Connector pin removal

[Vulnavia]

Whats the best tool for removing electrical connector pins?

Thanks,
Will

[openwheeler37]

Unfortunately there are 100's - if not thousands - of different types of terminals and they can all have a different removal procedure. For the most part removal involves depressing a locking tab at the bottom of the terminal. There are really expensive manufacturer specific tools and some really cheap universal ones.

This one seems to work well and covers a variety of different terminal types

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-57750-W...2MAVA6KMRJAD8N

[mikey]

I just bought this kit:

AFA Tooling Terminal Release Tool Kit 25 Pcs – Stainless Steel Tips Won’t Bend https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GTQJB3H..._vG9GCbYPDY6XJ

I still had to watch YouTube to figure it out. It’s not always intuitive, even with the tools. And I found out others would just “fall apart” easily if the plastic retainers were released - no tool needed!

[Raceworks]

Whats the best tool for removing electrical connector pins?

Thanks,
Will

What connector type?

[Hardingfv32]

Typically you want to find a piece of brass tubing that slides over the pin snug/perfectly. The tubing is the 1' long type, very thin, you get from a hobby or crafts store.

Brian

[Vulnavia]

Motorcycle harness.
I have spent a lot of time looking at the different types of tools. Some very poor quality, some more industrial. Prices all over the place. Hard to make a choice, but would rather pay more and have something dependable that lasts.
I like the "screwdriver handle" style kit, not sure I need that many.

Thanks,

Will

[Pi_guy]

I would follow manufacturers directions on the tooling. With high density connectors plastic insert & removal tool is recommended metal tools will damage the pin retaining housing.
On collection of pin removal tools more is better, they break at the worst moment. Some will work better than others, but having options in space restricted areas helps. Doing something on a bench can be a lot easier than behind the dash or buried in the footbox.

[rickb99]

Contact the connector manufacturer for a recommendation.

If you are lucky enough to have Deutsch they have several flaovers:

https://www.wirecare.com/category/co...EgK7TPD_BwEwho


https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-1855...83463822&psc=1

[Raceworks]

Motorcycle harness.
I have spent a lot of time looking at the different types of tools. Some very poor quality, some more industrial. Prices all over the place. Hard to make a choice, but would rather pay more and have something dependable that lasts.
I like the "screwdriver handle" style kit, not sure I need that many.

Thanks,

Will

Factory connectors are bitch, because they're not intended to be repaired. They usually have some little retainer pins you can access by slots on on or two sides of the actual connector. In a pinch you can use the smaller precision flathead screwdrivers. Big thing is not to force it out or you'll break either the casing or the little retainers on the terminal.

Weatherpack uses a cylindrical tool, which can be had for under $10 or you can use the brass hobby tube trick noted above.

Deutsch connectors are the easiest, they just need a small flathead screwdriver and a little patience.

And if you think the removal tools are pricey you ought to see what the crimpers cost for those multi-crimp connectors.

[rickb99]

Or, you could buy one of these and "hope" you have the right one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7J9XHP...8-db9d50180a61

[J Leonard]

Or, you could buy one of these and "hope" you have the right one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7J9XHP...8-db9d50180a61

Those are $3 and free shipping out of China on Ebay. Probably not 2 day service.

[mikey]

If you need a crimper you can get a hobbyist one for less than $40. If you’re doing it for a living you’ll spend thousands.

[TimH]

Motorcycle harness.

What brand? IIRC the Yamaha connector was pretty easy, with a little side slot to access the retaining hook with a tiny flathead screwdriver (like you use for eyeglasses).

Trickiest part was locating mating connectors so I could insert a "Y" of my own.

[Pi_guy]

Trickiest part was locating mating connectors so I could insert a "Y" of my own.

If your just making a test connection there is non conductive mold-able plastic that is perfect for making connectors.

[TimH]

If your just making a test connection there is non conductive mold-able plastic that is perfect for making connectors.

I was making a "Y" pigtail to power extra accessories, wanted to keep stock-compatible connectors so it could be returned to stock configuration at will. As I said, once I located enough extra connectors the Yamaha pieces gave little trouble.