Does anyone make up their own test leads?

[DMartin9N-2N]

Years ago, electronic folks would buy alligator clips from Radio Shack and make their own test leads or jumpers. I have a set that are too old, the rubber insulation on the wires is falling apart. No more Radio Shack around here! Suggestions appreciated.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.

 

[Harper]

I make my own. Spent much of my life as a Laser electro optics technician. I found that most store bought clip leads are not heavy enough gauge. Additionally the ends are usually just crimped on. It's rather annoying to troubleshoot a project to find that an open in a test lead is the problem. I use 18ga red or black wire and solder the ends. It's also nice to have custom lengths for certain applications.

 

[Sean Feeney]

E-bay you can get several pairs all made with shipping under $5

 

[Hobo,NC]

Napa has test lead wire that's where I get mine.

 

[Oliver 500 Wa]

E-bay you can get several pairs all made with shipping under $5

IME all the cheap test leads are poor quality and poorly made. I've never seen a cheap set where the clips were soldered to the wire. Just crimped and after a little bit of use the connection is not so good. Then they start to introduce resistance and voltage drop into what ever you are trying to build or fix.

 

[Goose]

I buy clips from HF and make my own up.

I have a few I've bought ready made, but they have fairly small wire.

 

[Russ from MN]

I have made lots of them, Menards has a good selection of clips.

 

[Steve@Advance]

The clips are easy to find, it's the meter ends that are special to each meter.

Possibly you can reuse the meter ends.

But, for the best results, find some test lead wire. It is special super fine stranded, made to be flexed repeatedly without breaking, and to have no recoil set, it stays where you put it. The insulation is special also, high voltage, very flexible, silicone for "just in case" heat resistance.
Test Lead Wire

 

[CenTex Farmall]

I make some and buy some. The bought ones are pretty wimpy but I mainly just use them for electronic and stereo stuff.

The homemade ones feature heavier wire with fuel resistant insulation and are soldered together and about 3 ft long. I like to buy
the clips in person so I can make sure they're not too flimsy.

 

[rew1953]

Marine grade wire makes a good substitute at less cost. It is very fine stranded and flexes with no memory. May have to go to a specialty shop to find it. Most auto parts stores stopped carrying it due to low sales. Our local NAPA carries 18 ga in red and black.

 

[MarkB_MI]

<a href="https://www.pomonaelectronics.com/">Pomona Electronics</a> is pretty much the standard for test leads and adapters. You can buy their products through various retailers including <a href="https://www.mouser.com/manufacturer/pomona-electronics/">Mouser</a> and <a href="https://www.digikey.com/en/supplier-centers/pomona-electronics">Digikey</a>.

 

[Dick L]

I have made up shorter test wires with clips in the past. Normally I can't find them quickly when I need them as when not needed they seem to be in the way when looking for something else and get moved. I keep plenty of #14 electrical wire on hand and strip the ends using the twist around the connectors I am testing. Most of my electrical testing over the years has been on injection molding machines where it can take up to 15 feet of test wire. I make it quick from a spool of wire and roll it back up on the spool when done.

 

[guido]

Hello DMartin9N-2N,

Yep! These have a piggy back access point. I took the plus lead apart,

Guido.

 

[DMartin9N-2N]

Good evening: Great responses; several folks seem to think like I do. I think this posting and replies is ended, thanks much.

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.