# Spudger > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Spudger > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Spudger.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spudger > Source revision: 1350122479 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Tool for adjusting or separating components}} {{More citations needed|date=October 2022}} thumb|Two varieties of spudgers A '''spudger''' (also known as a '''spludger''' or '''non-marring nylon black stick tool''') is a [tool](/source/tool) used to separate pressure-fit plastic components without causing damage during separation. It has a wide flat-head screwdriver-like end that extends as a wedge, for easy insertion into narrow slots. ==Uses== The flat end of the spudger is often used to loosen or release components inside [electronics](/source/electronics), for example during the replacement of batteries or touch screens for [smartphones](/source/smartphones). The other end is often a point or a hook depending on application. When applied to separate pressure-fit panels, there is often a point to create an initial gap before the wedge end is utilized. A spudger is also a wiring tool used for poking or adjusting small wires or components, generally in the electronics and [telecommunications](/source/telecommunications) industries. A typical spudger is an insulating stick, made of either wood, plastic or a nylon fiberglass material. For instances where the spudger is used for prising it is commonly made of stainless steel or other metals.E.R. Haan, Radio Testing and Trouble Shooting, Part I, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1N8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA835 Popular Mechanics, Vol. 49, No. 5] (May 1928); pages 834–836. See page 835, column 1, for a discussion of spudgers.[https://web.archive.org/web/20180331173221/http://doc.telephonecollectors.info/dm/074-257-117_I2.pdf Bell System Practices, Section 074-257-117], "Tools, Spudgers - Description", Issue 2, May 1978.[https://spudgers.com/#types Types of Spudger Tool], Spudgers.com. Interfuse LLC. Retrieved 30 March 2018 ==Materials and versions== The most common modern spudger is a black or yellow [nylon](/source/nylon) stick with a metal hook at one end. Various versions have blunt, sharpened, or insulated hooks. The hook can be used for pulling bridge clips from [66 block](/source/66_block)s, manipulating wires in a crowded [wire wrap](/source/wire_wrap) block, or setting [DIP switch](/source/DIP_switch)es. The body of a plastic spudger is usually contoured to offer a better grip. Some spudgers are made of [orangewood](/source/Citrus_%C3%97_sinensis), used in electronics assembly and [soldering](/source/soldering) because of its heat tolerance and dense grain. The same orangewood sticks are commonly used in [filmmaking](/source/filmmaking), [manicure](/source/manicure) and [pedicure](/source/pedicure), but these industries do not use the term "spudger". In telecom applications like punch-down terminal blocks and cell phone repair, the spudger is made of a non-conductive material to prevent transmission of a static shock or direct short to sensitive electrical components' inputs or outputs. This is critical with high density applications where uninsulated terminals are in close proximity, like a battery or with telephone patch junctions. == See also == * [110 block](/source/110_block) * [Punchdown tool](/source/Punchdown_tool) == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * {{Wiktionary-inline}} Category:Electronics work tools --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Spudger](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spudger) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spudger?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.