Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Using banana plugs

So I bought 10 gold plated banana plugs (singles) of eBay to use with my system.

They unscrew from the back and then inside is a small gold plated piece of metal which can come out...

I assume I remove this piece of metal, thread in the bare speaker wire (on the side hold) put back in the metal piece and then screw it back together?

I assume I should also cut any excess wire that protrudes from the hole on the other side?

Also: I insert one into my VP-100 center, and while it fits in, it doesn't go "all the way" in...should I be pressing hard to jam it in, or is it supposed to stick out somewhat?

I think you actually put the little gold cylinder back in the plug, then thread the wire through the base and screw the two together. Then again, me doing it wrong could explain why I don't like this type of plug... Depending on the length of the plug part, it may stick out a bit. As long as metal's touching metal, you're good to go. No, you shouldn't have any bare wire sticking out anywhere, or you're asking for a short..

Saint,

None of my banana plugs go "all the way" into the 5-way binding posts on Axiom speakers. The Axiom banana plugs go in about 3/4 of the length of the plug. Some other older cheapo plugs seem to have a shorter shaft and go in farther.

Conclusion? The actual length of the plug part does not seem to be standardized. Plugs for my VOM meter tend to be longer and go in all the way.

(Somehow this answer reminds me of an old joke about an actress and a bishop, but I think I better stay away from that one, lest I be banished!)

Regards,

Wow, there's an innuendo I haven't heard in a long time...

Bren R.

innuendo... isn't that the Italian word for suppository?

Peter... you b*****d... I think I just peed a little!!!

Bren R.

OK, gentlemen, I started this and I appreciate the "innuendo" definition. But I think we have to cease and desist. . .

Regards,

I am glad Alan refrained from that one. Just think of all the experience and knowledge we would miss out on if Alan got banned for telling dirty jokes!

My apologies, Alan.

Just call me "Cheaplaffs."

Bren R.

I bought these kind of plugs too and I can't stand them. I wasn't sure how to use them, but I ended up putting the cylinder back into the plug, putting the wire into the back of the screw, then tightened the screw into the plug. It was either very difficult to screw it back it, or it was too loose and the wire would slide out. I actually find that I like crimp on plugs the best.