'll reach for the good ones every time.Buying cheap leads is a false economy, and only people that really don't understand mathematics and/or engineering would ever prefer them over good quality ones.

author: CalMachine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 08:44:45 pm
content: I haven't seen anyone mention the Huntron MP-10 probes. I've got a set and they are really fine points. The plastic part of the tips screw on/off so you can push the probe tip in/out as far as you want.https://www.jensentools.com/huntron-98-0078-mp10-microprobes/p/447me109

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 09:37:27 pm
content: Quote from: CalMachine on April 22, 2020, 08:44:45 pmI have the Maxi-Kit from Pomona, which contains similar ones. So they should be well known. Just new aquired are some Schützinger test leads. as I know their quality is fine, but they are not for me.As far as probes are concerned, I also use a pair of very sharp-pointed Vetronix probes with exchangeable tips, but I'm not sure who made them really. Bernstein Werkzeuge has a very fine long un-sprung type of probe which is also pleasant to use.

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 10:12:21 pm
content: QuoteFluke TL910 probes go open circuit or intermittent inside the probe body, I've taken a few broken probes apart and I think they go open at the pogo pin end where the inner brass tube is crimped onto the pogo pin socket, the soldered wire connection looked OK.TDR would have told me where the break had occurred but didn't have a reflectometer available at the time. Shame really because they are nice probes when they work but possibly dangerous or life threatening when they go open, not that I expect Fluke give a damn. Avoid TL910s

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 05:26:59 am
content: Quote from: AVGresponding on April 22, 2020, 07:18:35 pmAll of these are correct, but not necessarily applicable or dominant in a given case..$2 leads are less vulnerable to soldering iron accidents. OK. But replacement $2 probes fix the accident, and break even is about 20 accidents. I've had a few, but have been soldering for well over 50 years and my probes don't have ten scars. Maybe professional technique is as important as professional equipment.Cheap leads are more likely to be aluminum, which will have less current carrying capacity. True. But the vast majority of the time I am measuring voltage and resistance, and probe currents are measured in units ranging from picoamps up to milliamps. It is actually hard to make wire that can't handle that current. Even when I do measure current it is typically significantly less than an amp. I have never noticed problems from any wires in the circuit, from wire wrap wire on up. That changes if you are a power technician or other person who does measure large currents, but a huge number in this profession/hobby don't. And many of those who do deal in high currents deal in really large currents that top quality test probes of the types explored here can't handle. (My jaws dropped a bit in one of my first jobs when I realized that the fuses were rated in tens of kiloamps).Cheap insulation tends to retain shape and not drape easily like silicon. Again true, but this can be either an advantage or a disadvantage. My experience with silicon insulated wires is that they drape in smooth curves allowing gravity to have its way. If you need them to go by a particular route to avoid touching anything from a sensitive component to a moving part it can be difficult. The bend retention in the cheaper wires becomes an advantage.Chemical resistance is generally a good thing, but the guy operating my equipment is far more sensitive to chemical exposure than even the cheapest leads. So I eliminate the chemicals before they get to me, which has the side effect of protecting the leads.It all comes down to your needs. If you have access to only one set of leads in your life, the good ones are a fairly good choice. If you are instrumenting violent or dangerous activities it might make sense to not expose a high dollar lead, but use a sacrificial cheap lead. And if you are financially constrained the cheap leads can do good work. Particularly if thought is applied to mitigating the shortcomings of such leads.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 07:08:06 am
content: No. Just no.Sacrificial leads? Are you serious?So you're going to carry 10 sets with you?No thanks. I'll continue to carry 1 good set, that I know won't fail, so I know I won't have to worry about being unable to do the task at hand until I've been home/to the wholesalers to get another set.What a waste of time and money that would be, not to mention that the ones you threw away would probably end up in landfill.

author: NoisyBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 03:56:08 pm
content: I think it all boils down to a matter of personal preference and financial means. I am in AVGresponding's camp, I don't want a collection of leads where each has a specific purpose or limitation. If I need a handheld DMM, I want one that I can grab and use it for all measurements accurately and safely (I use Fluke).Then there is the safety aspect, if someone were to grab a DMM without me knowing it. The last thing I want is for them to grab the wrong leads and got hurt as a result, a hospital bill would cost more than all the premium Fluke/Pomona/ProbeMaster leads I will buy in a lifetime.

author: Neomys Sapiens
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 06:09:41 pm
content: Quote from: CatalinaWOW on April 23, 2020, 05:26:59 amThe better solution is to have all of the good ones (with some spares)!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 06:52:49 pm
content: The whole problem is unsafe low grade Chinese products. Sure if you want $2 probes and a multimeter that doesn't meet its ratings go for it, but don't come on and recommend them to others, then you become part of that problem.

author: Noy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2020, 09:04:27 pm
content: Probemaster Spring loaded Type + Ingun needleshttps://probemaster.com/spring-loaded-micro-tip-test-leads-only/https://ingun.com/de-DE/Produkte/Produktfinder/GKS_SML

author: bluey
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2020, 11:22:08 am
content: https://www.fluke.com/en-au/product/accessories/test-leads/fluke-tlk287I have these - plenty of options.