How to access two-pin deck plug?

[PaulGS]

While investigating why my anchor light isn't working I've pulled the wires out of the deck plug (looking online it seems to be 'Talamex' brand). In order to re-attach them it can only be either a screw fit, or a straight 'pull' - but neither works (as far as I'm able to try them: I can't get any purchase on the circular body to effectively unscrew the inner). There's a grub screw in the side of the body of the plug but that has come out easily. Any advice?

 

[Boater Sam]

Don't know this plug but does the grub screw lock a threaded ring that retains the plug in the socket?

 

[rogerthebodger]

If this the one

If this the one turn the larger ring anticlockwise until free the pull the plug upwards

The grub screw allows the inner to be removed and to connect the wires

 

[PaulGS]

Don't know this plug but does the grub screw lock a threaded ring that retains the plug in the socket?

If this the one

If this the one turn the larger ring anticlockwise until free the pull the plug upwards

The grub screw allows the inner to be removed and to connect the wires

I'm sure you're right about the grub screw - but then what action is required to get the inner out?

 

[Poignard]

Removing the grubscrew allows you to push the plastic block out

 

[VicS]

While investigating why my anchor light isn't working I've pulled the wires out of the deck plug (looking online it seems to be 'Talamex' brand). In order to re-attach them it can only be either a screw fit, or a straight 'pull' - but neither works (as far as I'm able to try them: I can't get any purchase on the circular body to effectively unscrew the inner). There's a grub screw in the side of the body of the plug but that has come out easily. Any advice?

The grub screw retains the insides in position (and also earths the outer casing to the larger of the two pins.)

The outer ring ring unscrews ( ordinary right hand thread) to release the plug from the socket.

They are a PITA if they are not unscrewed regularly and reassembled with a little grease on the thread although a waterproofing boot can help.

Dribble a little release oil around the ring and let it soak in . Warm it up with hot air gun and try to unscrew it using waterpump pliers (the cowboy plumber's universal wrench) or a small pair of Stilsons

Better still scrap the whole miserable thing and replace with a Bulgin Bucaneer plug and socket.
.

 

[john_morris_uk]

I'm sure you're right about the grub screw - but then what action is required to get the inner out?

IIRC The inner just pulls straight out of those style deck plugs once the grub screw is undone. Same for the sockets.

Why not replace the whole thing with a better quality product? The Bulgin ones are well made.

 

[VicS]

IIRC The inner just pulls straight out of those style deck plugs once the grub screw is undone. Same for the sockets.

Why not replace the whole thing with a better quality product? The Bulgin ones are well made.

In theory !
I seem to remember that the first time I tied to take one that had been in service for a while apart I broke the plastic bit hammering it out. I changed to Dri-plugs which in those days were the favourite alternative.
.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

To be a little more precise. The PLUG requires the cable grip to be released, the grub screw removed and the insert pushed out from the cable end. The SOCKET will have to be removed, the grub screw removed and the insert pushed out from the socket end towards the base. As VicS has stated they can sometimes be tight, very tight! when assembling a smear of lubrication on the body of the insert will help when you have to take it apart again

 

[PaulGS]

Just to round off a brief but very useful discussion: yes, it's a very tight fit but the inner is just pulled out (or driven out from the top in my case). The grub screw doesn't have any earthing function (it isn't long enough to reach the pins), it just (redundantly) fixes the inner in place. I found a smear of grease over the contacts - is this likely to be electrically conductive? Thanks to all contributors - £15 saved!

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Just to round off a brief but very useful discussion: yes, it's a very tight fit but the inner is just pulled out (or driven out from the top in my case). The grub screw doesn't have any earthing function (it isn't long enough to reach the pins), it just (redundantly) fixes the inner in place. I found a smear of grease over the contacts - is this likely to be electrically conductive? Thanks to all contributors - £15 saved!

What do you mean Redundantly? The screw is there to to stop the insert, in the plug or socket, from rotating and twisting the wires also when you pull the plug out if there is no screw you will probably leave the insert in the socket. I know that you are dealing with 12 volts but you can still get short circuits. I have seen problems caused with these plugs and sockets as described above. I know I worked with these units for nigh on forty years and even now would have to check that the screw does or does not have an earth function (senility!) Anyway I won't comment on that, Suffice to say the screw has a purpose, please use it!
I may have the wrong end of the stick here, if so apologies. Glad you found out how they come apart

 

[PaulGS]

What do you mean Redundantly? The screw is there to to stop the insert, in the plug or socket, from rotating and twisting the wires also when you pull the plug out if there is no screw you will probably leave the insert in the socket. I know that you are dealing with 12 volts but you can still get short circuits. I have seen problems caused with these plugs and sockets as described above. I know I worked with these units for nigh on forty years and even now would have to check that the screw does or does not have an earth function (senility!) Anyway I won't comment on that, Suffice to say the screw has a purpose, please use it!
I may have the wrong end of the stick here, if so apologies. Glad you found out how they come apart

Redundant because it's so very nearly immovable even without the grub screw.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

Redundant because it's so very nearly immovable even without the grub screw.

I refer the gentleman to my previous answer!

 

[VicS]

Redundant because it's so very nearly immovable even without the grub screw.

It shoudln't be nearly immovable. It would have been a easy sliding fit when new and it will be again when you've cleaned it up.

Refit the grub screw or risk a catastrophe sometime in the future when you try to unplug it .

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

It shoudln't be nearly immovable. It would have been a easy sliding fit when new and it will be again when you've cleaned it up.

Refit the grub screw or risk a catastrophe sometime in the future when you try to unplug it .

+1 for that, Again. Without the screw locking the insert you will have problems, believe me! BTW the grub screw will not have any earth function in this case as I note the OP says Two pin plug.