vampire plugs

[bert-nc]

I have bought several vampire plugs for 18awg spt-2 wire. when I try to use them on some of my light strings it is very difficult to slide the wire into the slot for the end of the wire to sit in. I have thought of a couple ideas, but I thought I would see if others have had this problem, and their solution.

bert-nc

[mschell]

Are you sure you bought plugs for SPT-2 and not SPT-1? Reason is that SPT-2 will have more insulation on the wire, and so will be thicker and will make it harder to put on those vampire plugs, especially if they were designed for SPT-1. IN most cases they will work, just be much harder.

[bert-nc]

Are you sure you bought plugs for SPT-2 and not SPT-1? Reason is that SPT-2 will have more insulation on the wire, and so will be thicker and will make it harder to put on those vampire plugs, especially if they were designed for SPT-1. IN most cases they will work, just be much harder.

I checked the plug, and it was marked spt-2

I sanded the insulation a little bit, but not enough to make much difference.
thought about lubricating end of wire, but did not know what could be used.

may try to enlarge hole were wire fits into. I have bought about 50, so a extra one or two to play with.

bert-nc

[walter]

You can either use wire pulling jell or dielectric grease. Both are non-conductive.

[kidcole]

My vampire plugs fit really tight on the SPT-2 last year. I used a giant channel lock pliers about 20" long. The jaw opened real wide to grab the sliding top and pulled it right in with very little effort.

[aproctor]

Mine were quite snug as well. I went route Denny's and used pliers. Worked fine. The vampires pierced the slightly thicker insulation just fine.

[Jack Stevens]

Ditto to the two above.

[bert-nc]

my trouble is not getting the sliding top to close, but getting the wire to seat into the main body of the plug.
I have used the channel locks before on the sliding top. Saves wear and tear on fingers.
Thanks for ideas on lubricates.

bert-nc

[John]

my trouble is not getting the sliding top to close, but getting the wire to seat into the main body of the plug.
bert-nc

A possiblity, may or may not apply to your problem:

Some plugs have a divider in the pocket that the end of the wire seats in. If yours do, just use your diagonal wire cutters to cut between the wire strands, 1/4 inch approx. That way each of the "new two ends" will seat on each side of the divider..

[bert-nc]

A possiblity, may or may not apply to your problem:

Some plugs have a divider in the pocket that the end of the wire seats in. If yours do, just use your diagonal wire cutters to cut between the wire strands, 1/4 inch approx. That way each of the "new two ends" will seat on each side of the divider..

these plugs do have the divider, but I split the wire. I'm going to try the plugs with a different light strand, and see if I have the same problem.

bert-nc

[aproctor]

I also used pliers to gently persuade the wires into the main body. Then I use larger channel locks to close the top.

Sounds like you have SPT1 plugs and SPT2 wire.
I have some of this and have been able to make it work fine.

[Al in Raleigh]

I also used pliers to gently persuade the wires into the main body. Then I use larger channel locks to close the top.
...

You sound like Dr Frankenstein (pronounced like steen from the movie Young Frankenstein).