Was there a tool for these?

[hbiss]

Been doing a few ballast change outs lately and had to deal with these retainer clips again. I have to say they are at the top of my PITA list. Looking at them makes me wonder if there is or was a tool for them. I imagine something with a rectangular head that the retainer would fit on with a screwdriver handle.




I know a different, more user-friendly style is available, but you still have to remove the old ones with Channel Locks or linesman pliers. And if you do re-use them you are doing that while holding the cover or reflector in place.

EPCO 14085 1/4 TURN RETAINER CLIP ( bag - 40 ) | Gordon Electric Supply, Inc.

EPCO 14085 1/4 TURN RETAINER CLIP (pkg of 42)

www.gordonelectricsupply.com

-Hal

 

[LarryFine]

Looking at them makes me wonder if there is or was a tool for them.

I've always used the tip of my piers to open or close them; lets me push or pull as needed while turning.

And if you do re-use them you are doing that while holding the cover or reflector in place.

Short self-drilling sheet metal screws. If you wan't to get fancy and use the same holes, speed-clips:

 

[hbiss]

Those "speed clips" are a good idea. Replacing them with those EPCO 1/4 turn retainers that you can hold and turn with your linesman's is also good. But I was just wondering if there was a tool for those old retainers. I can't believe they would be made in that shape if it wasn't for a purpose.

-Hal

 

[jmellc]

Those clips are one of the worst things ever invented. They jam, they slip, they twist, they break. On a bad day, they do all the above.
The speed clips are a good idea. These together with thumbscrews would be easy to use.

 

[Hv&Lv]

How many old nut drivers you got laying around you never use?
Take an old one and grind a slot in the end to fit them.
Easier than pliers, and you don’t run the risk of damaging a tombstone.

Makes it so much easier to install them also, especially for arthritic fingers.

 

[Little Bill]

I don't have a problem with loosening them or putting them back in, I use my linemans or needlenose pliers.
My problem is when putting the cover back on sometimes they fall out if you're not holding them. Then you are up on a 12' ladder and have to climb down. Then sometimes they go where the missing socks in the dryer go!

 

[Another C10]

I can't believe they would be made in that shape if it wasn't for a purpose.

I think the shape was just for easy function, needle nose is my tool of choice for those. a sheet metal screw would of been fine too.

 

[LarryFine]

I don't have a problem with loosening them or putting them back in, I use my linemans or needlenose pliers.
My problem is when putting the cover back on sometimes they fall out if you're not holding them. Then you are up on a 12' ladder and have to climb down. Then sometimes they go where the missing socks in the dryer go!

Spreading them a little helps. I usually hold the clip in my pliers, either with the cover hanging, or in my other hand.

 

[hbiss]

My problem is when putting the cover back on sometimes they fall out if you're not holding them. Then you are up on a 12' ladder and have to climb down. Then sometimes they go where the missing socks in the dryer go!

Spreading them a little helps. I usually hold the clip in my pliers, either with the cover hanging, or in my other hand.

I agree 1000%!!

That's why I like the speed or "tinnerman nut" idea. You can keep a pocket full of screws and if you drop one forget it and just grab another.

-Hal

 

[hbiss]

How many old nut drivers you got laying around you never use?
Take an old one and grind a slot in the end to fit them.

Naah, much bigger than a nut driver and a slot won't do much. Take a look at that picture full size. There had to be a tool, look at the upturned ends with those 4 little "wings". Maybe they made those retainers for factory assembly where they had a tool.

-Hal

 

[kwired]

8 foot fixtures with a single piece cover were often the worst regardless of type of retaining clip used. And the higher off the floor the worse they might be. Had to try to line up interlocking pieces on far end while you were on the end with the retaining clip sometimes sides of the strip wanted to bow out a little or maybe you didn't tie conductors up well enough and had to move your ladder so you could fix them then try again to install the cover.

 

[LarryFine]

Maybe they made those retainers for factory assembly where they had a tool.

Or they're cheap to produce.