Electrical connector tools

l_bilyk · Mar 21, 2008

I always find myself really frustrated with unplugging various electrical connectors. Can anyone suggest a good tools set that helps with these? Something other than a small screwdriver to press and release the little hooks ...

dxdexter · Mar 21, 2008

I would be interested in such a tool as well. Unfortunately I usually break the tabs off the connectors with the small screwdriver.

Merkava_4 · Mar 21, 2008

What can really be frustrating is when there's two clips; one on each side of the connector.

eschoendorff · Mar 21, 2008

dxdexter said:
I would be interested in such a tool as well. Unfortunately I usually break the tabs off the connectors with the small screwdriver.

That would be me. I am a master at mangling little electronic connections.

If anyone needs one of those little buggers completely destroyed, let me know. :thumbup:

Merkava_4 · Mar 21, 2008

I use my fingers when ever I can because I can't always feel how much force I'm applying with the pocket screwdriver.

DiStOrTiOn · Mar 21, 2008

I always end up snapping those plastic connectors, or at least bending them too much, and they won't go back. IS there a tool to take those off?

Blacknwhitepit · Mar 21, 2008

DiStOrTiOn said:
I always end up snapping those plastic connectors, or at least bending them too much, and they won't go back. IS there a tool to take those off?

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5112

http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5111

or, if you want to spend more for Blue point made by lisle.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=1465&store=snapon-store

-BWP

Blacknwhitepit · Mar 21, 2008

KASTAR makes some too. (Made in USA)

http://www.aeincorporated.com/Kasta...lY3RyaWMmcGFnZT1zZWFyY2gmc2VhcmNoX2luPWFsbA==

I lucked out last year at this time at the flea market and bought them both for $1.00!!

-BWP

DiStOrTiOn · Mar 21, 2008

I'm going to hit sears up, and find out about the lisles (where they're made), and report back. I'm leaning towards the Kastar ones anyways though, even though they're twice the price. I like the individual tool better than combo stuff.

eschoendorff · Mar 21, 2008

Blacknwhitepit said:
KASTAR makes some too. (Made in USA)

How well do teh Kastar ones work? you like 'em?

Blacknwhitepit · Mar 21, 2008

eschoendorff said:
How well do the Kastar ones work? you like 'em?

The KASTARS work pretty well, they are stout, but not too stout..If you know what I mean, You can apply pressure and still get a good "feel" for the plastic (I.E. about to snap); unlike using a screwdriver. Although they are not for all applications, they have worked well for me on larger connections.

The Lisle one (I am pretty sure it is USA made) is more flexible (all but two of the "prongs" give). It is for smaller applications and works well for the "feel" (They "give" and so does the connector). This really reduces your chances of breaking it.

-BWP

l_bilyk · Mar 21, 2008

Yeah I think I am going to try out the kastar ones.. they look pretty good

DiStOrTiOn · Mar 21, 2008

Sounds like to have a complete set, I'd need to get both. Oh darn, I have to buy them all.

Moose-LandTran · Mar 21, 2008

DiStOrTiOn said:
Oh darn, I have to buy them all.

Don't you just hate it when you have to buy a WHOLE set, and not just one or two.

:lol:

Junkman · Mar 21, 2008

Moose-LandTran said:
Don't you just hate it when you have to buy a WHOLE set, and not just one or two.

Yeh....it is like getting married... you choose the bride, but she comes with a lot of extra baggage, more commonly known as in-laws!!!! :lol_hitti

PoorOwner · Mar 21, 2008

OK how do you use it? Do you use this to push on tabs or what?

Usually there is a place you press with your thumb and they come off right?

DiStOrTiOn · Mar 21, 2008

absolutely, it's the worst. like when I had to buy that 4 piece set of channellock pliers. terrible.

mulepackin · Mar 21, 2008

The most essential tool for these connectors (weather pack, etc), is a light touch and patience. I replaced the lift pump on my 01 Dodge Diesel last summer, and I spent more time with the electrical connectors than I did dropping the fuel tank, and replacing the fuel module.

eschoendorff · Mar 21, 2008

mulepackin said:
The most essential tool for these connectors (weather pack, etc), is a light touch and patience. I replaced the lift pump on my 01 Dodge Diesel last summer, and I spent more time with the electrical connectors than I did dropping the fuel tank, and replacing the fuel module.

When I did that job on my Chevy, I got so pissed with the fuel tank that I ended up just taking the entire bed off teh truck! :lol:

Made the job a little easier though.

russlaferrera · Mar 21, 2008

eschoendorff said:
When I did that job on my Chevy, I got so pissed with the fuel tank that I ended up just taking the entire bed off teh truck! Made the job a little easier though.

