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Depinning tool set

L

L.Cheapo

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 23, 2014
Messages
6,168
Hi all,

Today I ran into a situation where de-pinning a connector would have saved me a bunch of time. I don't have said tools.

I'm looking for a recommendation on a comprehensive set of de-pinning tools. My usage is split between automotive style connectors as well as Molex type connectors in other applications.

There appears to be endless piles of no name sets for very little money on Amazon. I'd like something quality that works and lasts. Bonus if its made in a country that isn't China.

Thanks!
 
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P

Pinne

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 8, 2024
Messages
374
Also interested. I've bought those Amazon sets before and they always end up going back. I don't want to spend $300 on these tools but...seems like that's kind of the option.
 
F

finn

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 27, 2005
Messages
16,719
Location
The UP, God's country
I have a Lisle set and one of the imported Amazon sets.

They both do the job I asked them to do.

They aren’t a frequently used item for me, but when I need them they work. That’s if I remember where I put them….
 
O

Outlier

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Messages
110
Location
GA
My experience is limited to the Snap-on terminal tools and the factory VW/Audi/Porsche tools. None of them are great. Maybe the de-pin tools for Molex and Deutsch connectors are better.

My advice would be to figure out which particular ones you use the most and buy multiples of those.
 
Z

Zewnten

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 11, 2017
Messages
1,884
Delphi makes the best but they're $20/ea used.

I've used the metal blades from wipers to make copies of the flat style tools.

I prefer the plastic deutch release tools, the metal ones can bend the barbs too far and the connector will no longer hold the pin.
 
R

Rusted Nut

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 11, 2022
Messages
1,883
Location
Northern Arizona
You need to know what you want to de-pin, Deutch, Molex, etc… , ton of different connectors and tools.

Try these folks, I have a couple of their tools, they are good quality!

www.jrdtools.com

Crimping Tools | for Wire Harness& Connectors & Tools Online | JRready

JRDTOOLS Provides One-Stop Service for Wire Harness& Connectors & Tools. Provide Professional Technical Support. High Quality, Low Price. Delivery within 4-6 days. Types: Crimping Tools, Stripping Tools, DT Connectors, Wire Harness Tool.
www.jrdtools.com www.jrdtools.com
 
W

Wamsutta

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2014
Messages
10,972
Location
Amarillo, Texas
I have one tool that is intended for pushing up on the locking tab as shown by the red arrow.

When you insert the tool from the right of the image, it folds the locking tab upward so that you can slide the pin out of the connector.

This is for Metri-Pack connectors.

Metri-Pack Terminal.jpeg
Metri-Pack Terminal Tool.jpeg
 
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C

Callelle

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 3, 2022
Messages
675
Location
Depew NY
I have the snap on set and it's been my favorite so far. It still leaves me lacking as I recently had to take apart an AMP style connector and didn't have the skinny double prong depin tool.
 
J

Jgaz

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 16, 2016
Messages
1,789
Location
AZ
This is my post on the same subject from about two years ago.

Tools and Bits To Improve DIY Automotive Wiring Quality

I'll be wiring my 1930 Model A coupe later this year. I have been planning it out in my head a while and, recently, I've been searching around for what tools could make my life easier. I picked up an American Auto Wire kit years back to help with a clean, trouble-free install. But, the rest is...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com

This collection has served me well as mechanic.

You might want to check out the whole thread.
I do like the set that @LXCam shows above.
 
OP
L

L.Cheapo

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 23, 2014
Messages
6,168
My ******* posted this in the wrong thread yesterday:

Thanks friends. I appreciate all the advice.

Unfortunately, I dont get the choose the coonectors--they choose me! In my world it's just as likely to be a connector in a 70s VW, a 90s appliance, a modern Mopar, or a new pinball machine.

Right now I'm thinking of going with the set of three Lisle round pokey looking things and seeing how much of what I do those cover and building from there. Not a final decision, however.

I thought there was a good sized Snap On set a few years ago, but I can't seem to find it now, online or in my paper catalog. Maybe I imagined it--I thought it had soft grip handles.

Thanks again; still open to more ideas!
 
M

moemc

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2025
Messages
380
For some of the smaller modern OEM ones, you aren't getting in there without a proprietary tool. Sometimes even with that, they can be a real PITD.
 
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