wire guide tool? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 06:24:25 am
content: I found the following while searching for info on repairing PCB traces.https://www.chemtronics.com/how-to-pcb-trace-repair-with-a-wire-jumper"STEP 6: Form wire as needed ... Form wire jumper as needed to conform to the PCB designusing wire guide tools. "Where can you buy these little guides for manipulating 30awg? Googling for "wire guide tools." just gets me into on tools for fishing 120v Romex etc. Is there a different name for these?

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 08:51:53 am
content: 30AWG holds its shape nicely when positioned and soldered at each end. I normally just use tweezers and a metal probe (gently).If you're looking for dedicated 'wire guide tools' these could be easily made from plastic rod or thin wooden dowel (something that won't nick the insulation anyway). I would go for a thin dowel with a shallow slot in the end for creating a sharp angles and a probe (a cocktail stick would probably work fine) for tensioning. The slotted tool could be used for holding the wire down during gluing too. I wouldn't waste your time and money on anything off the shelf.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 10:22:10 am
content: ^ ^ ^ Seconded ^ ^ ^I like DIY wooden or plastic items over metal ones - but there's no need to get really fussy, IMHO.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 02:47:48 pm
content: Guys. No offence intended (seriously) but I wasn't seeking opinions on whether you considered them necessary and telling me I should make my own.I just asked what they were called (ideally a source) as searching for wire guide gets me nowhere.Maybe I won't end up buying and will make my own, regardless I'd still like to see what the commercial ones look like if for no other reason thancuriosity.If anyone has some urls of sellers please post.Thanks.very much!

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 03:05:45 pm
content: A picture might have helped. Attached is from the site to which you linked.Chemtronics does not provide them. Google (for me) didn't either. You might find dental picks that will work. I would use a flat toothpick with a small notch at the end. A rounded toothpick would also work. Failing either, try your imagination. Perhaps what Chemtronics intended to say was to use small picks appropriate for forming and guiding the wire.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 03:15:11 pm
content: Quote from: jpanhalt on September 09, 2022, 03:05:45 pmI assumed people would follow the link.QuoteI understand.QuoteEntirely possible. I think the inability to find via Google is more a function of the search engine and collision with other more common wiring items. Also possible they are better known by a different name/term.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 03:30:21 pm
content: Get one of these:

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 03:49:19 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on September 09, 2022, 03:30:21 pmNo thanks. Already own enough CNC equipment

author: golden_labels
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 04:34:12 pm
content: I suspect “wire guide tool” is descriptive and not a proper name for a kind of tools.The only thing that looks similar to that on a picture are wire picks like Klein’s VDV327-103.I believe you can just use fine tweezers.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 05:20:14 pm
content: Quote from: golden_labels on September 09, 2022, 04:34:12 pmThanks for that!

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 05:26:40 pm
content: I don't think such tools are needed at all, they look more like an annoyance than a helper. I am using wire-wrap and bare hands, tweezers, screwdrivers, toothpicks, paperclips, anything else that falls into hand if anything else than bare hands is needed.Often found myself using one of these tools called "BGA Solder Assist", though never used them for BGA, but for generic PCB work. Couple of years ago the whole pack was $5.78 from AliExpress, free shipping.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 05:40:39 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on September 09, 2022, 05:26:40 pmYou're certainly entitled to that opinionAgain, I was just asking for links to products so I can formulate my own opinion.Thanks for the AliExpress link.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 06:01:50 pm
content: Saying no need for tools like those because I used to do things like these:https://hackaday.io/project/1411-xor-hobby-a-vintage-z80-computer-prototypebare handed, with only a pair of tweezers and a soldering gun, without any "wire guide tools". Maybe the forming wire hand-tools are so hard to find online because there is no real need for them in practice. Either way, good luck finding the ones you whish.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2022, 06:07:54 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on September 09, 2022, 06:01:50 pmI have no idea what I wish. I'm merely curious as to what exists.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 10, 2022, 01:51:50 am
content: Quote from: dorkshoei on September 09, 2022, 02:47:48 pmTo put it bluntly, I don't believe there are any such tools specifically designed for this type of work. I may be wrong, but my understanding is that people will use whatever they have laying around. There is not exactly any standards or specifications for that sort of work - well at least none that I know of.In searching for "wire pick", there are some tools that show up - but they are designed for working in specific situations, such as high density wiring looms where access is restricted or where special plugs/sockets and/or locking mechanisms need to be navigated.

author: EPAIII
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2022, 10:47:41 am
content: In all seriousness, I have worked in electronics for over 55 years and have NEVER seen or seen a picture or description of a "wire guide tool". And most PC trace repairs do not need any kind of precision wire bending. Just reconnect the trace while not creating any shorts. If the wire needed is long, some beads of adhesive are often used to tack it to the board after making the solder connections. 30 gauge wire, intended for wire wrapping, is often used for this. Or just plain buss wire for bridging a crack.The drawings earlier in this thread look a LOT like the square leg pins used for wire wrap circuit boards. They have a two pronged fork at the top end where a component's wire lead is soldered. I wonder if some clever salesman stuck one in the end of a wood or plastic rod and called it such and put an expensive price on it.I think a pair of needle nose pliers (or chain nose pliers) would be the best tool for this, perhaps along with a single ended cotton swab with a wood stick.Unless you have some crazy NASA or military contract that requires such tools to be used, save your money for real uses.

author: EntropyWizard
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2022, 10:00:24 pm
content: How abouthttps://www.circuitmedic.com/parts/335-3196.htmlNot that I've ever heard of them or felt the need for one before. I just use needle nose pliers with the tips sharpend and rounded for this sort of work.

author: EPAIII
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2022, 09:21:19 am
content: Well now, ain't that cute?But they only seem to come in one size. What about different wire gauges? Seems like you would need a complete set. At least up to 14 or 12 gauge anyway.Quote from: EntropyWizard on September 10, 2022, 10:00:24 pm