7 Best LCR Tweezers (Testing SMDs on boards 2024)

LCR (Inductance L, Capacitance C, and Resistance R) Tweezers are amazing instruments that test, measure value, and check the performance of circuit components on a circuit board.

You will be surprised to know that the best LCR tweezer electrically separates the corresponding component from the rest of the circuit and then measures its value.

Component isolation in a circuit is a difficult task; especially, when we have to troubleshoot a circuit. The task gets messy when the circuit is designed by SMDs (Surface Mounted Devices).

Heavy machinery is used for testing SMD circuits. And normal electronics nerds cannot afford that machinery.

Here, LCR tweezers come to the rescue. LCR tweezers bypass the old-fashioned component isolation method. Even more, it tells us the value of the corresponding component.

Before rushing to the market to pick LCR tweezers, we must tell you to pick the best LCR tweezer. If you don’t know which one is good or bad, this blog will help you out.

Additionally, this blog will answer the following basic questions related to LCR Tweezer:

Why should we buy the LCR Tweezer?
What are the best options available in the market?
How do we compare these LCR Tweezers?
What are the salient features of the best LCR Tweezer?

So keep reading if you are interested in picking a good LCR Tweezer!

Best LCR Tweezers

Regardless of the sophisticated SMD Circuit, once we get our hands on the best LCR Tweezers, we would not hesitate to inspect the circuit.

Commonly, Smart Tweezer’s ST5-S is considered a perfect instrument for SMDs. It is smart, light, accurate, and cheap. It can be carried easily and operates for a long time. It is promptly available in workshops. It never fails its users.

However, we will observe many other models in this blog through the following judging factors.

But first, let’s discuss the factor that helps us to understand these LCR Tweezers.

Choosing the Best LCR Tweezers

While choosing the best LCR Tweezer, we must assess a few factors. These factors tell us about the capability of an LCR Tweezer.

Thus, without any further delay, let’s jump to these factors.

a. Battery Duration

Commonly, an LCR tweezer is used for a long time. Troubleshooting of the SMD circuit takes several hours. Thus, a good LCR Tweezer must comply with the corresponding time.

Generally, a battery of an ideal LCR Tweezer should range from 8 hrs to 12 hrs. Hence, the minimum time should not be less than 8 hrs while the maximum value is 12 hrs.

b. ESR Value Measurement

Additionally, An LCR Tweezer should be able to measure the in-circuit ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) value. This value plays important role in capacitance measurement.

An ESR Value is the measurement of the value of resistance in a capacitor. It can also be named the internal resistance of a capacitor.

An LCR Tweezer, measuring capacitance, shall be able to calculate the in-circuit value of ESR. By in-circuit, we mean that the resistance should not be detached for separate measurements.

c. Accuracy

Accuracy is the prime factor for an LCR Tweezer. As we are talking about SMD circuits; hence we need to keep in mind the accuracy of LCR Tweezer. Because SMD circuits are too sophisticated and work on high frequencies.

Generally, 0.2% for resistance and 0.2-0.4% for capacitance and Inductance are considered ideal accuracies.

d. Probes / Pins Quality

The probes of LCR Tweezer must be made from a material that allows minimum current to pass with less resistance. Additionally, the material must not rust for long use.

Assessing these qualities, gold fits our use. Hence, it is a precious metal, we cannot use it. Else, the price of LCR Tweezer will increase.

Besides, the probes are electroplated with gold. It reduces the price and gives corresponding properties.

e. Handling

A good LCR Tweezer must always be easy to handle. It might be astonishing that a certain product increases the overall weight and physique of an instrument. It causes trouble for users while reading.

For a Top LCR Tweezer, good weight must be from 120 grams to 200 grams. Moreover, users can easily hold it while working.

f. Automation of functions

While working in SMDs technology, switching from one function to another causes inconvenience in reading. Hence, a good LCR Tweezer should automatically detect the component.

It generally happens between resistance and capacitance. This is enough for an ideal LCR Tweezer.

g. Display Comfortability

A good LCR Tweezer shall have a well-defined display. The display should be large enough to get data with more comfort.

