How to Attach a Wire to an Alligator Clamp

Always use caution when working with electricity.

Alligator clamps are multipurpose tools you can purchase at any hardware store. They can be used for a variety of things, such as holding something in place or creating a temporary electrical connection. However, to use them for electricity, a wire is required. Attaching a wire to an alligator clamp requires some preparation. Understanding how to do this properly will save you a great deal of time and potential frustration.

Things You'll Need

• Alligator clip
• Screwdriver
• Wire
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Remove the rubber cover from the clamp. The alligator clamp will have a small piece of rubber covering the back, leaving only the mouth exposed. Attach the clamp to a solid bar such as a screwdriver, so that the back closes flat. Pull the rubber off with your hand.

2. Prepare the wire. Strip off about 1 inch of plastic from the wire. One way to do this is to lightly cut the plastic with scissors and pull it off. You will now have 1 inch of exposed wire.

3. Bend the wire. Take the stripped wire and bend it down into a "U" shape, much like a cane.

4. Hook the wire to the clamp the clamp. Pick up the clamp with your left hand. Hold the wire horizontally in your right hand, with the "U" facing up. Use your right hand to hook the wire into the opening behind the clamp.

5. Secure the wire. At the very back of the clamp, there are two triangular prongs. Holding the wire in place, use your pliers to tightly fold the left prong inward, on top of the wire. Tightly fold the right prong on top of the left one. This will keep the wire in place.

6. Straighten the wire. At this point, the rest of the wire -- the long part you have not stripped -- will be extended to the left. Use your right hand to move the wire to the right and straighten it out. The wire will now be extending directly out from the back of the clamp.

7. Replace the rubber cover. Clamp the device to your screwdriver. This will hold the back shut. Thread the wire through the rubber casing and back onto the clamp, covering the back and leaving the jaws exposed as normal. The wire is now attached and ready for use.