What is this part (banana short tab?) called? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: reynaldogonzalez
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 04:58:03 pm
content: I would like to purchase some extra of these parts but I'm not sure what they are called/how to search for them.It is the small metal tab used to connect negative terminal to ground terminal on power supplies.

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 05:35:55 pm
content: Not sure if there is an official name, but "Shorting bar" should get you something. Pomona 4115 looks like the correct item.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 05:49:35 pm
content: Try 'shorting link' -https://www.alliedelec.com/product/pomona-electronics/4115/70198108/

author: reynaldogonzalez
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2020, 05:50:27 pm
content: Thank you for replies!

author: ArthurDent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 02:49:20 am
content: I was looking for some of those shorting links a year or so ago and found they seemed to be very, very expensive for such a small simple piece of metal. Searching around I found where someone recommended a site where you could get 10 for $3 but the minimum shipping was $9.90. I ordered 30 for $9 plus shipping and got a lifetime supply for under $20. That's still far better than the previously mentioned source where you's pay $36 per 10 and shipping on top of that. I'm always picking up some piece of equipment where the links are missing so I'll have them if I need themhttps://www.electronicsurplus.com/h-h-smith-1828-connector-banana-jacks-shorting-links-only-package-of-10

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 07:35:29 am
content: Why buy them at all?I just make them out of 2.5mm2solid core wire, as and when I need them.

author: ArthurDent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 11:04:16 am
content: Quote from: AVGresponding on May 08, 2020, 07:35:29 amYou can replace a broken exhaust hanger on your car with a bent wire coat hanger but some of us take more pride in our equipment.

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 11:02:23 pm
content: Quote from: ArthurDent on May 08, 2020, 02:49:20 amThanks for the tip, AD! I'd bought a few over the years from Mouser (Pomona 4115), but they were quite $$ for what they are - currently $3.70 a pop!! I just took your lead and bought three 10 packs - should keep me in them for the foreseeable future assuming I don't lose them in the meantime. Sure, you can do it with a wire, but then if you disconnect it the wire's apt to get lost and then you'll need to make up another one next time. These can just slide off to the side and be left to dangle, or clamped down, and will stay with whatever they're on. Much more convenient IMO-Pat

author: gorge441
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2020, 11:25:40 pm
content: It seems you got the answer to what it called.Anyway, it sounds like "knob"

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2020, 09:40:15 am
content: Quote from: ArthurDent on May 08, 2020, 11:04:16 amThat doesn't sound very durable, though certainly if it gets you out of a tight spot it seems a legit temporary repair.Pride? I prefer functionality, and practicality. When I come to repair old gear I buy, I never spend more than I have to.I only clean things if it's either a hygiene or a functional impairment issue.I know many like to restore things to factory fresh appearance, and that's fine, but I like to see the history of the thing; cal labels, small dents and scratches that don't spoil functionality are fine by me.