Commonly, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) Display is preferred for LCR Tweezer. However, it is just for the sake of comfort.

Keeping the above factors in check, we have shortlisted 7 best LCR Tweezers. They are listed below…

List of our Recommended LCR Tweezers

Following is our selection of top LCR Tweezers based on mentioned parameters.

So without any further delay, let’s jump into it.

1. SMART TWEEZER ST5-S

Smart Tweezers designed ST5-S with the touch of automated functions. This model is accurate, light, and automated. Amazingly, it has automatic and manual options for the selection of Inductance, capacitance, resistance as well as impedance.

Salient features:

The following are the distinctive features of ST5-S:

It smartly identifies the targeted component
It has 0.1% accuracy which is a minimum value
Test leads are plated with Gold to enhance performance in the long run
Light in weight
The display has been made with OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology.
It has a built-in Li-ion battery with a common USB charger

Long story short, ST5-S(Amazon link) is a good choice for SMD circuits. It is light, efficient, long-time functional, and sophisticated enough for the job. Interestingly, it is available for a good price and warranty at the given link.

2. LCR RESEARCH Pro-1 Plus

This small LCR Tweezer combines many functions. It is light and accurate. Pro-1 Plus can easily be carried in the pocket and is convenient for reading. Additionally, LCR Research dedicated its work to LCR reading. Hence, its capabilities are obvious.

Salient feature:

Pro-1 Plus provides the following features

It weighs light that is 0.07 pounds (~32 grams)
It is 0.1% accurate for resistance and 0.2% for Capacitance and Inductance.
It is highly sensitive
For AC, the RMS option is available
Diode (likewise LED) testing function is installed for convenience in reading

Generally, Pro-1 Plus (Amazon link) is used by a wide range of experts in laboratories. It is convenient for sophisticated circuits. Moreover, it is highly recommended by its users. If you are new to SMDs, it is the best option for you.

3. SAIN SMART DT71

Currently, DT71 is known for its efficient job in SMDs. It is trusted for its longevity and comfortable handling. DT71 is commonly seen in labs of universities. We feel more comfortable with its use.

Salient Features

The following are a few distinguishing features:

Its probes are plated with Gold
Along with LCR Tweezer, it also works as ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance).
No matter if you are left or right handed, you will feel comfortable using it.
10hrs of operating time of battery makes it ideal for professionals
The display is based on OLED technology
The OLED display is detachable for Tweezer

We feel comfortable saying that after using DT71(Amazon link), you would not have to go for another Tweezer. It is soft and smart in use. Its 360-degree rotation makes it ideal for the user. Moreover, it is available at a reasonable price at the given link.

4. GLOBAL SPECIALTIES LCR-58

This model of LCR Tweezer has many functions and more degrees of freedom in the selection of options. It is not a smart LCR Tweezer but the best option for beginners. It works fine with SMDs.

Salient Features

The model consists of the following features:

LCR-58 weighs light that is 0.3 pounds (136 grams) which is ideal for a good LCR Tweezer
Protection is installed to make it safe for minor fluctuation
Data can be held on screen for a significant time
The mode can be changed to parallel and series
It gives explicit reading with a well-defined display

Consequently, LCR-58 (Amazon link) is found to be an efficient instrument for SMDs. It is helpful in rough conditions and durable for a long time. It is unique in its design, but it runs fast in competition

5. LCR-R2

This model is comparatively classic. Unlike other LCR Tweezers, it happened to be efficient in harsh conditions. LCR-R2 is the revised model of LCR-R. LCR Reader is the name of the brand: dedicated to LCR Tweezers.

Salient Features:

Hereby, we are presenting a few distinguishing features

This model is light in weight that is 0.06 pounds (~27 grams)
Its accuracy is kept at 0.5% for L, C, and R.
This model does not require any cumbersome setup before the measurement
Like other best LCR tweezers, it possesses probes plated with gold
Low power consumption happens because of Li-ion batteries. Because of this, the battery runs for a long time.

Summing up, LCR-R2 (Amazon link) is an efficient tool for SMDs. It is straightforward. Additionally, it is well known for its low power consumption and longevity in function. The product is available at a reasonable price.

