metrology dufus
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2025
When it comes to probing SOIC pins, these are about your only easy non-intrusive and inexpensive method.In the old days, I have used pack clips and such for probing LSI DIP's and quad flatpacks but SOIC >8 pins is a whole 'nuther situation because of the tiny dimensions in pin spacing.These clippy probes resemble a 'butterfly' with tiny, flimsy metal extendable pincers to grip the IC pin. Each pin is covered with a clear insulating layer so adjacent pin shorts 'should' not occur. Amazing these work.They do work but are extremely delicate and prone to getting pulled away. Just applying a row of 3 or more adjacent to each other is a micro-surgeon's job. So delicate that the force applied by the wire leads to carry the signal to an analyzer pod, is enough to dislodge the probe and possibly deform the pincers -and require reforming with tweezers or small needle-nose pliers. I use a blue putty to stabilize each clip as I build up the probing array.Even then, today's microelectronics are a total bitch for us right to repair types.I use these for numerous purposes- breadboarding, probing, interconnect jumpers and as a breakout debug or measurement aid. To ease the headaches, it is best to use patch leads made of silicone insulated fine stranded wire.Avoid patch leads with stiff insulation because when clustered together can impose an undesirable accumulation of force on the probed item (such as an IC with 8 to 32 wires and IC pin probe clips) which can tend to pull loose the clips or create an intermittent connection. With a lot of patience and dexterity, these work great. Unfortunately, these are likely to have a short lifetime as the pincers will deform from use and re-forming will fatigue the metal toward breakage.Ironically, the box these Chinese creations came in, bore a warning text saying not to 'copy' the design or an 'investigation' would occur. One star off for that arrogance. These are loose copies of American clips.
J. Hoopes
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2024
Pro's - These are tiny. Smaller than any other probes I've found. They can grab things others can.tCon's - Tiny means fragile. I deformed one on the first try and had to bend it back to restore "pinching" ability. They won't take any stress, but... that's not what they're for.
Tom W -Fl
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
I purchased a different set of clips before these and they were too big. These clips are super small and worked perfectly for programming eeprOM still on the board
nerdicon
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2024
These came with a plastic case, and they do what they're supposed to do, tye have a small gripper that I've been able to use to attach to IC pins. They seem to be decent quality.
Hotel Foxtrot Charlie
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2024
I used these to change an old MP3 playing that had a lost charging cable. I was able to get into the very small collectors on the interface and was successful in changing the unit. These worked great.
CJohnson
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2023
The spring that retracts the hooks is way too strong. It often rips the hooks off the pin!I see the description now mentions using tweezers to bend the hooks to 90 degrees. That sounds like a good job for the manufacturer, not the customer. It will also make it harder to get between pins. The better solution is for them to use a smaller spring.
Zaac
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023
The media could not be loaded.
techie
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
These are excellent. They grab on fine with no modifications necessary. I don't understand reviewers who complain they don't hold on to DIP packages well and give a low rating. That is not the job they are meant to do. They work fine for SMD components. If you need to grab on to DIP packages or thicker wires, buy different grabbers.I just wish they came in 8 colors according to standard color code plus extra black ones for GND connection. That would be very useful with a logic analyzer, which is how I use them.