Parks Graflex Bulb Connector

[SpeedRacerx]

Has anyone taken apart a Parks Graflex Bulb Connector before? I purchased one to replaced the chewed up/broken one that my original Graflex came with, but I can not find a nut driver or deep well socket at the correct size to remove the brass connectors. They measure close to 3.25-3.27mm across. I have a precision nut driver set with sizes: 3.0,3.5, 4.0, up. This size comes close to 1/8", but I haven't been able to get a good fit on the 1/8" socket I have....

Has anyone found the correct tool anywhere to remove these connectors?

 

[schrodinger555]

Most guys do it carefully with a pair of needle nose pliers. Thats the way I've been doing it for years, and as long as you're careful you won't scratch the pins. That being said Ithink the Graflex Shop sells a small tool for just that.

 

[SpeedRacerx]

Most guys do it carefully with a pair of needle nose pliers. Thats the way I've been doing it for years, and as long as you're careful you won't scratch the pins. That being said Ithink the Graflex Shop sells a small tool for just that.

OK Thanks. This is what I have heard as well. I tried removing them from my original using needle nose pliers and all of them snapped off on me. Could have been due to the age and the shell was brittle from the abuse of previous owner, but this has still made me quite weary of attempting it on my new one...

 

[Robiwon]

Yes, the Graflex shop had a small driver that was designed for the brass pins. Worked great when I had mine.

 

[ARKM]

The Graflex pins take a 1/8" socket. That size of socket does not usually come in a socket set and I have never seen one in a store. As such, you will most likely only find it for sale it on the Internet which is where I got mine.

 

[SpeedRacerx]

Thanks guys. I have an older 1/8" socket that I was trying. Might be smoothed too much to grab. Good to know that a 1/8" WILL work though. I'll look for a new one.

 

[Darth Lars]

I just made a tool, but I have not used it much so I don't know how long it will last ...
I taped a 3 mm Allen-wrench so that it would reach the thickness of 3.2 mm. Then I covered that in fibre-reinforced epoxy. Slid a piece of metal pipe over it and let set. Slid out the wrench: done.

 

[ARKM]

I should mention that my 1/8" socket appeared to have a bit too much chrome plating on the inside. After some quick filing, it fit perfectly on the Graflex pins.

 

[SpeedRacerx]

I just made a tool, but I have not used it much so I don't know how long it will last ...
I taped a 3 mm Allen-wrench so that it would reach the thickness of 3.2 mm. Then I covered that in fibre-reinforced epoxy. Slid a piece of metal pipe over it and let set. Slid out the wrench: done.

Now THAT is an RPF solution...