What's that pointy thing called? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: elfor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 02:22:03 pm
content: Which Dave always waves around and uses to point at things in his videos:Thanks & first post!

author: tablatronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 02:36:07 pm
content: Looks like a stylus or a plastic tuning tool

author: capt bullshot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 02:36:39 pm
content: Looks like a plastic stylus for older touchscreens

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 02:39:50 pm
content: In agreement with the previous two comments, I would also think of a resistive touch screen stylus. Plastic, pointy, and more accurate than a standard capacitive screen.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 04:15:37 pm
content: Here it ishttp://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Nylon-Plastic-Spudger-Opening-Repair-Tool-Stick-for-iPhone-iPad-Samsung-/301952020221?var=&hash=item464dbe2efd:m:mJaf_KZaRsihBWNeRqR6BCw

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 04:18:14 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on July 16, 2017, 04:15:37 pmNice. Does it also work as a stylus?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 04:20:10 pm
content: It is made from a very hard non-conductive plastic, so only for restive screens, I guess.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 04:22:32 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on July 16, 2017, 04:20:10 pmRight, they look a bit like those pens. Although, the stylus pens might have a bit softer tips, to prevent damage to the screen. Anyway, this definitely isn't important, I'm sure a stylus is not much more expensive.

author: WastelandTek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 04:42:11 pm
content: or the pointy end of a spudger?

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 04:45:36 pm
content: Quote from: ataradov on July 16, 2017, 04:20:10 pmThe plastic might be non-conductive, but I measured resistance as low as a few hundred ohms in my equivalent tool. It seems to have carbon fiber reinforcement (presumably because ESD protection). It is also a poor tuning tool as it will make ie. radio circuit go haywire.I wouldn't use it as stulys as it might scratch the surface of the screen.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 04:53:38 pm
content: I measured absolutely nothing on mine. So I guess I got knockoffs

author: elfor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 05:11:36 pm
content: I think we have a winner, it really does seem to be something called a "spudger":

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 05:24:29 pm
content: My guess was a stylus from an Etch-a-Sketch.

author: Habropoda
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 05:58:55 pm
content: Most of these cheap ebay knockoffs break easily. It's my understanding the original is the Menda 35622, available for a couple bucks from Digikey and Mouser.The original is tough and is always at hand on my bench.A datasheet!http://documents.desco.com/PDF/35622.pdfMenda store. Lots of other quality tools and spudgers:http://menda.descoindustries.com/MendaCatalog/Hand-and-Power-Tools/Probes-and-Spudgers/Nylon/35622/

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 07:13:47 pm
content: Quote from: Benta on July 16, 2017, 05:24:29 pmAn Etch-a-Sketch does not have a separate stylus, it has an X and a Y dial to move the stylusinsidethe screen

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 07:28:02 pm
content: Quote from: PA0PBZ on July 16, 2017, 07:13:47 pmYou're absolutely right, I have the name wrong. I'm thinking about the small board where you draw with a stylus on a grey plastic foil surface and can erase everything by pulling a tab on the side.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2017, 10:08:02 pm
content: Quote from: Habropoda on July 16, 2017, 05:58:55 pmThanks for the info - added a couple to my next Mouser order. I'll check out their other stuff when I have time.

author: Gary350z
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2017, 08:29:47 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on July 16, 2017, 04:15:37 pmI ordered these exact spudgers a while back. They are not very hard, but I don't know what's typical. The interesting thing is, one day I cleaned it with isopropyl alcohol and the black color wiped off of it (or the alcohol dissolved it).

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2017, 09:01:27 am
content: Geez.. you guys pay for that ? Its free, get those cheap plastic chop sticks, sharpen it using knife, or other rotary grinding tool, hell, or file it using the nail filer, there you go.Oh ... those free chop stick usually can withstand "relatively" high temperature, like dipping it in boiling water wont matter.Randomly googled ..

author: elfor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 17, 2017, 02:34:04 pm
content: Sorry but I'm a purist...I don't want to sharpen chopsticks, or be a lumberjack, i just wanna point at things like chairman Kim Dave-un!

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 17, 2017, 03:32:46 pm
content: If you have a knitter in your circle of friends and relatives, ask them if they have an odd plastic knitting needle they don't want.

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2017, 07:42:45 pm
content: Quote from: Brumby on July 17, 2017, 03:32:46 pmSoon someone mentions barbecue sticks.