This style is easy to use and works well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fully-Insulated-Quick-Piercing-Test-Clips-Multimeter-Test-Probe-Spring-Load-/231401474639
Type: Posts; User: mmcn49
This style is easy to use and works well.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fully-Insulated-Quick-Piercing-Test-Clips-Multimeter-Test-Probe-Spring-Load-/231401474639
Don't know if you've resolved the issue and cannot offer specifics but here are some suggestions:
You mentioned that the wiring was a "Rats Nest". Was the rats nest caused by the previous owner...