working with hard to bend wires?

darsunt

I have some older outlets where the wire connections are single copper wires. I found it extremely difficult to remove them and even more difficult to twist them into the proper shape to replace them on outlets. It made what I thought would be an easy job take hours.

Does anyone have any tips on how to better handle these wires? I was working with needle nose pliers and a screwdriver.

darren

I can't see neednose working to well to make a loop in wire but should work because you should have either #14 or #12 in the wall.

When i do this I use my strippers, they have two little holes that I put the end of the wire in and twist them around. I have no clue what these holes are for but they work well for what i use them for.

Speedy Petey

A needle nose should work fine. Use what makes you most comfortable.


That is EXACTLY what those holes are for. I use them too.

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darsunt

The wires are extremely stiff. I was able to bend them, but if the loop was not the correct shape it was difficult to unbend them and rebend them correctly. Also I had to cut and restrip one wire because after a couple of attempted correction the wire collapsed at the bend point. Didn't help that there was hardly any space to work with.

Perhaps these difficulties are the norm?