suggestions for strain relief of camera flash wiring?

Question

I have a Yongnuo 460 camera flash where I added a wire sticking out the side so I could use an external battery several years ago. Since the flash saw hardly any use until recently, now any shortcuts I used at the time are rearing their ugly heads.

One of the wires disconnected from inside the flash. I repaired it (by resoldering), but the same situation occurs externally: anytime the flash is moved, strain occurs where the wire enters the flash and it's only a matter of time before something disconnects again.

So, how I can relieve strain here? For now, I took some JB Quickweld and dabbed it around the wires exiting the flash with the wires temporarily being held in place with tape. It's shown here:

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I'm not sure how well the epoxy will bond to the flash housing and, even if there is a decent bond, I'm sure this won't hold up over the long term.

Please note that this is a hacked flash. Not something I'd ever sell, just something decent I keep around for photography around the home.

Any suggestions for an easy to implement, more permanent strain relief method would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

peterwieck33 · Accepted Answer

Automotive (High-Temperature) RTV Silicon comes immediately to mind. Flexible, will 'bond' to about anything and easily removed should the need arise.  Peter Wieck Melrose Park, PA

whit3rd · Answer

Three methods: first, you could put a grommet around the hole, and tie a knot or apply a wire-tie so the cord cannot pull out. Some grommet gizmos can snap into D or double-D holes and clamp the wires. Second, you could put (clamp, screw, glue) a connector to the case , so that strain on the external wire doesn't wiggle the internal wire. You'd use this with a cord that has the mating connector, of course. Third, the battery-substitution can use a dummy battery (whittled from wood?) so that cord stress acts on a battery-shaped object that is contained in the battery compartment.

Jeff Liebermann · Answer

The JB Weld is too hard to use as a strain relief. Instead, I suggest either some silicone caulking compound: or Sugru: You want something that's "rubbery", not something that's hard.

I can't tell from here. If the flash housing is made from simulated leather or paper, it's likely to be rather greasy. Cleaning with 91% alcohol will help, but the only way to tell for sure is to try a small amount of epoxy, RTV, silicone caulk, or Sugru and see which will stick. However, even if it sticks, pulling on the glue will probably cause the simulated leather or paper covering to peel off the metal flash housing.

Drill a hole. Insert a brass rivet with a hole in the center. Shove the wire through the hole. Seal with RTV or silicone caulk on both sides. The brass rivet will prevent the simulated leather or paper covering from peeling off.

suggestions for strain relief of camera flash wiring?

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