IMO It was the best thing you did. They ****!

Fedwrench · Mar 21, 2008

I have the Kastar models pictured above. They're really too long for most of the places I'm working in. I took one of the Lisle tools and cut it in half. It works pretty good. However, It's hard to beat the performance of the free tool truck pocket screwdriver when disconnecting connectors. Small 90 degree and straight picks work well also. It used to be connectors were designed to be removed 5-7 times. However, man today break after 2-3 times if not less. A narrow plastic trim tool is handy too.

Danglerb · Mar 22, 2008

Amazon has the Lisle star fish thing for $8, free shipping at $25, and they have a second type similar, but I suspect slightly different sized things same price. Looks like handy stuff to have.

jay50 · Mar 22, 2008

mulepackin said:
The most essential tool for these connectors (weather pack, etc), is a light touch and patience. I replaced the lift pump on my 01 Dodge Diesel last summer, and I spent more time with the electrical connectors than I did dropping the fuel tank, and replacing the fuel module.

Agree; with all the engine heat baking the connectors, they are very brittle and will easily fall apart in your hands at times. The worst I have seen are fuel injector connectors on Dodge 3.3 engines; they require a gentle touch or they will pull apart and the guts will fly everywhere...

eschoendorff · Mar 22, 2008

So what's the consensus (from people who have actually used these things)? If someone were to buy one type, which is the most versatile and useful?

Jbullfrog · Mar 22, 2008

Get 2 of the Lisle tools and use them for plastic connector plugs only. DO NOT USE THEM TO PRY METAL! Once you ****** the tips they are useless near a plastic connector again.

mulepackin · Mar 22, 2008

I like the tools manufactured by Lisle for working with connectors. The pry type tool is for seperating connectors from each other, the star or spider tools are for removing or adding additional terminals from multi headed connectors such as weather paks. I have used a variety of picks, upholstery pins, and other odds and ends just about as effectively

l_bilyk · Mar 22, 2008

I picked up the lisle tool and the kastar set today. Hopefully these take some frustration out of connectors

creatureofthewheel · Mar 22, 2008

in a pinch last week i used a piece of brass tubing stock from my modeling supplies. had a bag of scrap from k&s engineering. round tubing, square tubing, L channels, and some flat bar. i picked up the bag at hobby lobby. get a little creative.

eschoendorff · Mar 22, 2008

l_bilyk said:
I picked up the lisle tool and the kastar set today. Hopefully these take some frustration out of connectors

Where did you find the lisle one? Is it at Sears?

l_bilyk · Mar 22, 2008

Napa

I still work there for another week

Danglerb · Mar 22, 2008

I bought the Lisle stuff, two starfish, lobster fork, and the thing that looks like a garden weeder from amazon last night, $32 shipped. I've got a LOT of wiring to mess with in my future. For the fuel injectors I got pig tailed replacements off ebay for $2 each, but lots of other stuff will have me moving pins around in old plastic.

PoorOwner · Mar 22, 2008

Danglerb said:
I bought the Lisle stuff, two starfish, lobster fork, and the thing that looks like a garden weeder from amazon last night, $32 shipped. I've got a LOT of wiring to mess with in my future. For the fuel injectors I got pig tailed replacements off ebay for $2 each, but lots of other stuff will have me moving pins around in old plastic.

Can you post the shopping list here? I have a bunch of Lisle and KD tools stuff in my cart right now I am getting confused so I want to compare!

Danglerb · Mar 22, 2008

"Lisle 35260 Plastic Fastener Remover" $7.40

"Lisle 13120 Electrical Separator Connector" $7.76

"Lisle 14900 Wire Terminal Tool and Trouble Code Tool" $8.04

"Lisle 56500 Wire Term. Tool **" $8.94

Those are garden weeder, lobster fork, starfish, starfish. My understanding is that the two starfish together handle most pin duties.

PoorOwner · Mar 22, 2008

Danglerb said:
"Lisle 35260 Plastic Fastener Remover" $7.40

"Lisle 13120 Electrical Separator Connector" $7.76

"Lisle 14900 Wire Terminal Tool and Trouble Code Tool" $8.04

"Lisle 56500 Wire Term. Tool **" $8.94

Those are garden weeder, lobster fork, starfish, starfish. My understanding is that the two starfish together handle most pin duties.

Looks good, mine is the same .. I have gotten by with jewellers screw drivers for a while now though.

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