Micro hook solving testing challenges in small environments
January 31, 2025E-Z-Hook’s X2015 micro double gripper test connector was developed to address test and measurement challenges of the ever-changing test and measurement field. Electronic components and devices must be tested throughout their product life cycles to verify that they meet requirements and to ensure they are operating accordingly. Electrical components are constantly tested in every industry to identify and address potential problems. With these testing and diagnostics challenges that industries face, E-Z-Hook offers innovative and unique solutions to quickly and accurately provide the results necessary to address these challenges as a leading worldwide manufacturer of test and measurement accessories. A double gripper test hook is one of the best micro hooks out there. Couple that with its slim design, and this product is perfect for testing small components in tight spaces.
Figure 1. Test hook designed with two hooks or contact blades to grab onto a component with a better grip to ensure a more secure connection. Source: E-Z-Hook
Innovative test hook to provide seamless testing
The X2015 double gripper test connector is the optimal solution for testing small components in tight spaces where the connection point is very small. The lever on the X2015 is actuated so that when the lever on the top of the connector is depressed, the fully insulated tube that houses the double gripper pulls back and exposes the double contact blade (double hook). This micro-hook is the smallest and thinnest of E-Z-Hook’s double hooks, offering expanded capabilities during diagnostics and testing. The test hook is fully insulated and the insulated shaft limits contact prematurely with other components for more reliable testing. The ultra-slim design allows for simultaneous side-by-side stacking of the hooks to provide multiple testing connections in tight spaces at the same time. To ensure accurate readings, this part is designed with no sliding contact points. This hook is unique because it offers two contact blades at the tip of the connector instead of the traditional one-contact blade, thereby making this a double hook or double probe. This double hook test connector makes a connection more secure and eliminates any issues caused by sliding contacts.
With a maximum hook opening of 0.030 inches, users are provided with E-Z-Hook’s largest double hook opening capacity available. The pin located on the back of the connector permits connection to any 0.030 inch diameter socket patch cord.
To meet the environmental regulations of various industries, this product is RoHS complaint.
Overview of the product features
- A fully insulated, narrow body design that allows for easy connection in tight spaces. Also ideal for simultaneous connections that are side-by-side.
- The hook fits over components up to a maximum opening diameter of 0.030 inches. It is designed with two hooks or contact blades in order to grab onto a component with a better grip to ensure a more secure connection.
- The pin makes easy connection to 0.030 inch or 0.025 inch diameter square socket test leads and patch cords. Quickly pair with test lead or patch cord in order to make an electronic connection.
- Hooks and 0.030 inch pin plugs directly connect to ensure accurate readings with no sliding contact points.
- As a solderless assembly, this test clip also connects to a test lead wire or patch cord, expanding electronic test functionality. This part allows for hands-free testing and fast installation.
Tip design permits hook-ups that are vertical or horizontal.
Figure 2. The ultra-slim design allows for simultaneous side-by-side stacking of the hooks to provide multiple testing connections in tight spaces at the same time. Source: E-Z-Hook
How is this product applied across multiple industries?
The test hook is designed for use with surface mount devices or where the connection point is small. It is also popular for use as an oscilloscope probe. These test clips are great for testing miniature components, IC clip connectors, IC pins, CIP and SMD, electrical test boards, fine pitch lead electronics and for use with Arduino products. Many industries are utilizing these test hooks around the globe. Some of these examples include:
- Automotive: ECU modules for engine, battery, braking systems, sensors and control signals
- Electrical and energy: lighting, fuse boxes, circuit boards, generators, battery cabinets, electrical systems and air conditioning
- Aerospace: battery servicing, switches, test terminals and termination points
- Defense: bomb detection shunt devices and wire attack kits
- Medical: monitoring systems, neuromodulation and restorative therapy
- Education: research and development labs and prototyping
No matter the industry, if there is a small component to test, the X2015 hook is the perfect solution to get the job done. Just attach it to any 0.030 inch or 0.025 inch diameter socket test lead or patch cord and start testing.
Additional products to consider during testing
Test wire assemblies with 0.030 inch and 0.025 inch diameter sockets are able to connect to the 0.030 inch pin plug of the X2015 to allow for connections to any diagnostic device. E-Z-Hook offers hundreds of test lead combinations with various wire gauges, wire insulation, color, cord style and connector combinations. The connectors can be combined in several ways to produce customized test lead solutions and they are popular across various industries for prototyping, diagnostic testing, troubleshooting and more. Below are some of the test leads and patch cords that are typically paired with this test hook to complete their testing and diagnostic needs.
· (9860) 0.030 inch diameter socket jumper, 22 AWG PVC test lead
· (9861) 0.030 inch diameter socket to banana plug, 22 AWG PVC test lead
· (9850) 0.025 inch square socket to 0.030 inch diameter socket, 22 AWG PVC test lead
E-Z-Hook designed and developed additional test hooks with the dual hook feature in order to expand testing functionality in varying environments. They range in different shapes, sizes, materials, hook opening sizes and number of square pins provided.
· XKM features a slender connector design for stacking side-by-side, with two 0.025 inch square pins for connection. Use patch cords to build test wire assemblies. The part has a maximum hook opening of 0.05 inch.
· XK is the original double-hook test connector. Its narrow design allows stacking of parts side-by-side. The part has a maximum hook opening of 0.01 inch and a 0.02 inch square pin for connecting to patch cords or test lead assemblies.
· XK25SS is similar in design to the XK double gripper. This test hook is made using stainless-steel contact points and has a 0.025 inch square pin for connecting to patch cords. The part has a maximum hook opening of 0.01 inch.
Learn more about E-Z-Hook’s double gripper test hook and see it in action
Watch the accompanying video on E-Z-Hook’s X2015 test hook to get a simplified idea on what makes this test hook unique and to see it in use.
E-Z-Hook’s reliable and fast-yielding results make any user's job easier. With this unique slim and secure hook design, testing has never been better.
Want to learn even more or have questions?
· Visit the product webpage
· View the product specification sheet
· Read the engineering brief showcasing the products
· Speak to industry experts
About the company
Since 1956, E-Z-Hook has manufactured and sold innovative solutions for the test and measurement market. Their electronic test accessories are recognized in multiple industries around the world for their durability and innovative designs. With the ever-changing pace in technology, the E-Z-Hook team continues to commit to meet and manufacture products that satisfy the changing needs of their customers and the continually evolving marketplace. E-Z-Hook is known for its custom solutions and capabilities and it regularly dispatches its engineers to design and develop custom products or custom alterations to existing products to meet their specific testing requirements. This approach has allowed them to combine industry-specific requirements with ideas that leverage E-Z-Hook’s prior product and industry experiences.
E-Z-Hook is a third-generation family-owned and operated company in the U.S. Their products are sold worldwide through distributors and factory-direct to customers. Contact them today to discuss solutions for specific testing requirements.
E-Z-Hook is ISO 9001:2015 certified to adhere to strict quality standards.