I am in the process of reassembling a GPO 232. When I removed the seized plunger I noticed that it appeared to be bent a little out of alignment. Now the plunger has been cleaned and I am at the stage where I need to put it back in place, the fit onto the cradle is tight as it is not straight.
Top photo below, shown on my cutting board grid for reference. Photo underneath on blue background shows a correctly aligned plunger (I have the two additional pieces shown on the second photo, I just didn't photograph them).
My question is, is there anyway this can be straightened? The Bakelite 'T' is fragile so I have to work carefully. Although only a mm or so out of adjustment, it makes all the difference as it catches on the cradle edge when the handset is replaced and therefore won't plunge fully.
Any help re how to work a fix on this would be appreciated.
Thanks.
If that's bakelite, either heat, which may make it worse,
or, file the catching edge down a little and try that.
Good luck with that one.
That's a tricky one. Is it possible to remove the brass bit from the bakelite bit? I'd try to get them apart then straighten the brass part.
Good news, I sussed it. Sharing here for anyone else who might need this fix.
I abandoned trying to repair the plunger - the Bakelite was in danger of snapping - and instead turned my attention to the cradle. Using a mini-tool I removed a little from each side where the plunger T goes down. Over a centimetre in width each side so plenty of room to work without having an adverse effect. Worked a treat, just took off a mm or so, can barely even tell it was done.
Plunger replaced, works as it should. Hurrah! :D
Photo:
Congrats on the fix!
Those are the most satisfying repairs imho
What is "sussed"
Thanks guys.
Sussed definition, to investigate or figure out.
:)
OK, I thought so from the way it was used. I am learning English here!