GM Tech's (Terminal Tool Kit)

[ADSR]

Guys, will this kit cover most of the newer cars/trucks? Or is there a better kit you would suggest?

Thanks


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQQHA2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Skin]

Not much dental picks and a pocket screwdriver can't cover.

 

[Fcvapor05]

I'd go for this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blue-Point-...1296714144&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

 

[signcrafter]

I bought this kit a few months ago and really like it. A little expensive but it's a very complete kit. I don't do this for a living but do enough that I wanted a dedicated terminal release kit instead of using paper clips and stuff. I had a wire harness to replace some bad wires in and used it as an excuse to buy this kit, it was my "payment" for that job.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ADSR]

I bought this kit a few months ago and really like it. A little expensive but it's a very complete kit. I don't do this for a living but do enough that I wanted a dedicated terminal release kit instead of using paper clips and stuff. I had a wire harness to replace some bad wires in and used it as an excuse to buy this kit, it was my "payment" for that job.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Sounds great! I'm just waiting for a quote!

http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/23pcs-Terminal-Release-Tool-Set_459306685.html

 

[pi_guy]

I have picked up the two snap-on sets one is obsolete
The blue point set
Textron's set
dental picks & customized ones
Techni tools set of pin remover/ inserters
Assorted ones I have seen over the last 7 years -- molex, deutche, sure seal
Some of them bend other work better than others depending on condition of connector.
Molex makes a great crimping pliers does all the sizes. Jameco electronics has it.
I do mostly circular connectors, Bosch, Honda and sure seal and some others I just do not remember the name oddball data acquisition stuff.
If you are really interested I will do a write up in detail with links but it is out there stuff, like 64 pin circular connectors using 28 gauge wire. pins are little under $2 each and you use a $600 crimper.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have picked up the two snap-on sets one is obsolete
. . .
If you are really interested I will do a write up in detail with links but it is out there stuff, like 64 pin circular connectors using 28 gauge wire. pins are little under $2 each and you use a $600 crimper.

I am not the only one who would read every word with interest.

 

[Fedwrench]

The blue point is a steelman made set.
http://www.foxruntools.com/19-piece-master-terminal-tool-kit-part-js95978.aspx

or you opt for the official GM kit:

https://gmtoolsandequipment.com/en-US/Pages/ItemDetail.aspx?itemID=103685

Steelman makes several kits. I've had good luck with them.

 

[ADSR]

I am not the only one who would read every word with interest.

Agreed!

If you do get some time, please do, pi_guy

 

[ADSR]

The blue point is a steelman made set.
http://www.foxruntools.com/19-piece-master-terminal-tool-kit-part-js95978.aspx

or you opt for the official GM kit:

https://gmtoolsandequipment.com/en-US/Pages/ItemDetail.aspx?itemID=103685

Steelman makes several kits. I've had good luck with them.

Wow! The GM kit is a little costly!

 

[Fedwrench]

Wow! The GM kit is a little costly!

The dealer price is about 60% of list which is still costly. However, you can watch ebay for closed dealer auctions and sometimes find a deal. Make friends with the parts guy at a GM Dealer and borrow the terminal repair kit that's buried somewhere with the rest of the dealer special tools.

Picks and pocket screwdrivers only go so far before screwing up those tiny connectors.

 

[pi_guy]

Agreed!

If you do get some time, please do, pi_guy

I will next week I promise. Will start on it this weekend.
I need to dig up some paperwork and catalogs I tried a quick search for the pin removers inserters and no luck so I will dig up the part number and then come up with the link. I will try to dig up some reference material also.
I am trying to calibrate a set of scales tomorrow.

 

[pi_guy]

Guys
Been working on it, having some issues finding the number and some other related info.
Plus my web sites were down for two days and been mildly distracted.
I am heading to a race tomorrow and will be back on Sunday, so it will be next week when I put it up.

Here is a question what is the best lubricant to use for putting connector pins and wires through rubber?

 

[ChevyEFI]

can't say I know without Google. Running into problems with plain di-electric?

 

[pi_guy]

It is not di electric grease.
I know it is a common chemical.
Just posted that question for thoughts and response.
Will include that answer next week.....

 

[ChevyEFI]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4330619&postcount=11

Isopropyl alcohol ?

 

[K-Dog]

I have the Steelman kit and I love it. I have never run into a conector I could not disassemble with that kit.
I also have ( had really ) those throwing stars and they are damn near worthless.

 

[pi_guy]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4330619&postcount=11

Isopropyl alcohol ?

Yes
Works as a lubricant does not leave residue, and does not dissolve or effect plastic or rubber componets.
It has low viscosity enough to help in disassembly of connectors were dielectric grease only really works with assembly.

 

[signcrafter]

Yes
Works as a lubricant does not leave residue, and does not dissolve or effect plastic or rubber componets.
It has low viscosity enough to help in disassembly of connectors were dielectric grease only really works with assembly.

Interesting. I will have to try that out. How's that write up coming along?

