Depinning generic electrical connectors?

[CalebJ]

I've been using this style connector for various projects for a while now:


They're available dirt cheap online and seem to work pretty well considering the cost. However, for the first time I need to de-pin one to swap a couple of wires around. For the life of me I can't figure out what the simple way is to do so. None of the depinning tools (admittedly a limited collection) that I have seem to work. Maybe I'm just using them wrong. A quick browse of reviews has only led me to others trying to figure out how to do so themselves.

Have any of you guys been down this road and figured it out?

Here's a couple of links if you want to look at more info about them:
https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Automotive-Electrical-Connector-Connectors/dp/B09GN8TQYQ/https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KP369MF/

 

[KC3KNM]

I've been using this style connector for various projects for a while now:
View attachment 80557

They're available dirt cheap online and seem to work pretty well considering the cost. However, for the first time I need to de-pin one to swap a couple of wires around. For the life of me I can't figure out what the simple way is to do so. None of the depinning tools (admittedly a limited collection) that I have seem to work. Maybe I'm just using them wrong. A quick browse of reviews has only led me to others trying to figure out how to do so themselves.

Have any of you guys been down this road and figured it out?

Here's a couple of links if you want to look at more info about them:
https://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Automotive-Electrical-Connector-Connectors/dp/B09GN8TQYQ/https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KP369MF/

https://www.amazon.com/JRready-Term...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVlSomething like this maybe?

 

[CalebJ]

Maybe? I've got a few depinning tools handy, and one of the giant sets somewhere lost in the entropy induced chaos as well. None of the ones I've tested yet seem to be releasing the clips holding the terminals in place.

That sure looks right... I wish they were the sort of thing you could look at up close and test before committing to (RIP Radio Shack and the like). But I might have to give that a shot.

 

[KC3KNM]

Maybe? I've got a few depinning tools handy, and one of the giant sets somewhere lost in the entropy induced chaos as well. None of the ones I've tested yet seem to be releasing the clips holding the terminals in place.

That sure looks right... I wish they were the sort of thing you could look at up close and test before committing to (RIP Radio Shack and the like). But I might have to give that a shot.

Seems like all you need is a thin blade to lift the tab on the pin. Have you been pushing the pins in while trying to push that tab up? It can help, sometimes it'll hang on the connector body. Realistically, if you've got grinder and a small flathead screwdriver you're willing to sacrifice you could probably get something workable out of it.

 

[CalebJ]

I'll give it another shot this evening. The worst case scenario in this particular instance is just shortening the cable to the harness - there's plenty to spare. But I'd walk away without learning anything.

The photos in the Amazon listing do clarify things a bit. The real Metri-pack connectors are slightly different, but they're probably close enough to be helpful.

 

[Sooner Boomer]

I can't view the attachment in the original post. Are these Molex-style pins? Would a Molex pin removal tool work? It's basicly a tube just big enough to go around the pin, and will compress the side tabs so the pin can be pulled from the conector. It takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, they're easy to pull. You need a removal tool for the diameter of pin you're woking with. Sets are inexpensive on Amazon.

 

[CalebJ]

Can you see the attachment now?

They're not Molex style. Closer to metri-pack but not quite that either.

 

[CoyoteNumber2]

What about this set?



https://www.amazon.com/MENKEY-Terminal-Removal-Connector-Extractor/dp/B07ZC1V2W6

 

[CalebJ]

That set (or one like it) is the one I'm trying to lay my hands on around the house. I may order another one of those or the specific Metri-pack kit that @KC3KNM posted if I can't get the connectors popped apart tonight.