A spudger 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. 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 telecommunicationsindustries. 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. 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 blocks, manipulating wires in a crowded wire wrap block, or setting DIP switches. The body of a plastic spudger is usually contoured to offer a better grip. Some spudgers are made of 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 sensitiveelectrical 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. The spudger is called a non-marring nylon black stick tool or simply black stick in many electronics repair manuals, where it is the recommended tool for prising open certain laptops, audio file players, keyboards, LCDs and other tight fitting electronic enclosures and assemblies.
