Introduction: How to (not) Open a Relay
So, I was desoldering relays and one didn't work. I wondered what the problem was. I went on google to see if there was a post or something about how to open a relay and all I got was stuff about opening mail relays which was not what I wanted. So here I am showing the world how to do it because I just figured it out.
Step 1: Materials
You will need:
1 - Dead (or live) relay
1 - Pliers
5 to 10 - minutes of time
1 - screw driver
Step 2: Starting It Off
Get the screwdriver (preferably the one with the cross tip) and hit it down so that you make a hole in the relay.
Step 3: Open It
Now get the pliers, preferably needle nose, and start peeling off the plastic with the pliers.
Step 4: All Done
It should be finished and you should be able to see the inside. Maybe if you fix it, and add a clear layer to what you removed, then you could see the inside as it switches. 5 mins later... I finished opening it and I accidentally broke some connections on the coil so now it is pretty much useless. But, if you are careful, then you could open it without doing damage to the insides.
4 Comments
10 years ago on Step 4
You could avoid the likelihood of damaging the wires by using a hotknife, to open it. or at least to punch your first hole.
here is a quick instructable i made for one. https://www.instructables.com/id/A-Hot-Knife-cuts-plastic-rope-opens-welded-pla/
Reply 10 years ago on Step 4
Well, I didn't really have a hot knife on me, nor did I have time to make one; but good advice, I'll keep that in mind next time.
10 years ago on Introduction
Please change the title to "How NOT to open a relay"
10 years ago on Introduction
I like that you acknowledge breaking this, it's a good lesson that some things are not meant to be taken apart.
Did you find a fault with the relay (wasn't working before you opened it)?
L