August 2023 - 44

Tool Aid
Clamp Probe Set
Reviewed by Randy Kaiser,
service manager at Rost
Motor Inc. in Manson, Iowa.
Q: How did the tool function
as far as saving you time?
A: This is a very unique tool. It's a couple of
spring-loaded electrical probes attached to
clamps. You can attach the clamps close to
whatever you are trying to check, and the
spring-loaded probe stays in place. This
saves the time and hassle of trying to figure
out how to keep the probe where you need
it, and quite possibly frees up your hands.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to this tool?
A: The clamps themselves are made from
some sort of plastic or composite material.
I understand the thought process
around electrical equipment but wonder
if insulated metal might hold up better.
Additionally, the probe swivels in one
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Tool Aid Clamp Probe Set,
No. 21200, was originally designed to
allow a lone technician to test for voltage
drop on top battery posts, but its
handsfree operation is a useful diagnostic
tool when a third hand is needed.
The probe, under spring tension,
adjusts in height within the housing,
and rotates 360 degrees so users can
test where they need to. The probes
accept a standard 4mm banana plug,
allowing technicians to use their existing
equipment. The Clamp Probes are
also available individually as the 21215
(black) and 21216 (red).
Circle 79 on card or click " PTEN e-inquiry " on
VehicleServicePros.com
direction on the clamp. There were times
when it would have been nice to be able to
change the angle in the other direction as
well. Maybe a ball and socket attachment
instead of a single swivel joint.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Very easy to use. The clamps are a
squeeze type clamp, so you just squeeze
them open and clamp them onto whatever is
close to where you need to test. The probes
themselves are spring-loaded to maintain
contact with whatever you are testing.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: There was no manual included. There
were some pictures of the clamps in use on
the cardboard backplate. If you couldn't
figure out how to use them, you probably
shouldn't be working on electrical systems.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I really like that the probes are pointed
on the end, and spring-loaded. This works
great for maintaining contact with whatever
you are trying to test. They also swivel
on the clamps, so you don't have to be
directly in line with your intended target.
The probes also have a 4mm female end
on them which seems to be the standard
for most test leads.
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
44 PTEN AUGUST 2023 www.VehicleServicePros.com
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did
you use this tool for?
A: I used the probes for electrical circuit
testing under the hood and in the passenger
compartment. They were handy when
checking circuits originating from the fuse
panel. They also worked well in making a
good ground for circuit checking. With a
long test lead, they work well for testing
from one end of the vehicle to the other.
Q: Have you used a previous
version of this tool?
A: I have used various probes before, but
never any attached to clamps. These were
handy in several instances.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you
rate this tool overall? Why?
A: A solid nine. They are very nice, and something
different than I had ever used before.
RANDY KAISER started working
at Rost Motor, Inc. shortly after
graduating high school, and he is
still working there 48 years later.
Through the years, he has been
a lube tech, line tech, paint and
body tech, parts department head, service manager,
and is currently in charge of the parts and
service departments. Kaiser is ASE Master Certified
and a Ford Master Certified Technician, as well as a
Ford certified Service Manager and Service Advisor.
https://www.aapexshow.com/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=aapex23_attendee_awareness&utm_content=rw_print http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
August 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of August 2023
