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.

I like the ones with the little screws. Those hold pretty tightly, and also work with my massive dual 14 gauge wires.

In reply to:

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with the little screws

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me too!!

those were the first ones i ever used, and i have tried 3-4 others since, and i still prefer that kind. solid connection and easy to use.

bigjohn

I have these type and I removed the little gold cylinder, threaded the wire through the screw on end, inserted the wire into the banana plug part then pushed the gold cylinder in beside the wire and screwed them back together. Needless to say with 12 gauge wire it was a pretty tight fit, but it works.

Oookay, I think it's pretty safe to say NONE of us are really sure how to use the ones with the cylinder in.