Fluke AC173 Bucktooth Alligator Clip Set
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They're meant to be used with their own sets of leads. One end is straight, while the other is in the shape of an L. The ether end of the cable can be plugged into a Fluke multimeter. They won't take a straight probe if you just stick it in. Sure grip silicone leads, model TL224, are what I use. When working with automotive 12 volt systems, having at least one clip allows you to hold the multimeter in one hand while probing with the other.
The Fluke-supplied alligator clips are the correct ones. The AC175, in this case, is 115.
1" for teeth that are visible, and 3" for teeth that are not visible. The total length of the clip is 5". I strongly advise using them because they not only connect well to battery posts, but they also clamp on very small wiring. And I'm not affiliated with Fluke.
Yes. For my Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter, I purchased the Fluke AC175 Threaded Slide-on Alligator Clip Set as well as the TL Twistguard Test Leads. Don't hesitate to buy. They go well together.
Selected User Reviews For Fluke AC173 Bucktooth Alligator Clip Set
TL75 Hard Point test leads with probe are included with Fluke digital multimeters (DMM). end only. The AC175 alligator clips attach directly to the test lead probes and fit snugly. ends. I'm not sure why these aren't included by default with DMMs. When troubleshooting, an alligator clip is almost always required on at least one of the common leads (AC neutral or DC negative). Fluke isn't the only big name in this business. The same can be said for Klein Tools. I had to buy a new set of test leads with alligator clips for my Klein Tools DMM. Check out the Amazon review. Fluke AC175 alligator clips are of excellent quality and can be used to upgrade standard test leads. This is something I strongly suggest.
These are well-made, but they will not fit the fluke 115's original probes. Fluke appears to be on a mission to rob you blind. And it's not clear from Fluke that these won't fit the 115 in their current state. It's a pain to change probes. As a result, I deduct two stars for the unexpected twist and the high price.
As a result, the item I received was incorrect. The alligator clips metal are exposed, which is what I ordered from the picture. As a result, I'll be able to clip other alligator clips to them for consistency. Because the metal is insulated on the ones I got, I can't use them with other alligator clips. Either the part number or the image on the website were incorrect. br>br>The sleeve into which the test probes are inserted has a spring sleeve, which ensures that they stay put and don't wobble too much. br>A few years ago, I was trying to save money and bought some Chinese knockoffs. They appear to be identical, but they have a cheap metal sleeve with no spring, which makes them difficult to keep on the test probe tips. They're easy to get rid of. They wobble a lot, and I'm not sure if the test probes are in the metal sleeve at times, so I'm pulling them off to re-install them. Make sure everything is in the right place. If you want to be sure, go with Fluke's OEM models rather than the cheaper alternatives. These are a rip-off at $30. br>br> Instead of $10, they should be $20. However, I needed reliability, so I went with OEM.
This test lead is part of a modular test lead set. Alligator clips for test leads are divided into two categories. br>br>The ones with a rubber boot covering are the most common, and they either friction fit or screw onto a test lead probe's 2mm metal tip. The Fluke AC175, for example, is an excellent example of this. There are several significant flaws in this design: To begin with, the clip can only be opened a small amount before resistance arises from attempting to stretch the rubber boot. Second, due to the rubber boot, access to the object is only possible straight on (limited angles of attachment). Finally, the clip is attached to the test probe's end. So the weight of the wire, combined with the leverage of the probe length, is attempting to torque the clip away from its attachment point. Fourth, the alligator clip is short, requiring you to keep your fingers close to the attachment point (a potential safety hazard). Let's take a look at the AC285 clips now. br>br> They don't have a rubber boot, so they can open wide; the sides are open, so you can grab something from the side; and the part where you squeeze to open the jaws is far back on the clip, giving you more distance from the attachment point. These clips are not to be used on the end of a probe that has a permanently attached cable. Instead, test leads with banana plugs on both ends (like the excellent Fluke TL224) are required. To use these clips, simply remove the probes from the end of the test lead (such as the excellent Fluke TP175E) and replace them with the clip. This results in a clip that is very small and does not require the probe to be extended. It's a modular system in which you can add any specialized end you want: Probe (TP175E or TP220), alligator clip (AC285), extended alligator clips (AC220), extended hook clips (AC280), pincer grips (AC283), and so on. br>br>The construction quality is excellent; the teeth are sharp, and the closing spring is strong for a secure grip. In general, these are precisely what I needed.
They insulated the outside of the clips but left the interior grab points available in the clips, which shows how well they were made and how much attention to detail they put into them. Surprisingly, the probes that these clips go with don't come with an instruction manual, and without it, you won't be able to attach the clips to the probes. The key to using these is that the probes retract their shields by rotating the top of the probe, exposing the threads on which these clips screw. br>br>I like probes, but they require clipping on and waiting sometimes. I'm surprised these are an extra cost on top of the probes you must purchase, but whatever. It's a good investment.
I expected better quality from these clips because of the fluke name, but I'm very disappointed. First, the rubber boot is too long, making it difficult to clamp on to wire, and second, the alligator clip will not clip on to a small wire like a resistor without it slipping through the jaws and making poor contact; my cheap radio shack leads have better designed alligator clips than these. Unfortunately, I had to cut the rubber boot to get a better grip on things, so I won't be able to return them.
They have a big jaw opening and a big mouth. These leads can open beyond 3/4 of an inch to clip to main lugs or bolts, unlike other leads that are restricted by a rubber boot. For safety, only the inner jaws are exposed because the outside is insulated to the tip. On a flat or square surface, the bite is superb and feels solid. These features combine to make these clips the best I've ever seen, and by far the safest. br>br>However, they are pricey and large. So they're not appropriate for all users or applications, but for data logging or troubleshooting of equipment or switchgear, these are the ONLY leads I'd leave alone. Because you must purchase the leads separately, these will undoubtedly be an investment. Fluke TL224 silicone leads are what I'm using. However, any banana leads between 4mm and 4mm should work.
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