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{{Short description|Tool for adjusting or separating components}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2022}}
[[File:Spudgers.jpg|thumb|Two varieties of spudgers]]
A '''spudger''' (also known as a '''spludger''', '''non-marring nylon black stick tool''') is a [[tool]] that has a wide flat-head screwdriver-like end that extends as a wedge, used to separate pressure-fit plastic components without causing damage during separation.
==Uses==
The flat end of the spudger is often used to loosen or release components inside [[electronics]], for example during the replacement of batteries or touch screens for [[smartphones]].  The other end is often a point or a hook depending on application.  When applied to separate pressure-fit panels, there is often a point to create an initial gap before the wedge end is utilized.
A spudger is also a wiring tool used for poking or adjusting small wires or components, generally in the electronics and [[telecommunications]] industries.  A typical spudger is an insulating stick, made of either wood, plastic or a nylon fiberglass material. For instances where the spudger is used for prising it is commonly made of stainless steel or other metals.<ref>E.R. Haan, Radio Testing and Trouble Shooting, Part I, [https://books.google.com/books?id=1N8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA835 Popular Mechanics, Vol. 49, No. 5] (May 1928); pages 834–836.  See page 835, column 1, for a discussion of spudgers.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180331173221/http://doc.telephonecollectors.info/dm/074-257-117_I2.pdf Bell System Practices, Section 074-257-117], "Tools, Spudgers - Description", Issue 2, May 1978.</ref><ref>[https://spudgers.com/#types Types of Spudger Tool], Spudgers.com. Interfuse LLC. Retrieved 30 March 2018</ref>
==Materials and versions==
The most common modern spudger is a black or yellow [[nylon]] stick with a metal hook at one end. Various versions have blunt, sharpened, or insulated hooks. The hook can be used for pulling bridge clips from [[66 block]]s, manipulating wires in a crowded [[wire wrap]] block, or setting [[DIP switch]]es. The body of a plastic spudger is usually contoured to offer a better grip. Some spudgers are made of [[Citrus × sinensis#Wood|orangewood]], used in electronics assembly and [[soldering]] because of its heat tolerance and dense grain. The same orangewood sticks are commonly used in [[filmmaking]], [[manicure]] and [[pedicure]], but these industries do not use the term "spudger".
In telecom applications like punch-down terminal blocks and cell phone repair, the spudger is made of a non-conductive material to prevent transmission of a static shock or direct short to sensitive electrical components' inputs or outputs.  This is critical with high density applications where uninsulated terminals are in close proximity, like a battery or with telephone patch junctions.
== See also ==
* [[110 block]]
* [[Punchdown tool]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
* {{Wiktionary-inline}}
[[Category:Electronics work tools]]