Vampire plugs - Words of Wisdom. Read Only. No more posting. - PlanetChristmas! Forums. Read Only. We've moved to http://talk.planetchristmas.com - The Forums of PlanetChristmas have moved to http://talk.PlanetChristmas.com
Leave it to someone completely uninvolved with lights to come up with a better idea. After years of killing my fingers and thumbs trying to push on the caps on thousands of vampire plugs, my sister-in-law (over for a brief visit) reaches in my toolbox and breaks out a pair of channel locks. Spread them out to the length of the plug - one jaw on the plug and the other on the cover - squeeze and viola! - vampire plugs made easy!
I guess sisters-in-laws are worth something after all. ;-)
Sorry I should have said something as I have been using the channel locks for years on the SPT2 wire. Also, the C7 sockets from Action can be a bit tight and they work on them too but just do it easy.
Robin wrote: Sorry I should have said something as I have been using the channel locks for years on the SPT2 wire. Also, the C7 sockets from Action can be a bit tight and they work on them too but just do it easy.
I start the lid and then press the entire plug assembly against something firm like a workbench or brick wall. The top just slides right on. Wa-la!
Also when placing a female plug inline, I use my soldering gun and melt a U shaped channel just larger than the wire. This prevents the plastic from shattering while trying to chip away the back wall of the female plug.
Rather than carry an extra tool, or looking for something to push against, my wife decided that the open end of the handles on the wire cutter makes a great pliers for closing SPT2 vampire taps. Technically, there is no mechanical advantage here, but you get a good grip on it, and can bring several fingers to bear, which is plenty for the purpose. In the past I've done a lot of them just using my fingers, but since she showed me this, it is the only way I do it..
rdensic wrote: Leave it to someone completely uninvolved with lights to come up with a better idea. After years of killing my fingers and thumbs trying to push on the caps on thousands of vampire plugs, my sister-in-law (over for a brief visit) reaches in my toolbox and breaks out a pair of channel locks.
Uh, why is this in "Words of Wisdom"??? This section is intended for inspirational messages and stories, not tool reviews or "how to" tips.
TED
Last edited on Monday January 21st, 2008 07:37 am by TED
If there were a "Tools, Tips and Tricks" section it would have gone there. Probably a good suggestion for a catgory. Personally I think saving people from stressed fingers is a good use of words of wisdom. No offense though...
