Tool Review: Tool Aid Test Lead Pack
Content brought to you by PTEN. To subscribe, click here.
Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: The Tool Aid Test Lead Set has been a very convenient tool for automotive testing. The length makes these easy to unpack, use, and pack up after a job. There are five separate test leads with 4mm banana ends and colors matching most oscilloscope channel colors. I have saved time pinpointing circuit faults due to the versatility of the set.
Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop's profitability?
A: Efficiency and productivity. Added together spells profit.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: There is no setup needed. Just open the package and get right to testing.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Using the Test Lead Pack was so easy a neanderthal could use them.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: The Test Lead Pack came in a plastic bag with a cardboard hang tab for hanging on a rack for retail display. There are no additional accessories that come with this product.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was it easy to understand?
A: There is no manual provided or needed. This product is self-explanatory and is targeted at people who shouldn't need a user manual.
Q: What features did you like?
A: I liked that one end of the leads has a straight shrouded 4mm banana plug connection while the other end has a 90-degree shrouded 4mm banana plug. I liked that there are five separate leads matching most oscilloscope channel colors, and the length was great. Not too short but not so long that they’re overwhelming to unpack and pack up after a job.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: It would be very cool if Tool Aid would include a universal fuse holder with 4mm banana plugs so the user could easily protect circuits and components when using these leads to jump circuits. It would also be nice if the leads were shielded to reduce electrical noise from affecting electrical signals being tested and monitored when using these leads. Last but certainly not least, the 90-degree end would benefit from having the option to stack other leads for taking measurements while using for jumper leads.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use the tool for?
A: I used these leads along with 4mm banana test probes to bypass sections of wire within a harness to locate circuit faults. Having a stackable 4mm end would have been helpful for taking voltage measurements when doing so.
Q: How does this tool compare to other tools you've used like it?
A: Past lead sets only had a small alligator clip for connecting the lead to circuits or components. The shrouded straight and 90-degree 4mm banana ends are what set this lead set apart from others. With this arrangement, the user has the flexibility to use whatever 4mm test probe that they would like — piercing probes, back probes, meter probes, breakout leads, and alligator leads.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: An 8. I would recommend this product to anyone who does electrical testing. They are versatile and convenient, but there is room for some added features.
The Tool Aid Test Lead Pack, No. 23300, includes five colored test leads designed to provide cost-effective testing solutions for multimeters and other diagnostic tools that accept standard 4mm banana plugs. Features 60" test leads with flexible silicone insulation. Rated for up to 10A and CAT III 1,000V / CAT IV 600V.
About the Author

Brin Kline
Owner of Assured Auto Works
Brin Kline is the owner of Assured Auto Works in Melbourne, Florida, an automotive general repair business with a mobile diagnostic and module programming division. He has been in the automotive industry for 27 years. Kline also teaches for Carquest Technical Institute and Trained by Techs, is a member of the Automotive Service Association’s Mechanical Operations Committee, and president of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) of Florida.
Kline also reviews a variety of tools for Professional Tool & Equipment News. To read his tool reviews, search his name on VehicleServicePros.com.
