Solstace Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 Hi folks... Looking for a tool to tighten the collars on the 3.5mm jack connectors on our G3 bodypacks... NOT the collars on the mic connectors when they get plugged in, but something that will reach into the slots of the collar recessed into the body of the pack itself. Background is, I'm fed up with the things coming undone every few weeks and the crackles they can cause if we don't keep on top of them. I don't want to mash the metal using small screwdrivers to get at them, and am equally fed up with mashing finger and thumbnails trying to reach in by hand! When I can get a chance to lock 'em down properly I might put a tiny drop of threadlock on each collar while I'm there to see if I can get the pesky little blighters to stay in place. Trouble is I don't want to use *so* much that they're glued permanently in place, nor affect their electrical role. All well and good, but I can't for the life of me think of the correct search terminology to throw at Google or CPC or whomever to order the right hex-driver "bit" or handheld tool next time I'm putting a shopping list together online. Anyone have any tips? Tried for "slotted flat-blade screwdriver" and other seemingly related terms to at least get a start, then I'm happy to get rulers or vernier calipers out to get the spec. That said, if anyone else has beaten me to it (I can't be the only one suffering this) then I'd be grateful for the help! TIA.
handyandi Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 Spanner Driver? Loctite do a sealant called 243 which is not permantent, 603 is the permanent one.
Solstace Posted April 28, 2015 Author Posted April 28, 2015 Got a bottle of 243 on my desk ready to go. :) Collar looks like this: Clicky to view image shared from Google Drive You still sure it would be a spanner driver?
handyandi Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 Spanner driver seems to be the name for a tool that is a flat bladed screwdriver with the middle section removed. There seems to be various sizes but whether there is one that fits the 3.5mm socket I am not sure. Earphone Jack nut driver looks as if they were available in Japan for vintage radios etc but if you google this various links come up with people ending up making their own.
Doug Siddons Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 Best option is to make your own "spanner driver" but circlip pliers are quite useful for this job
MarkPAman Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 When I wanted something like that and couldn't find the correct size, I just introduced a cheap screwdriver to an angle grinder. Sparks flew! Took only seconds to make a tool that fitted perfectly.
Oldradiohand Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 Did a similar thing with and old screwdriver and a Dremel.
Solstace Posted April 28, 2015 Author Posted April 28, 2015 Learn something new every day. Thanks! Andi! :) Okay, so looks like a search for 8mm spanner drivers doesn't show anything helpful, nor does 5/16inch. Going up to that size via Google and even tool sites seems to put us in to "spanner" category rather than something more like the screw-driver-with-a-notch-cut-out-of-it I was first imagining, as I've seen in my security driver bit sets that just aren't *quite* wide enough for the task, and those that approach it would then be too fat to reach into the notches anyways... I keep forgetting of course that Sennheiser, among others in the Pro industry, are in fact both friendly and helpful on the 'phone. Glad I called them; their answer is this: Service tool for wireless bodypack socket slotted nut For those of us who have a few, or who encounter the issue a lot for whatever reason, I think it's a worthwhile investment! And I'm likely better off with such a tool than a botched instrument of my own making, however proud I'd be of the latter.
TomHoward Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 Unless there's a big discount off list price that sounds a little pricey to me.. I'd look whether any of the tools for getting the backs off watches went small enough.
pete10uk Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 In all of my years of using and owning sennheiser G series kit, I've never seen this issue, let alone required a tool. You certainly do learn something every day. The solution does seem a bit pricy but you'll kick yourself if a home made effort slips and scratches you kit or yourself.
Bazz339 Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 B&Q piece of tube of correct diameter. File end fit t bar if necessary.B&Q usually have a rack of small tubes, angles, channel etc. Other diy sheds may not. I have a small pair of long nose pliers with very slim ends I have used, I found I needed to get to the nut on the rear of the socket to get it good and tight. Also maybe Circlip pliers.
Andyb Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 I could not being my self to spend that much on the official tool so also made my own. From memory is was a special tool for a classic car that I took to the grinder. It is now safely tied to the two mic run up bench! I spent a long time trying to find an alternative tool to buy off the shelf but had no luck.
peza2010 Posted April 28, 2015 Posted April 28, 2015 £45.00?? wow, they certainly know how to make big bucks from "aftercare" I also have never had the problem mentioned though, but ours don't have that tough of a life.
Nicktaylor Posted April 30, 2015 Posted April 30, 2015 I see a number have stated they have never had the problem. I had not even though it might be a problem so off to check all my kit!
sandall Posted April 30, 2015 Posted April 30, 2015 I see a number have stated they have never had the problem. I had not even though it might be a problem so off to check all my kit! Like-wise!
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