How to de-pin a connector

[alanw]

I’m in the process of installing a swivel base under my passenger double seat. As I’ve got factory fitted heated seats I’ve bored out the central bolt which the swivel seat pivots around. I’ve come to de-pin the connector so that I can both extend the wires and route them through the bolt, but the wires aren’t coming out of the connector.
I’ve not put my full weight behind it as there’s likely to be a knack I haven’t spotted.
There were two panels on the larger sides of the connector which I’ve lifted, but not sure of the next step. Any advice?

 

[Deaky]

You need a de pinning tool to release the barbs and pull the terminal out. Like this

 

[WillWillWill]

Definitely nice to have the proper tools as @Deaky has shown, but in a pinch you can do those connectors with a paperclip opened out.

Slide a leg down each side of the connector where the square shaped recesses are, give them a wiggle and the connector should pull out backwards.

 

[DXX]

My advice is get the correct tool for the job, it’s a few quid.

 

[Robert]

My advice is get the correct tool for the job, it’s a few quid.

Absolutely agree but I have come across few connectors in the past where I couldn't extract the pins with a professional tool and I had to use 2 paper clips instead

 

[alanw]

Cheers guys. I don’t need much of an excuse to buy another tool.

 

[nodecentral]

I have the tools, but for the life of me this is the most frustrating task I have ever undertaken !!!

The principle is clear, there is usually a holding pin for the connector overall, pull that up or out, and then it’s just a question of using the tool to nip in, what I can only describe as being the connector’s barbs, and then you can pull it out from the rear.. Seem pretty straight forward, doesn’t it. ..

So can anyone help me understand why I spent an entire evening trying to de-pin a 8 connector plug, and only managed to do 4 of the pins, with the other 4 have ending damaged as I got a little carried away [frustrated] trying to pull the wire so hard from the back..

I watched YouTube video, where they make it seem to easy but everytime I approach it - it’s almost impossible

The above episode is one of many, hence keen to hear any wise words from seasoned de-pinners?

 

[Pauly]

Once you pull the wire too much the barbs dig into the plastic and it’s never coming out !

I find it best to push the terminals in while locating the release tool to aid movement of the barbs, if the back of the barbs has dug into the plastic then you force the release tool down the side it just bends/flares the barbs making it impossible to remove

 

[nodecentral]

Wise words from a seasoned de-pinner

Does that mean they should really just fall out, as even the successful ones I’ve done have required some force to pull them out.

But, as a best best practice - I’m with you - it seems I need to push the terminal connector from behind to try and move it away from the plastic block that’s holding it back, and then with the pinning tool get in as close as you can push the barbs back and as you do pull it out..

 

[B.different]

On some of the plugs there is a locking plate that you slide out first. Usually they are purple and orange. HTH

 

[nodecentral]

Post in thread 'Removing purple audio wire from connector block'
Removing purple audio wire from connector block

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Removing purple audio wire from connector block

The 2 pronged tools don't work well - they are too flexible and don't depress the tang easily.

Edit: Oi! I was just posting that!

 

[nodecentral]

Thanks @oldiebut goodie

Using the tool you suggested (to slide down each side of the terminal and then twisting it 90 degrees to flatten the tang [barb]).

Can you do it OK with just one tool, one side at a time, or do you need to use two are the same time..?

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I just do one at a time.

 

[Pauly]

Im a big fan of the Laser 3932 terminal tool

Pardon our interruption...

 

[nodecentral]

I’ve got load of these and I’m really not impressed..

@Pauly - Is the Laser 3932 really worth it? One tool to rule them all ?