Removing Pin Terminals from Wiring Connectors

chimivee

Pardon my ignorance regarding the proper terminology, but...

How do you remove those barrel pin terminal thingy's from the wiring connectors at the fuse/relay block? Specifically, I need to pull a couple of the smaller terminals along the outside of this connector:

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Is there a readily available tool for this? I can't seem to fit anything much thicker than a piece of paper in there to release the catch that I assume retains it.

If removing them isn't the best option, what is the name/size of the replacement terminal I'd need?

Thanks for any help.
_________________
-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

syncrodoka · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 5:35 pm Post subject:

Molex pin remover is what you are looking for

16CVs · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 5:57 pm Post subject: tool

I have a tool for doing it ,it is made by AMP .it is cylindrical and thin and has a plunger in the middle which pushes the connector out of the center after the collar releases the locking ears.
I will try and post some photos of later ,You may try Snap On or one of the tool guys they may have a kit for doing that job.

Stacy
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John Of the north · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 6:09 pm Post subject:

you can get pin removal tools at electronics supply stores. They're as described. A cylinder fits over the connect end of the pin which flattens the clips and allows you to push the pin through the molex connector.

ragnarhairybreeks · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 6:14 pm Post subject:

you can make your own if you want, either find some thin wall tubing (brass?) or bugger around turning one down as I did

http://shufti.wordpress.com/2010/02/28/multi-prong-connector-tool/

its easier to buy one Smile

alistair
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KYLE automotive spec · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 6:18 pm Post subject:

Here is the tool that I use for the small terminals, and it's not that expensive

http://parts.digikey.ca/1/1/6258-contact-extraction-tool-305183.html

I haven't found an affordable option for removing the larger teminals. The tool I use is more than $50.

chimivee · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 6:49 pm Post subject:

You guys is so smart! THANKS.
_________________
-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

Alaric.H · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 8:48 pm Post subject:

r39o · Posted: Sat Feb 19, 2011 9:08 pm Post subject:

Pep Boys has a multi tool for this purpose. I have two versions. I think they are green and red. Look like stars with lots of funny things sticking out of them just for this purpose.

I have the AMP tools too. The AMP push pin tools are GREAT.

The Pep Boy versions work too, just take some more doing.

Napa may have them too.

BOTH WEBSITES *REALLY* *REALLY* SUCK AND I CAN NOT FIND THE TOOLS FOR YOU......

EDIT: I went the the Lisle website. Here are the tools I got at Pep Boys a few decades ago:

http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=42
http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=356
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chimivee · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 11:40 am Post subject:

mr_vanagon · Posted: Sun Feb 20, 2011 6:45 pm Post subject:

Radio Shack also sells a tool for this because Molex connectors are the norm for power in computers.
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chimivee · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:06 pm Post subject:

Well, neither of the tools RadioShack had fit. Nothing at the local FLAPS. Molex tool from Fry's didn't fit. Finally bought one online that works! - this one that r390 posted:

BUT, I still can't get the pin terminal out! I can insert the tool pretty far - about half half the depth of the connector. Pulling fairly hard on the wire, it doesn't budge. Tried several wires and none come out. Afraid I'm gonna pull the wire out of the terminal.

What am I doing wrong? This little snag is really frustrating.
_________________
-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

OwnYourReality · Samba Member Joined: April 04, 2004 Posts: 56

Might try pushing up on the wire first, to get the 'locking ears' as vwcrewman called them, away from the plastic base of the connector. They can have sharp edges & if they've got a bite on the plastic already it won't budge even with the right tool. I've always had luck with an ice pick, but that's just me. Good luck.
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ragnarhairybreeks · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:52 pm Post subject:

it can seem sometimes that they won't come out. Risking stating the obvious, forgive me, but push the tool in with a bit more force. I've had the same thing happen with my home made tool, but it did work if I forced it in a bit more.

alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

chimivee · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:12 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the tips... Just went out and tried: Fail.

I tried pushing the wire in first, then out. Nope. It feels the same weather the tool is inserted or not - the wire/terminal will slide about 1mm in/out.

I tried pushing really hard on the tool, and bent the tool. The tool can only go so far, before it bottoms out on what looks like a "step" about halfway down the connector. I'm assuming this step is what the pin's ears catch on?

The tool seems to fit perfectly. But perhaps the "wall" of the tool is too thin - so that while the outside diameter is a good fit in the connector barrel, the inside diameter may not be small enough to squeeze the pin's ears adequately? But that seems unlikely because there is such minimal clearance between the pin barrel and connector barrel.

This is making me crazy. Charlie Sheen crazy.
_________________
-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc

ragnarhairybreeks · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:16 pm Post subject:

Damn,

so the outside diameter of tool is a nice close fit into the plastic, but the inside diameter of the tool is not small enough to compress the tabs on the connector.

I see now. Can you bend the tool back into shape? do you have some shim stock, or even pop can material to make a little rolled tube to go inside the tool?

I know its along shot, but hey, why not?

alistair
_________________
'86 7 passenger syncro, converted to westy pop top, project still in progress
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94, now gone...
https://shufti.blog/
Old address still works...
http://shufti.wordpress.com

OwnYourReality · Samba Member Joined: April 04, 2004 Posts: 56

The ice pick hasn't failed me yet. If you look you can see where the tabs are on the sides that need to be pushed in. I work the pick down that side, move the handle so it pushes against the tab & rock the connector so that tab stays in by having the edge of it below the plastic housing. Then repeat on the other side. Even if you bend it in too far, when you get it out it's a simple thing to put it back into place. Might be able to do the rocking motion with the tool too?
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chimivee · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:43 pm Post subject:

syncrodoka · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:48 pm Post subject:

Hmm. I have been having a hell of a time with those tools trying to get out the round connectors too. I bent the crap out of my tool and it still wouldn't push out. I went down to a electronics store and tried the official molex tools and they are the wrong size. If you find something that works please post the solution.
The ice pick trick works on spade type connectors but not the round style.

OwnYourReality · Samba Member Joined: April 04, 2004 Posts: 56

Yea, the spades are easy. Works the same for me on the round ones too though, just takes a little more finess to get the point down the side of the barrel.
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"Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Al Einstein


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Removing Pin Terminals from Wiring Connectors
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