Backprobe wiring test setup that works

[hpfiend]

Hey all-

 

I am sick and tired of the needle/stick pin going into my thumb rather than the wire. What do you guys use to probe wires for signal/voltage that is small enough gauge to not damage the insulation but stiff enough not to bend?? I think I saw a telephone line tech use a set that had an aligator clip with a screw down needle on it but I could have imagined it.

 

Thanks,

Andrew

[Geeesammy]

Power probe, I've never stuck it through insulation though.

[hpfiend]

Power probe? Do you mean a test light?

[Grudes]

The snap-on guy had something that read voltage without probing into the wire a few months ago. We were kind of skeptical of it though and none of us bought one so I cant tell you how good it is.

 

Here is one I found but I don't think its the one he showed us.

 

https://store.snapon.com/Probes-and-Adaptors-Probe-Low-Amps-P642210.aspx

[Smokey]

Power probe? Do you mean a test light?

 

http://www.powerprobe.com

[aussiek2000]

I use steering positions sensor centering clips for back probing into connectors. Thin enough to get right down between the terminal and the connector body.

 

I have boxes of test probes for testing at the face of the connector.

[Cordell]

Probing insulation is just asking for corrosion and wiring issues down the road. Backprobing with the right tools is the way to do it.

 

Something like this http://www.aeswave.com/Back-Probe-Kit-17-piece-p9260.html

[Geeesammy]

http://www.powerprobe.com

 

Thanks.

[KillJoy]

I saw a telephone line tech use a set that had an aligator clip with a screw down needle on it but I could have imagined it.

 

Most decent Butt Sets have this. They are tiny needles that you use to clamp onto low voltage wires that are protected from the elements.

 

You would NOT want to use on anything other than protected Phone Lines....

 

:thumbup:

 

KillJoy

[hpfiend]

Thanks a Buttset was exactly what I was thinking of... unfortunately it uses 9 pins instead of one so it would do more damage than I would like to automotive wiring.

 

I think the adjustable depth FLUKE TP81 or TP82 is what I am going to go with but it is definitely pricey and I wont know which lead set I will need to make it work until I get it if it doesn't work with my craftsman set.

http://en-us.fluke.com/products/all-accessories/fluke-tp82.html

 

I also considered using one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Acupuncture-Tube-Needle-Injector-Spring-Hand-/262134547939 but

the needles are expensive and I am afraid that it may not conduct from the magnetic contact with the needle through the body enough to get reliable readings. I do like how small gauge it is though and with the injector it may be able to pierce insulation without bending.

 

I also like these

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006WZOVHA/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B008L1JT34&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=08GZ4NWJ9919GZP9ST94

but again the lead compatibility issue and I fear the weight of the probe will pull out without a third hand as I try to get a reading/look at the meter.

 

Any thoughts/opinions? Other comparable products?

 

The powerprobe looks like a multimeter to me with its own rigid probe set? Kind of pricey when I already have several multimeters?

[hpfiend]

I use steering positions sensor centering clips for back probing into connectors. Thin enough to get right down between the terminal and the connector body.

 

I have boxes of test probes for testing at the face of the connector.

 

I missed this- any picture or link of this?

 

Thanks!