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Old 12th Oct 2020, 6:21 pm   #1
stevehertz
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Default 'Push on' croc clips?

My Mastech M9704 is a lovely test instrument that has both digital and analogue indication. However, it comes with captive test prods of the pointy type. They're fine when you're making a quick measurement but sometimes I want to clip on to the test point in order to use a 'third hand' to make say a pot adjustment.

I could cut the pointy prods off and fit croc clips or test hooks but I was wondering if there were any push on adapter versions of these that I could fit to the pointy prods. I'm sure I've seen this type of thing.. maybe I've dreamt it..
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Old 12th Oct 2020, 7:02 pm   #2
Dave Moll
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Fortunately, I have a few leads with a croc on each end, so I use a couple of these attached to my meter probes when I need the connections to remain in place without being held there.
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Old 12th Oct 2020, 7:43 pm   #3
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

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Originally Posted by Dave Moll View Post
Fortunately, I have a few leads with a croc on each end, so I use a couple of these attached to my meter probes when I need the connections to remain in place without being held there.
Good idea Dave, thanks. The only downsides I can see are the slight risk of shorting or shock from the inevitable bare section at the join, or the croc clip losing grip and falling off. But neither of those are a big deal with care. Nice one.
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Old 12th Oct 2020, 8:04 pm   #4
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

What diameter are the ends of the probes?
I use 2mm test leads often & have a selection of 2mm croc clips to fit those (as well as 2mm to 4mm adaptors).

Here are the type of 2mm croc clips I have; https://cpc.farnell.com/hirschmann-t...97?ost=in08197
And lots of them being used during the test & repair of a HP 180A power supply board;
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Old 12th Oct 2020, 10:19 pm   #5
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Why not just have a set of meter leads with croc clips or even better?

E-Z-Hooks on them?

https://e-z-hook.com/test-hooks/mini-hook/
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 7:11 am   #6
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

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Originally Posted by Herald1360 View Post
Why not just have a set of meter leads with croc clips or even better?

E-Z-Hooks on them?

https://e-z-hook.com/test-hooks/mini-hook/
Because, as I said, the meter's leads are captive.
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 7:13 am   #7
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by factory View Post
What diameter are the ends of the probes?
I use 2mm test leads often & have a selection of 2mm croc clips to fit those (as well as 2mm to 4mm adaptors).

Here are the type of 2mm croc clips I have; https://cpc.farnell.com/hirschmann-t...97?ost=in08197
And lots of them being used during the test & repair of a HP 180A power supply board;
Attachment 217738

David
Seems like just what I'm looking for! I wasn't dreaming then!
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 10:54 am   #8
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

I have Fluke AC175 which are designed for the 2mm probes but price is high, https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/crocodile-clips/7758059
As an alternative I have taken the cheap wire on insulated croc clips and carefully squezed the barrel down so they are a tight fit on the 2mm probe.
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 11:27 am   #9
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Why not just buy a set of test leads with interchangeable ends like these https://www.altronics.com.au/p/p0413...test-lead-set/
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 11:46 am   #10
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

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Originally Posted by Terry_VK5TM View Post
Why not just buy a set of test leads with interchangeable ends like these https://www.altronics.com.au/p/p0413...test-lead-set/
Because, as I said, the meter's leads are captive.

I could cut the existing prods off and change to that set you mention, but the meter leads are already short and I don't want to shorten them any more. Plus, the set you mention would have to shipped from Oz.
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 3:37 pm   #11
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

If you were to cut the existing leads back to 6" or so and fit inline 4mm sockets to them, you could then plug in whatever type of test leads you liked including the reterminated in 4mm plugs original set.

Eg. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Banana-4m...IAAOSwgPReKE7U
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 4:56 pm   #12
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Extend your leads, croc clip on one end, connecting block(or part thereof) on other end to screw down on your pointy probe end. Les.
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 5:03 pm   #13
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

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Originally Posted by TowerRadio View Post
Extend your leads,croc clip on one end,connecting block(or part thereof) on other end to screw down on your pointy probe end.Les.
That'd do it, but I want quick change/choice facility. The push on ones that a few people have suggested are going to be the answer. Cheers.
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 6:29 pm   #14
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

The first photo illustrates a quick, dirty but effective alternative. It's just a standard clip with the cable clamp sqeezed using pliers to form a good tight push-on fit around a 2mm probe tip. There's a little solder sealing the wrap around edge. The second photo shows the clip fitted to the probe. Works well.

In addition the last shot shows a couple of push-on clips I bought as a pack of four from a far eastern eBay seller for a couple of pounds. They're fine too.

Alan
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 10:26 pm   #15
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

These should work, cheap as deep fried potatoes too - here
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 11:27 pm   #16
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Arrow Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ajgriff View Post
The first photo illustrates a quick, dirty but effective alternative. It's just a standard clip with the cable clamp squeezed using pliers to form a good tight push-on fit around a 2mm probe tip.
Above extract is from post #14.
I'm glad you sent that 'solution' in, because that is what I have been doing for years. I didn't send it in since I thought it might meet with derision since it is such a quick-'n'-dirty fix - albeit easy to implement, cheap and effective.
Having said that, I do like the idea as suggested by Tower Radio in post #12

Al.

Last edited by Skywave; 13th Oct 2020 at 11:32 pm. Reason: Add last sentence.
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Old 14th Oct 2020, 12:19 am   #17
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by stevehertz View Post

Because, as I said, the meter's leads are captive.
Ah, sorry, missed that bit.

No chance of opening up the meter to fit them if you decided to go that way?

Or fit inline banana sockets to the ends of the current leads?

The lead set is available on the auction sites, about £4 a set, only posted that link as an example, they are what I use, very handy.
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Old 14th Oct 2020, 11:12 am   #18
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Skywave View Post
I'm glad you sent that 'solution' in, because that is what I have been doing for years. I didn't send it in since I thought it might meet with derision since it is such a quick-'n'-dirty fix - albeit easy to implement, cheap and effective.
I'm glad you approve of the 'quick & dirty' fix Al and thank you for putting the 'u' back in squeezed. Actually I like to think of it as practical engineering since the end result is little different in principle from the available commercial offerings. Also I notice now that Chris suggested something similar back in post #8.

In any event Steve now has a veritable array of different options available to him and I'm sure he'll choose the one that suits him best.

Alan
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Old 15th Oct 2020, 3:16 am   #19
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

Quote:
Originally Posted by stevehertz View Post
My Mastech M9704 is a lovely test instrument that has both digital and analogue indication. However, it comes with captive test prods of the pointy type. They're fine when you're making a quick measurement but sometimes I want to clip on to the test point in order to use a 'third hand' to make say a pot adjustment.

I could cut the pointy prods off and fit croc clips or test hooks but I was wondering if there were any push on adapter versions of these that I could fit to the pointy prods. I'm sure I've seen this type of thing.. maybe I've dreamt it..
No, they were common back in the day----before the world went mad!
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Old 18th Oct 2020, 6:34 pm   #20
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Default Re: 'Push on' croc clips?

I've found these 2mm push on croc clips and ordered some:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal...72.m2749.l2649
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