Replacing Multimeter Test Lead

This is my first Instructable...Be kind or not

(Disclaimer: I didn't check every Instructable to determine if this has already been presented (there's just too darn many). If this is a repeat, I apologize.)

Some time ago a test lead on my el cheapo multimeter came off and was subsequently lost. Using the frayed ends of the lead wire worked, but not worth a hoot.

I visited our local Radio Shack and a couple of other shops to find a replacement lead but the cheapest I could find was $6.95 (US) for a pair; I could have replaced the whole thing for that.

Soooooooo

Step 1: Step One

This is a pretty basic job requiring minimal skills, materials and tools.

A 6 penny finish nail, an old pen barrel sans ink "tube," soldering iron and solder (not shown), a bit of heat-shrink tubing, an X-Acto knife (or substitute) (not shown either) and our favorite, a hot glue gun and glue (also not shown).

I measured the ink barrel against the non-broken test lead for length then cut the barrel to length (measured from the tip). Save the cut-off end of the barrel as this will make good filler in your extra parts box.

Comments

[beehard44]

i tried this with a pen (i used the writing end as the tip) but it came off. i might try this

[eric m]

This is great. i made one before but it was ghetto and crap. Just wrapped wire around a nail. Radio shack charging that price for a bit of copper and steel is crap. They have us by the balls since few stores sell them. It's all about competition and demand.

[worldgnat]

Awesome! I've got a broken test probe and a lot of cheap pens - I fully intend to test this. Is Radioshack honestly charging $7 for test leads?! That's ridiculous!

[eric m]

I hate radio shack. No good alternative out there yet.

[hassi]

Just got back from an on-line visit to American Science and Surplus (http://www.sciplus.com/) to find three-lead multimeter test leads for $1.95...And once again, its the shipping that gets you...After the minimum $5.95 the leads aren't so cheap at $7.90.

But with some other "necessities" the shipping isn't too big of a load ($5.95 for a $15.00 order; then it jumps to $6.95 for up to a $30.00 order).

Still, "free" is a good price.

[hassi]

Yup...A nickel shy (minus tax)...I thought it was pretty ridiculous too...Thanks for the kind words (to all y'all)...

[kruser495]

nice, good idea.

[GorillazMiko]

Great job! Pretty smart, I might try this, +1 rating. (added to favorites)