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{{Short description|Tool for adjusting or separating components}}
{{Short description|Tool for adjusting or separating components}}
{{sections|date=October 2022}}
{{refimprove|date=October 2022}}
{{refimprove|date=October 2022}}
[[file:spudgers.jpg|thumb|A selection of spudgers]]
[[file:spudgers.jpg|thumb|A selection of spudgers]]


A '''spudger''' (also known as a '''spludger''', '''non-marring nylon black stick tool''' or simply '''black stick'''{{cn|date=October 2022}}) is a tool that has a wide flat-head screwdriver-like end that extends as a wedge, used to separate pressure-fit plastic components without causing damage during separation. The flat end of the spudger is often used to loosen or release components inside [[electronics]], for example during the replacement of batteries or touch screens for [[smartphones]]. The other end is often a point or a hook depending on application. When applied to separate pressure-fit panels, there is often a point to create an initial gap before the wedge end is utilized.
A '''spudger''' (also known as a '''spludger''', '''non-marring nylon black stick tool''' or simply '''black stick'''{{cn|date=October 2022}}) is a tool that has a wide flat-head screwdriver-like end that extends as a wedge, used to separate pressure-fit plastic components without causing damage during separation.


==Uses==
A spudger is also a wiring [[tool]] used for poking or adjusting small wires or components, generally in the [[electronics]] and [[telecommunications]] industries. A typical spudger is an insulating stick, made of either wood, plastic or a nylon fiberglass material. For instances where the spudger is used for prising it is commonly made of stainless steel or other metals.<ref>E.R. Haan, Radio Testing and Trouble Shooting, Part I, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1N8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA835 Popular Mechanics, Vol. 49, No. 5] (May 1928); pages 834–836. See page 835, column 1, for a discussion of spudgers.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180331173221/http://doc.telephonecollectors.info/dm/074-257-117_I2.pdf Bell System Practices, Section 074-257-117], "Tools, Spudgers - Description", Issue 2, May 1978.</ref><ref>[https://spudgers.com/#types Types of Spudger Tool], Spudgers.com. Interfuse LLC. Retrieved 30 March 2018</ref>
The flat end of the spudger is often used to loosen or release components inside [[electronics]], for example during the replacement of batteries or touch screens for [[smartphones]]. The other end is often a point or a hook depending on application. When applied to separate pressure-fit panels, there is often a point to create an initial gap before the wedge end is utilized.


A spudger is also a wiring [[tool]] used for poking or adjusting small wires or components, generally in the [[electronics]] and [[telecommunications]] industries. A typical spudger is an insulating stick, made of either wood, plastic or a nylon fiberglass material. For instances where the spudger is used for prising it is commonly made of stainless steel or other metals.<ref>E.R. Haan, Radio Testing and Trouble Shooting, Part I, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1N8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA835 Popular Mechanics, Vol. 49, No. 5] (May 1928); pages 834–836. See page 835, column 1, for a discussion of spudgers.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180331173221/http://doc.telephonecollectors.info/dm/074-257-117_I2.pdf Bell System Practices, Section 074-257-117], "Tools, Spudgers - Description", Issue 2, May 1978.</ref><ref>[https://spudgers.com/#types Types of Spudger Tool], Spudgers.com. Interfuse LLC. Retrieved 30 March 2018</ref>
Many electronics repair manuals recommend the tool for prising open certain laptops, audio file players, keyboards, LCDs and other tight fitting electronic enclosures and assemblies.{{cn|date=October 2022}}
==Materials and versions==
The most common modern spudger is a black or yellow [[nylon]] stick with a metal hook at one end. Various versions have blunt, sharpened, or insulated hooks. The hook can be used for pulling bridge clips from [[66 block]]s, manipulating wires in a crowded [[wire wrap]] block, or setting [[DIP switch]]es. The body of a plastic spudger is usually contoured to offer a better grip. Some spudgers are made of [[Citrus × sinensis#Wood|orangewood]], used in electronics assembly and [[soldering]] because of its heat tolerance and dense grain. The same orangewood sticks are commonly used in [[filmmaking]], [[manicure]] and [[pedicure]], but these industries do not use the term "spudger".
The most common modern spudger is a black or yellow [[nylon]] stick with a metal hook at one end. Various versions have blunt, sharpened, or insulated hooks. The hook can be used for pulling bridge clips from [[66 block]]s, manipulating wires in a crowded [[wire wrap]] block, or setting [[DIP switch]]es. The body of a plastic spudger is usually contoured to offer a better grip. Some spudgers are made of [[Citrus × sinensis#Wood|orangewood]], used in electronics assembly and [[soldering]] because of its heat tolerance and dense grain. The same orangewood sticks are commonly used in [[filmmaking]], [[manicure]] and [[pedicure]], but these industries do not use the term "spudger".


