Test Clips - Grabbers, Hooks

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
BU-00209-2 Mueller Electric Co.	ADAPTER SAFTY PLUNGR 8-32THR RED	1524
BU-P4555-2 Mueller Electric Co.	PLUNGER CLIP 65MM RED	1521568
72902-0 Pomona Electronics	SMD GRABBER BLACK 0.032" PIN	73
5360-0 Pomona Electronics	SMD GRABBER BLACK 0.025" SQ PIN	82
CT2592-2 Cal Test Electronics	MINIFLEX CLIP .031 PIN RED	3
3925-0 Pomona Electronics	MINIGRABBER BLACK SOLDER 0.090"	6342
BU-21434-2 Mueller Electric Co.	PLUNGER-HOOK RED BANANA JACK	24532
3925-8 Pomona Electronics	MINIGRABBER GRAY SOLDER 0.090"	108
3925-5 Pomona Electronics	MINIGRABBER GREEN SOLDER 0.090"	1622
CT2592-8 Cal Test Electronics	MINIFLEX CLIP .031 PIN GRAY	0
5912B Pomona Electronics	MAXIGRABBER BLK/RED BANANA JACK	23
CT3180-7 Cal Test Electronics	MINIPRO TEST CLIP VIOLET SOLDER	58
CT3659-8 Cal Test Electronics	PINCER GRAY 0.032" PIN	134
72-177-0 NTE Electronics, Inc.	SAFETY PLUNGER CLIP ADPTR/BLACK	37
BU-P3925-9 Mueller Electric Co.	PLUNGER-HOOK WHITE SOLDER 0.144"	45722
73103-0 Pomona Electronics	MAXIGRABBER REINFORCED INSUL/BLK	15
MC1GY TPI (Test Products International)	MICRO-PINCER GRAY PIN	3236
PK007-019 Teledyne LeCroy	PICO HOOK	1
XHLRED E-Z-Hook	MACRO-HOOK RED SOLDER 0.210"	0
NC1R TPI (Test Products International)	NANO-PINCER RED PIN	2954

Test Clips - Grabbers, Hooks

1. Overview

Test Clips - Grabbers and Hooks are specialized electrical connectors designed for temporary circuit connections during testing, measurement, and troubleshooting. These components play a critical role in ensuring signal integrity, safety, and efficiency in electronic and electrical systems. Their importance spans across R&D, quality assurance, and field service applications where reliable connectivity is essential.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Alligator Clips	Spring-loaded jaws with serrated edges for secure grip	Battery testing, automotive diagnostics
Hook Clips	Open-hook design for easy attachment to terminals	PCB testing, relay circuit analysis
Mini Grabbers	Compact jaws with fine contact points	SMT component testing, aerospace electronics
High-Current Clips	Large contact area with reinforced structure	Power supply testing, industrial machinery diagnostics
Insulated Test Hooks	360 rotating head with color-coded insulation	Telecom equipment maintenance, semiconductor testing

3. Structure and Components

Typical construction includes: - Conductive jaw (phosphor bronze or beryllium copper with gold/nickel plating) - Insulated handle (high-temperature resistant thermoplastic) - Mechanical linkage (precision-machined pivot system) - Connection interface (banana plug, BNC, or direct wire termination) - Spring mechanism (stainless steel for consistent clamping force)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value Range	Importance
Current Rating	1-20A	Ensures safe high-power measurements
Voltage Isolation	300-1000V	Prevents electrical hazards
Contact Resistance	1-10m	Maintains signal accuracy
Operating Temperature	-40 C to +150 C	Guarantees performance stability
Dielectric Strength	2-10kV	Protects against insulation breakdown
Clamping Force	0.5-5N	Prevents accidental disconnection

5. Application Fields

Electronics Manufacturing: PCB assembly verification, component testing
Power Systems: Transformer diagnostics, switchgear maintenance
Telecommunications: Fiber optic equipment testing, RF circuit analysis
Automotive: ECU testing, battery management system validation
Research & Education: Lab experiments, prototype verification

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Feature
Fluke Corporation	T81031 Hook Clip	Rotating head with 600V isolation
Keysight Technologies	N287xA Series Grabber	1GHz bandwidth capability
TE Connectivity	314512-8 Test Hook	Gold-plated beryllium copper contact
Pomona Electronics	6503 Alligator Clip	Ergonomic dual-molded insulation
Hirose Electric	HR25 Series High-Current Clip	15A rating with anti-sparking design

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations: - Match current/voltage ratings to application requirements - Verify insulation class for safety compliance - Check mechanical compatibility with test points - Evaluate contact material for signal integrity - Consider ergonomics for extended field use

Example: For automotive ECU testing, select IP67-rated clips with 1000V isolation and 5A capacity to ensure reliability in harsh environments.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging trends include: - Miniaturization for microelectronics integration - Smart clips with embedded sensors for real-time feedback - Eco-friendly materials with RoHS compliance - Increased demand for high-frequency capable clips (10GHz+) - Integration with automated test systems via IoT connectivity