power probe discussion

For those of you that use any form of a power probe, what model do you have/use and do you like it? I currently have what I believe is a Blue Point with the pistol grip and the option to send 12v and ground. I grabbed it off a Snap-On truck back when I worked at C.City but for the life of me can't find it online anywhere. I personally love it but was curious what other ones were you there. I see the Power Probe III has a built in voltmeter which is pretty nice, but it seems pretty bulky. All opinions / thoughts welcome!Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

Personally Kenny I wouldn't touch a power probe, they scare me! And this is the person who prefers to use (properly) a Snap-On bulb test light! But then I have a pal who's an extremely competent and experienced auto electrician who uses them all of the time with no problems.

let me rephrase it. I don't necessarily mean the actual Power Probe model, but any airbag/computer safe test light, etc. I use mine mostly as a test light (shows power and ground) and ONLY use the actual power selection after I have verified the wire (ie honk horn with actual horn button, LED turns green, send (-) pulse to double check, horn honks, good to go)Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

In truth I've never played with one long enough to get used to it. Testing after verifying is a good idea actually and quite subtle.

90% I use snap on test light 10% fluke dmm

100% with Metz, but I would never let an apprentice use anything but a DMM. The joke is I've had a DEI techie down to look at issues (mainly caused by customer being a D***k) and when offered a choice, he picked up the Snap-On. If you know what you are doing Snap beats DMM every time. The bulb acts as a buffer, it draws enough juice to pull a relay, e.g. horn, locks, etc. and it will protect you against fuse blows. In all honesty my 10% is tach, continuity buzzer and battery testing.

Here is my favorite test light. 

Called a Circuit Buddy.  Draws only 3.85mA at 12V.  Connect to ground to test for positive voltages and get a Red light.  Connect to +12V source and LED goes green for a ground.  Easy one hand operation to hook and pierce wire, with a latch to hold.  Probe can also be removed from yellow plastic and used as a wand/probe for tight places or fuse checking.

Soldering is fun!

I do not know just how safe an airbag safe test light can be.  I have seen one turn over a starter.  I do not remember what vehicle, but it had a negative start wire.  Installer probed the wire not noticing that it was a negative wire.  When the probe hit the wire, the starter motor turned over.

I use a Fluke meter.

I have a Mac version of the light (120?) Kreg showed but with 2 x LEDs, I also agree with the Mr. I comment. To me it's down to experience and taking care. By the way, probing air bag wires apart, and who would anyway, VW/Audi apart it's pretty hard to damage these components, I wonder how many of the horror stories we've heard were actually "urban myths"?

I'm going to have to find myself one of those circuit buddy's. That actually looks pretty useful. That is the one thing I disliked about my probe is taht its still hard to just pierce a wire for testing. I think I've pierced my finger more often then any wires.. lolKenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205