[ARC5] Removing plug retaining rings

[Michael Hanz]

Steve has covered the subject very well.  The original tools that August 
Link sent me are shown at 
https://aafradio.org/garajmahal/ARC-5_connector_ring.htm - but their 
design suggests another way of approaching the problem.  Considering the 
threaded ring as dispensable given that Steve has those sizes, you'll 
need Channel Lock (or similar) pliers with a large internal circular 
radius like this:

Protect the aluminum chassis in a circle around the nut with some thin 
tape and clamp the pliers around the retainer ring, then tap the 
"blue"side with a small dead blow hammer while holding the head of the 
pliers firmly against the chassis.  That will break loose the corrosion 
that Steve mentioned, and allow you to spin the now externally damaged 
nut off.  I used that approach numerous times before the ARC tools came 
along, and it seems to work well if you are not heavy handed.  Gentle 
taps will eventually break the corrosion bond.

73,
Mike  KC4TOS

On 8/18/2025 9:47 PM, Steve Williams wrote:
> I think you're dealing with 75 year old aluminum corrosion.  Acetone 
> won't fix that. I have dealt with the same thing with no luck so far. 
> If you dont have a special pair of exact fit pliers, you're pretty 
> much screwed, unless someone else has a better solution. I do have the 
> knurled rings for sale on ebay, but you'll need to come up with a way 
> cut the old ring off. Very carefull die grinder work to cut the ring 
> only may work. I also have some of the more common recepticales 
> listed. I may have an odd receptacle in the junk box as well. You may 
> only have to weaken the ring in order to remove it. If I have the 
> receptacle, then you can cut through both and replace both.
> Good luck.
> Ebay user ID, kb4dmf
> KC4WN, Steve
>
> On Mon, Aug 18, 2025, 8:24 PM Matt P <mgpaulonis at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>     OK Gents,
>     I am absolutely stumped: what is the secret to removing the
>     retainer rings on a plug on a FT-233-A single receiver rack? I am
>     finally getting around to replacing J-24 and have soaked it with
>     acetone to disolve the laquer that was applied to keep tge
>     retainer ring in place, but still no joy in getting to even budge.
>     Do I just need more acetone?
>     73
>     Matt
>     W2NS
>
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