[ARC5] Un-Sticking PL-xx Inserts (and Re-Sticking Them)

[David Stinson]

 Mike Hanz:
> AB5S is the source.  Like Sgt. Shultz, I know nothink...

Yeah Yeah.... he knows waaaaaay more than he lets on.

Bakelite absorbs moisture over time and swells.
The idea is to drive-out the moisture.
Take the screw out of the side.
Heat in the oven at 150-200 degress for 30-60 mins.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
During this cooling, moisture is still being driven
from the Bakelite.  Once cooled, use a wooden dowel 
through the cable end to tap the insert out.  
Repeat if it doesn't come out with firm pressure.

To re-assemble the plug with the cursed locking
spring and pins:
Cut a stiff strip of tin about 3 to 5 inches long and
about the same width as the spring.  
It should fit in the index slot of the Bakelite insert.
I actually use a strip from a relay contact burnishing tool.

Put the spring in place in the case with the index pins 
facing down. Hold the Bakelite insert with the 
tin strip in the index slot. 
 Begin by placing the insert and strip at an angle
inside the connector body so the tin strip is on top
of the spring.  The idea is to use the strip to compress
the spring and guide it into the slot as you insert 
the Bakelite piece.  It will appear obvious to you
once you try it.  The tin strip will compress the spring
and the insert will go into the body smoothly.
Reinstall the screw and pull-out the tin strip.

GL OM ES 73 DE Dave AB5S