OT a little: How do you get those funky strain relief connectors off a table saw switch

[Clint]

I wanted to hack off my short table saw power cable, and attach a somewhat longer one (while I'm re-wiring it for 220 anyway). But on the back of the switch, there's two black plastic strain relief connectors holding the power cables in place. At least, that's what I'm calling them till someone corrects me. :)

Short of cutting the one off that I don't want to use anymore, how do they come off? I tried squeezing one with pliers to see if it would pull out then, but no joy. It's pretty dark under there, and my flashlight was inside, so I couldn't see if there's anything from the inside I need to manipulate, but that's my next step, I guess. Any assistance from someone who's been there would be appreciated. I can try to take a picture if that would help explain things, but as I said, it's dark under there, and there's not much room to work until I get the cables off, at which point I can put it on my saw table for mucking around...

Clint

[Mel Walker]

Not having a picture is tricky but if it is anything like I have used in the past, it is really not 2 strain relief connectors but a single unit that bulges on both sides of the box wall.

Usually these are made in 2 pieces that you squeeze together and then push through the wall. One side will be slightly larger than the other. On the smaller side squeeze toward the center and push (not pull).

[Larry Jaques]

On Mon, 31 Oct 2005 03:58:50 GMT, with neither quill nor qualm, "Clint" quickly quoth:

Strain reliefs, cable retainers, etc.

They're usually a 2-part compression fit, Clint. You just didn't get the pliers in the right position. Here is a link with pictures which might help.

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[Patrick Conroy]

"Clint" wrote in news:_Dg9f.58960$y_1.29991@edtnps89:

Man o' man - does this post hit home. About two months ago I was rewiring the Delta DC for 230V and ran into the same thing!

I ended up snipping wires, pulling the wires out, then compressing the snap-ring from the inside with needle nose pliers. Needless to say, it wasn't reusable!

[Clint]

Thanks, I think I got it this morning from Mel's description. I squeezed a little harder with the vice grips, and ripped a little harder to pull it out. Funny what a little more force would do when you know it can be done now. I'm just hoping I can use the two piece steel ones I have left from setting up my sub-panel in there... They look about the right size, and at least those are a little more easily manipulated, in case I ever have to pull it off again.

Thanks for help, Mell and Larry! Patrick, sorry about your luck. :) That would have been me tonight, had it not been for this group!