In telecom applications like punch-down terminal blocks and cell phone repair, the spudger is made of a non-conductive material to prevent transmission of a static shock or direct short to sensitive electrical components' inputs or outputs. This is critical with high density applications where uninsulated terminals are in close proximity, like a battery or with telephone patch junctions.
In telecom applications like punch-down terminal blocks and cell phone repair, the spudger is made of a non-conductive material to prevent transmission of a static shock or direct short to sensitive electrical components' inputs or outputs. This is critical with high density applications where uninsulated terminals are in close proximity, like a battery or with telephone patch junctions.



Many electronics repair manuals recommend the tool for prising open certain laptops, audio file players, keyboards, LCDs and other tight fitting electronic enclosures and assemblies.{{cn|date=October 2022}}


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 10:33, 3 November 2022

A selection of spudgers

A spudger (also known as a spludger, non-marring nylon black stick tool or simply black stick[citation needed]) is a tool that has a wide flat-head screwdriver-like end that extends as a wedge, used to separate pressure-fit plastic components without causing damage during separation.

Uses

The flat end of the spudger is often used to loosen or release components inside electronics, for example during the replacement of batteries or touch screens for smartphones. The other end is often a point or a hook depending on application. When applied to separate pressure-fit panels, there is often a point to create an initial gap before the wedge end is utilized.

A spudger is also a wiring tool used for poking or adjusting small wires or components, generally in the electronics and telecommunications industries. A typical spudger is an insulating stick, made of either wood, plastic or a nylon fiberglass material. For instances where the spudger is used for prising it is commonly made of stainless steel or other metals.[1][2][3] Many electronics repair manuals recommend the tool for prising open certain laptops, audio file players, keyboards, LCDs and other tight fitting electronic enclosures and assemblies.[citation needed]

Materials and versions

The most common modern spudger is a black or yellow nylon stick with a metal hook at one end. Various versions have blunt, sharpened, or insulated hooks. The hook can be used for pulling bridge clips from 66 blocks, manipulating wires in a crowded wire wrap block, or setting DIP switches. The body of a plastic spudger is usually contoured to offer a better grip. Some spudgers are made of orangewood, used in electronics assembly and soldering because of its heat tolerance and dense grain. The same orangewood sticks are commonly used in filmmaking, manicure and pedicure, but these industries do not use the term "spudger".

In telecom applications like punch-down terminal blocks and cell phone repair, the spudger is made of a non-conductive material to prevent transmission of a static shock or direct short to sensitive electrical components' inputs or outputs. This is critical with high density applications where uninsulated terminals are in close proximity, like a battery or with telephone patch junctions.


See also

References

  1. ^ E.R. Haan, Radio Testing and Trouble Shooting, Part I, Popular Mechanics, Vol. 49, No. 5 (May 1928); pages 834–836. See page 835, column 1, for a discussion of spudgers.
  2. ^ Bell System Practices, Section 074-257-117, "Tools, Spudgers - Description", Issue 2, May 1978.
  3. ^ Types of Spudger Tool, Spudgers.com. Interfuse LLC. Retrieved 30 March 2018
  • The dictionary definition of spudger at Wiktionary