Looking for Wierd Tool!

[DavePEI]

I am working on my Type F, Mark 1 Canadian Field phone. Its handset cord has degraded seriously to the point that if you try to strip the cord, all the conductors inside fall apart.

The way the handset is designed, you require a special tool to access the wiring points within.

To seal the handset against moisture, there is a waterproof gland at the point where the cord enters. No problem. But then, they carried that theme even further. Both the transmitter and receiver are sealed within the case using a bakelite disk which threads on under the mouthpiece/ear caps leaving only the center of the element visible under the caps.

It appears to access the wiring within, these will have to be removed. However, they, aside from the main "sound" hole, have two small pin holes; all I can see to facilitate removal. (Drawing below)_. This disk appears to be threaded on the outside edge and screws into the handset lip below the ear and transmitter cups. Best description I can give.

It almost looks similar to the crescent shaped pin wrench used to lock a grinding disk onto a grinder. I need to find a tool which will enter the two small holes and have enough strength to break it loose.

Problem is I have no idea what it might be called other than perhaps a pin wrench of spanner. I am going to try using a large pair of circlip pliers on it, the tips into the two holes, but I suspect with many years of dirt in the groove, the cap will only break off the tips. But I shall try. The other thought I had would be to take an adjustable crescent wrench, and drill a hole through each side of the jaw, and run a small nut and bolt through each of these holes. It could then be adjusted to fit the holes in the handset, then it might turn it out so I can redo the wiring.

The question? Anyone know the correct name for such a tool or know of a source for one which might d o the job?

Photo of the handset, and drawing of the plug disk below...

Dave

[mentalstampede]

A spanner wrench?

[cihensley@aol.com]

A pin spanner wrench.

Chuck

[DavePEI]

A pin spanner wrench.

Chuck

Ok, I guess we are on the right track, but the only ones I have ever seen are those for camera lenses (pins way too small to open it) and those for arbors, etc. (pins way to thick)....

Dave

[Greg G.]

Next time I'm in my doctor's office, I'll peek in this drawer and see what's in it, maybe there's something in there that'll work:

[DavePEI]

Update: I got back at the handset this morning and made a discovery. The rings are only for rebuilding the transmitter and receiver elements. To access the backside of them, they pry out *with difficulty*.

At the top of each element, there is a rubber gasket. Pry carefully on that gasket with a small screwdriver, and you find the element begins lifting. The element fits into a keyway in the housing to keep it from rotating. The slightly deteriorated rubber of the gasket oes a fine job of welding it in place.

So, I have them out, and now just have  to find a new rubber cord for it. I have already found a replacement plug. It is amazing how the old cord welded itself into one conductor along its entire length, just like a long strand of tar.

Thanks, All!

Dave

[Matilo Telephones]

Dave, I use these for this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retaining_ring

retaining ring pliers

Make sure to tips are nice and round and clean, to avoid chipping the bakelite. A little oil on the thread helps.

[DavePEI]

Dave, I use these for this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retaining_ring

retaining ring pliers

Make sure to tips are nice and round and clean, to avoid chipping the bakelite. A little oil on the thread helps.

That is what we call circlip pliers. I have tried the biggest ones I have, but it won't spread wide enough to reach the two outer holes. However, that is now a moot point, as I have figured a way to get at the backs of the elements...

Dave

[wds]

I have one of those pliers, but they are not heavy duty enough, and don't open wide enough to remove items like this, or rings like on the bottom of candlestick phones.  I've looked and looked and can't find anything that works.  there was a post a while back where someone modified an adjustable wrench, but it's not practical if you need different size tips.  there seems to be a tool for every occasion - you would think there would be a tool for this occasion. 

[Matilo Telephones]

I have a set of those pliers. They have different sizes. The biggest one is big enough for the whole diameter of a transmitter.

Fuld Frankfurt telephones have a retaining ring of bakelite for the transmitter cap, that has two holes for a tool like that.

Before I had those pliers I sometimes made a tool of wood. A y shapes piece like a hand catapult and with two nails or bolts.

[DavePEI]

Hi Guys:

The correct name is a pin spanner, and here is a photo of the one which came in the mail this morning...

This tool has two styles of operating tips; one the standard pin type, and the other, screwdriver type tips lined up with each other. They are protected with plastic hose covers when not in use. The tool itself is made of stainless steel. It is adjustable for a maximum spacing of up to 4 inches.

You will often see these used to open lenses, but will work on something like this... Cost? About $12 on eBay from China shipping included

Dave