John Dirks Jr Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 I go through these things like crazy. The prongs come loose and sink into the case. I can't seem to find a quality one. What brand of receptacle tester do you use and how much life do you get out of it before it gets screwed up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Moore Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Now that I think about it, I can't actually recall the last time I bought any of them, but I'm sure that I've been using the same yellow GB tester for the last 3 or 4 years...at least. I carry a couple of spares but, amazingly, I haven't lost one in a long time. Never had a problem with prongs "sinking into the case" on any brand tester over the years, including the decades before HI. So, John, I hate to ask, but could it it be poor "marksmanship" inserting your tool? Have you had your eyes checked recently? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted July 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Now that I think about it, I can't actually recall the last time I bought any of them, but I'm sure that I've been using the same yellow GB tester for the last 3 or 4 years...at least. I carry a couple of spares but, amazingly, I haven't lost one in a long time. Never had a problem with prongs "sinking into the case" on any brand tester over the years, including the decades before HI. So, John, I hate to ask, but could it it be poor "marksmanship" inserting your tool? Have you had your eyes checked recently? I might be a little hyper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 I've never had one stop working or get damaged in any way. I just seem to lose them every 3 or 4 years. Seems like the last two I've used were made by GB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben H Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 I did have one kinda fall apart. The test button for the GFCI fell out, or got banged around in the bag and fell out. But that's the only thing I've had happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 I like the newer GB with the rounded edges. I knocked the lens covers off a couple of the older ones and the test button quit working on one. But mostly, I use them til they find new homes. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anatol Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 John, Get a 1' extension cable and leave your tester plugged into that. That will reduce the wear and tear. Anatol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
resqman Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 If you are carrying around a foot long dangleing tool, it might increase the attention you get from the ladies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted July 26, 2011 Report Share Posted July 26, 2011 Been using the same SureTest ST-1D since September of 1999. Bought Yung a new one six months ago but she refuses to use it until the old one is toast. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted July 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 John, Get a 1' extension cable and leave your tester plugged into that. That will reduce the wear and tear. Anatol Hmmm, that probably help for getting into the recessed floor receptacles too. The one I had with a loose prong totally crapped on me today. Luckily on the last receptacle of the inspection. I found the ones with the round ground post fit tighter into the receps. I like the ones with the d shaped ground prong as they fit easier and go along with my hyper active frenzies better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted July 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 Been using the same SureTest ST-1D since September of 1999. Bought Yung a new one six months ago but she refuses to use it until the old one is toast. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike What's the cheapest I could get one of those and where? Does it really pick up bootleg grounds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieb Posted July 27, 2011 Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 It all seems to be based on need. I'm a bit sanguine so I loose a few of those things now and then. Most of the housing I inspect is newer so bootlegs are less of a concern. When the older stock moves, like recently, its still a no brainer. Two prong gets replaced with three but the ground lug has nothing attached. KISS I keep one or two in the bag without a ground blade. I still want to know the two slot outlets function. I typically have a half dozen or so in the bag and more in the car. I'll load up all the outlets in the kitchen or baths at once and then test the GFCI function. Much quicker process. That's also why I wind up loosing a few. If things don't add up I whip out a multimeter and crunch the info. I do believe I'll steal the 12" whip idea for the floor plugs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted July 27, 2011 Report Share Posted July 27, 2011 Been using the same SureTest ST-1D since September of 1999. Bought Yung a new one six months ago but she refuses to use it until the old one is toast. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike What's the cheapest I could get one of those and where? Does it really pick up bootleg grounds? I bought it off of ebay. Brand new, never used. Turns out the seller is a friend and they'd posted the wrong price so I literally stole it. I offered to toss the deal but he was good natured about it and said it was better that I get it than it continue to sit in the closet. Since then, I occasionally go up on Ebay and have followed several older ones. They've gone pretty cheap. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted August 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2011 I think I found a standard 3 prong GFI unit I like. The lights are bright and well separated so the light bleed through from adjacent lights wont be a problem. The GFI test button takes a significant effort to push and activate so accidental trips should be eliminated. The smooth body feels comfortable in hand. Gardner Bender GFI-3501 Click to Enlarge 28.19 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iatemine Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 I use a Triplett #9610 , Six bucks from Amazon... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randynavarro Posted November 12, 2011 Report Share Posted November 12, 2011 Kind of old thread but I went to an electrical supply house and got the three-light tester from Ideal. Can't tell you the model no. but it's recognizably heavier and thicker than the ordinary hardware store tester. Buttons and lights are running strong--2-3 years old by now at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolan Kienitz Posted November 12, 2011 Report Share Posted November 12, 2011 Kind of old thread but I went to an electrical supply house and got the three-light tester from Ideal. Can't tell you the model no. but it's recognizably heavier and thicker than the ordinary hardware store tester. Buttons and lights are running strong--2-3 years old by now at least. Randy - Upgrade available ... depending upon your model. Download Attachment: suretest_upgrade_program.pdf 66.08 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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