Cheap strain relief pliers

[chuggy]

I think these price pleasin' pliers are intended for Hayco-type strain relief fittings.  Anyone have experience with them?

Thanks-
Jim R



http://cgi.ebay.com/Electrical-Strain-Relief-Bushing-Assembly-Tool-Pliers-/250484613348?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item3a520be0e4

[Tiny_Daddy]

For that price I'll get one and let you know!

[FYL]

I think these price pleasin' pliers are intended for Hayco-type strain relief fittings.  Anyone have experience with them?

Yep. Got a pair of these. Quality is OK, particularly considering the price. Works quite nicely.

[Fresh_Start]

You mean there's an alternative to a small vice & a pair of vice grips?

Holy Crap Batman!

Chip

[stingray_65]

OK

We all love how Heyco's hold and HATE installing and removing them.

For those like me who don't own a fancy set of pliers like that yet, installation can be VERY quick and easy.

Boil a small pot of water, remove from the stove, soak just the end of the cable you'll be working with for about 2 minutes in the HOT water.  Work quickly, the heaviest of cables will be limp as a noodle and very soft. It will SNAP right in.

I've done this MANY times and I like to use round 16ga SJOWE cords.

As for removal? Buy a pair of pliers like the OP linked.

LOL or try Chip's method, have band-aids at the ready

Ray

OH! Thanks for the link! It took me longer to sign in that to buy them.

[phsyconoodler]

I just use the new Heyco strain reliefs that use compression fitting clamping instead.But those would sure help with vintage amps!

[Fresh_Start]

Ray, sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.  Thanks for sharing that tip!

Personally, I'm using IEC connectors on all new builds but that hot water trick is a heck of a lot better than my Neanderthal approach.

Cheers,

Chip

[Tiny_Daddy]

I use a heat gun to soften up those stiff cables. Especially on a cold day, makes installing the Heyco a lot easier.

[Platefire]

Speaking of Neanderthal. I've been filing down the inside of the strain relief with a round file, compressing it with pliers on the cord and pushing it in the hole. I've achieved a tight fit everytime but once. My method is kind of tough painful tricky process. I've read confession is good for the soul! So there you have it!   

The nibs look kind of sharp on the pliers on the link--I enlarged the view but still couldn't see the exact shape--seems like it should be a flatter surface caressing the strain relief? For a person just drilling a round hole without the flattened slot on one side to match the strain relief, what would be the process? So I'm thinking of going also to the IEC connectors on the next build. Plate

[Tiny_Daddy]

Round hole works fine for cord retention. The flats are to prevent the cord from twisting. I cut a hole 1/16 smaller (same diameter as the flats) and then elongate and file to fit with a round file. If your chassis is thick or has an overlay be sure to use a correct Heyco for the thicker panel.

[sluckey]

OH! Thanks for the link! It took me longer to sign in that to buy them.

Ray, please report back when you receive the pliers. I'm interested too, but I'm kinda leery about Hong Kong.
Thanks... Steve

[stingray_65]

OH! Thanks for the link! It took me longer to sign in that to buy them.

Ray, please report back when you receive the pliers. I'm interested too, but I'm kinda leery about Hong Kong.
Thanks... Steve

I promise a full review!

I'm a tool guy and have made my living off them since I was a kid working on cars, so I expect a lot from them.

Personally, I'm using IEC connectors on all new builds but that hot water trick is a heck of a lot better than my Neanderthal approach.

Chip,

I've made the decision recently to switch to IEC's in my Amp builds. They are a good idea, Safer in many ways, but sometimes a reliable Heyco (my hardware store carries REAL Heyco's and not imports like ratshack) is still preferable.

Ray

[Tiny_Daddy]

OK as I was sayin' earlier, I got a pair of these. They shipped directly from China and work great.

[stingray_65]

I'm still eagerly awaiting my delivery.

The note the seller left states delivery between 12-21 and 01-03.

Thanks for the vote of confidence on the pliers Tiny Daddy, anyone who has ever wrestled a Heyco strain relief out of a panel in false hope there will be no damage knows how much punishment awaits these things.

Ray

[chuggy]

Got mine.  Looks strong enough.  Does the job!  What a pleasure to not struggle with a channel lock.
Jim R

[bluesbear]

I got mine and it works fine. Beats the crap out of needle nose pliers! I'll buy a couple more just to have them around.
Dave

[stingray_65]

still not got mine!

You can tell Doug's not runnin the show where ever the are coming from!

[jim]

Mine came today after three weeks--all the way from mainland China.  They cost $7.00 and shipping was free.  The postage on the package was 32 Yuan which is like $4.75.  They must make these thing really really inexpensively.  It is stamped metal but works just fine--it is spring loaded and has a latch to lock it closed for easy storage.  Would be great if they also made a "D" punch.....Jim

[jjasilli]

Got one too.  It works.  Thanks guys!