6. LCR RESEARCH ELITE2

LCR Research is a prestigious institution for LCR Tweezers. We have already mentioned one of their products in this list.

Elite2 is also famous for its compatibility with SMDs electricians. It is soft in use and good for accurate measurement. Moreover, it happens to be cheap and effective for long time use.

Salient Features:

A few distinguishing features have been discussed below:

Detachable and gold-plated probes increase its efficiency
A wide range of measurements ranges from mili ohm to mega ohm in resistance.
Available with a rechargeable battery and a USB charger
It has a well-defined display (powered by OLED)

Keeping the fact aside that Elite2 (Amazon link) is an old version, it works with higher efficiency and comfortability. Its battery happens to be long-working. Additionally, Aegis Technology protects the instrument from damage.

7. MASTECH MS-8910

Amazingly, classic SMD electricians widely trust this product. It is simple, classic, and efficient.

It is augmented with many functions that make it ideal for research purposes. Additionally, the working environment does not affect the reading.

Salient Features:

Auto-power off function is installed to save power.
It is light in weight that is 150 grams
Passive components like the capacitor are automatically detected
Well-defined display of 3000 counts shows reading vividly
Gold plating prevents rusting of probes.

Shortly, MS-8910 (Amazon link) is one of a kind. It is simple as well as cheap. More automatic functions help users to reduce extra work. It happens to be a good and long-time friend.

Conclusion

Long story short, LCR Tweezers are important instruments for SMD Circuit as it works as Multimeter for SMDs. Hence, we will quest for the best option available in the market.

A Best LCR Tweezer must have the following features:

Accuracy in reading
High Quality probes / Pins, commonly gold plated
Easy to handle and light in weight
Automatic turning-off function and detecting passive components
Comfortable and well-defined display

Keeping in view the above factors, we concluded that an ideal LCR Tweezer is ST5-S (Amazon link). It is a simple, advanced, handy, accurate, and comfortable instrument. Moreover, gold-plated probes increase their ability to work in SMDs. It is commonly used by SMD Electricians. Additionally, it is available at a reasonable price.

Question Answer Session

Q1: What is the difference between LCR Tweezer and a Multimeter?

A multimeter measures resistance, voltage, and current. Sometimes measurement of capacitance and inductance is also installed.

Meanwhile, LCR Tweezer helps us find Inductance, capacitance, and resistance. It does not measure voltage and current. Moreover, it is designed especially for SMD circuits.

The probes of LCR Tweezer are coated with gold. These probes make LCR Tweezer an ideal choice for SMDs. An Ordinary multimeter does not provide this quality.

Q2: Can we change the probes of LCR Tweezer?

Of course yes. LCR Tweezer has detachable probes. We can unscrew it and change it.

It must be noted that the rapid changing of these probes can damage the coating. It reduces the corresponding function.

Q3: Why can’t we use a multimeter instead of an LCR tweezer?

As discussed earlier, SMD circuits are too sophisticated for a multimeter. Moreover, the multimeter works on common circuits. Hence, it has a different performance level than LCR Tweezer.

On the other hand, LCR tweezers are specially designed for SMD circuits. Hence, the performance of the LCR Tweezer is good in SMDs as compared to the multimeter.

Moreover, the working function and sophistication of both are different. Thus, both cannot be used interchangeably.

Q4: How can we recharge the battery of the LCR Tweezer?

LCR Tweezer has different options regarding the battery. The majority of them happen to be rechargeable. A charger is also provided for this purpose.

However, replaceable batteries and non-rechargeable batteries are also available. We have discussed models that recharge with a USB charger.

Hence, we suggest relying on a rechargeable battery.

Q5: Why are LCR Tweezers less available in the market?

Commonly, SMD circuits are used in complicated circuits. These circuits are designed at large scale with huge machinery available in the industry.

Thus, there was no need for any such device.

With the advances in technology, common devices are made with SMD circuits. Hence, it created the need to have an LCR tweezer-like instrument. Thus, the demand for LCR Tweezers is increasing day by day.