Yes, this is a prety basic question I know, but, I just recieved my first wand today and my contacts within the wand are so tight, I feel like If I don't twist or shimmy the electrode into place then it won't budge. Is it supposed to be this tight? Is it ok for me to twist or shimmy the electrodes in untill I have established a comfortable fit? Will twisting or shimmying ruin the electrode or wand? Are the glass electrodes really tough enough to withstand being pushed and pulled from the wand when it feels so tight? Thats all for now...Thanks everyone..
..Sidistyk..

The contacts as you call them is actually called the collet and yes, on a new wand, they are tight...

No, you dont want to shimmy or twist as this could loosen the end cap and cause it to get stuck inside the collet.

The proper way of inserting and withdrawing an electrode as explained in the wand manual is to just push it straight in and pull it straight out...There is a tendency to twist and shimmy an electrode in when the wand and collet are new, but it is strongly advised NOT to do so...

There is a remedy for a "too loose" collet in these forums, but no-one ever addressed a "too tight" remedy on this site as far as I know...I have been asked this question many times at my demo's and workshops and this is how I have solved this very problem with my new wands, and how I approach the remedy with others...I dont know if EE will agree with my method, but so far it has worked with no complications...

Obviously with use the collet will loosen, so what I do is to use a metal hot shot electrode or a lightbulb adapter (both of these have a much longer metal base) and put either into and out of the collet many times untill you loosen the collet...Simple solution

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Sidistyk :
Yes, this is a prety basic question I know, but, I just recieved my first wand today and my contacts within the wand are so tight, I feel like If I don't twist or shimmy the electrode into place then it won't budge. Is it supposed to be this tight?

Nope, not really but it is an easy fix.

Is it ok for me to twist or shimmy the electrodes in untill I have established a comfortable fit?

NO!!

Will twisting or shimmying ruin the electrode or wand?

It could break the seal or glass on electrodes

Are the glass electrodes really tough enough to withstand being pushed and pulled from the wand when it feels so tight?

Probably but let's fix it. With a small screw driver, or similar item, put it gently into the collet (where the electrode goes) and open/loosen the fit by carefully pushing the sides apart(toward the sides of the nosecone) will only take a little so, small adjustments.

Thats all for now...Thanks everyone..
..Sidistyk..

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