Review on 🔌 Fluke AC220 SureGrip Alligator Clips: Secure Electrical Connections with Ease by Eduardo Reyes

There are two main types of test lead alligator clips. The most common are rubber-coated clamps that either friction fit or screw onto the tester's 2mm metal tip. lead probe. A good example of this is the Fluke AC175. This construction has several major disadvantages: First, the clip can only be opened a little before it encounters resistance when attempting to stretch the rubber boot. Secondly, access to the object is only possible directly due to the rubber sleeve (restricted mounting angles). Third, the clamp is at the end of the test probe. So you have to try the weight of the wire and the probe length arm to unscrew the clamp from its attachment point. Fourth, the alligator clip is short, requiring you to keep your fingers close to the attachment point (for safety reasons). Now let's look at the AC285 clips. You don't have a rubber boot, so there are no restrictions on the wide opening. The sides are open so you can grab an item from the side. The part you push to open the jaws is on the back of the clamp, providing extra clearance to the attachment point. These clamps will not fit over the end of the probe when the cable is securely attached. Instead, they require the use of test leads with banana plugs on both ends (like the excellent Fluke TL224). To use these clamps you must remove the probes (such as the excellent Fluke TP175E) from the end of the test lead and install the clamp in place of the probe. This creates a very compact clamp without additional probe length. This is a modular system where you can install any special spade lugs you need: probe (TP175E or TP220), alligator clip (AC285), long alligator clips (AC220), long hook clips (AC280), pliers (AC283), etc. More modular Test leashes are cool, but expensive. The build quality is excellent, the teeth are sharp, the recoil spring is strong for a good grip. All in all, this is exactly what I was looking for.