Electric Plug Problem

[rsvp]

Have just changed a fuse in a lamp plug but I can't replace the two lower screws in the backing plate - when I opened the plug, the little bar which holds the wires flat where they come out of the plug dropped out and I can't seem to line up the holes in this little bar with the backing plate screw holes as each time I put the back on, the bar inside moves so the screws don't bite (hope this makes sense!) so......can I take the bar out or can I leave the two bottom screws out?
Have tested it and it works with the latter option but is that safe?
Many thanks in advance.

[grasscarp]

Do you have a man to help you rsvp? Not being funny but they are better with screwdrivers.

[Graham-W]

Put the screws into the holes and screw into the little bar before putting the plug back together.

[Canary42]

This is a safety feature to prevent a pull on the cable disconnecting or shorting out the connections - so it will work but make sure the cable never gets pulled.

[Canary42]

... and what Graham has said should be possible.

[New Judge]

If I've pictured this correectly, the two screws you refer to simply hold the cable retaing bar in place (they play no part in golding the front and back of the plug together).

With the plug open (and the wires connected) try holding the retaining bar in place and putting one of its two screws in place lightly. Then push the other screw through and you should be able to manipulate the bar until the second hole lines up. Secure the two screws tightly before replacing the front of the plug.

You should not use the plug without the cable retainer in use as the individual wires can be pulled from their terminals if the cable is yanked.

[rsvp]

Grasscarp I don't have a chappie to do this for me - can usually sort most things but this has defeated me.
graham_w am off to try your very sensible suggestion
Don't like electric things Canary 42 - have been bitten badly in the past by it so am going to try and get it right.
Thank you everyone.

[Khandro]

sounds like the threads on the plastic bar have stripped, but I don't see why you would have needed to remove them to change the fuse. They are to secure the wire in case it is tugged in use. Use it if you need it, don't pull on the wire, and replace it with either a new plug or a plastic bar from another if you have one spare.

[rsvp]

Job done!!!!
graham_W it was so easy - really grateful to you I feel capable once more!

And new Judge thank you for taking the trouble to answer and for cautioning against using it incorrectly.

I just love the lovely answerbank folk.

[grasscarp]

Who needs a man when you have Answerbank!

[rsvp]

exactly Grasscarp.