 

[pi_guy]

Part one

To start I am going to list my reference books.
1) Competition Car Electrics by Jon Lawes
2)Competition Car Controls by Ian Bamsey & Alan Lis
For theory and in depth I go to Automotive Electrics and Automotive Electronics 5th edition by Bosch

The manual I was trained under and difficult to get is:Harnessing Techniques Training Manual
This manual is produced by IS-Motorsport http://www.ismotorsport.com/home.html who is the US source for Deutsch circular connectors and Raychem products such as heat shrink tubing and molded heat shrink parts like elbows and tees. They also carry wire aircraft grade. Plus Thomas & Betts Ty-Rap which is a stainless steel locking barb which is firmly anchored inside the tie head.
Often the quality of your hardware helps determine the quality of your work.

The second hardware source is Ballenger Motorsports http://www.bmotorsports.com/shop/ They carry Sumitomo which is the connectors found on most Honda's and other Japanese cars and they have a full line of other types from Bosch, Delphi / Packard, Tyco / AMP and Deutsch DTM <rectangle connectors>. They also have a selection of crimping tools.

One of my favorite Crimping tools is the Molex brand 63811-1000 $50 from 14 gauge to 28 Picked up through jameco.com
jameco.com also has a selection of D-sub insertion extraction tools
AMP extraction tool
Waldcom Connector extraction tool

From Snap on
TT600
SGTT110
Blue point
TT12KT
Thexton (THE493)

Next time I will go into more a few more tools like wire strippers* and some more insert removal tools and detail some of the use.

How do you strip 28 or 30 gauge wire with out nicking the strands?
& What is a Cirrus wire Harness tester?

 

[bob_the_builder]

Bring up an old thread, I have been looking for recommendations for a terminal release tool kit. Its for occasional use on mainly GM vehicles but I do work on occasions other makes and models. I had to replace a connector I broke trying to unplug it in the cold and it was a real pain to replace with just using a pick. I thought it might be nice to have the proper tool next time. Looking at older threads, I have found:

Blue-Point (Steelman) Terminal Took Kit for GM vehicles
https://store.snapon.com/Terminal-Tools-C3-Wire-Terminal-Tool-Kit-for-GM-vehicles-Blue-Point--P643821.aspx

Snap-on 6 pc Hard Handle Took Kit
https://store.snapon.com/Terminal-Tools-Kit-Terminal-Tool-6-pc-fits-most-sizes--P635733.aspx

Snap-on 10 pc Soft Grip Tool Kit
https://store.snapon.com/Soft-Grip-Terminal-Tools-Set-Terminal-Tool-Soft-Grip-10-pc-P646267.aspx

Lisle (Blue Point) 3 pc Star Kit
(This one did not get very good reviews)
https://store.snapon.com/Terminal-Tools-Set-Terminal-Tool-Blue-Point--P651269.aspx

I have read many good reviews for some of the Steelman tool kits but when I look online I see many kits labeled "Euro" or "VW/Audi" and I was not sure if they would work as well on GM cars.

I did see the recommendation for the GM specific kit above but that is way outside of my budget.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[pi_guy]

I have them all and I keep several duplicates.
Some times one breaks other times you hit the spot well with one tool vs the other.

 

[Carquest]

So, how do you strip that wire without nicking it? Is the rest of your posting somewhere else where I can read?


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[bob_the_builder]

I have them all and I keep several duplicates.
Some times one breaks other times you hit the spot well with one tool vs the other.

Typical Garage Journal answer, buy it all. Is there on kit you typically reach for first?

Bob

 

[pi_guy]

Typical Garage Journal answer, buy it all. Is there on kit you typically reach for first?

Bob

Nope got them in a Durham steel drawer marked crimp kit, with all the terminal tools I have purchased or made.
With all the years I have been doing electrical work nothing is ever completely identical. I get a connector that others have tried to repair and I will spend more time getting the locking latches to work because the first person in did not dissemble correctly. & if you do not lock pin in connector it comes loose when you mate it.

 

[pi_guy]

So, how do you strip that wire without nicking it? Is the rest of your posting somewhere else where I can read?


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I use an aircraft wire stripper it removes insulation with out nicking wire very important with 24 to 28 gauge wire when crimping pins for high density connectors.

 

[pi_guy]

Bring up an old thread, I have been looking for recommendations for a terminal release tool kit. Its for occasional use on mainly GM vehicles but I do work on occasions other makes and models.

I have read many good reviews for some of the Steelman tool kits but when I look online I see many kits labeled "Euro" or "VW/Audi" and I was not sure if they would work as well on GM cars.

Bob

European cars often use Bosch connectors with some high end cars you can find Deutche connectors
American use weatherpack and metric weatherpack
Shiminto or some similar name provides most of the Japanese cars

Then you will find molex or custom connectors every now and then.

Connectors do not like to be moved or disconnected in extreme temps the possibility of damage is great.

For Deutche connectors they provide a pin tool with each kit, connector and pins. I have a bag in each size as if you use a metal removal tool you damage connector. For a 128 pin connector that is close to 200$ you do not keep spares.
I have many thousands of pins close to a grand in value gold ones at .45 each add up.
Then I have shrink wrap from 1/16 to 2.5 adhesive lined and non, and several other outer covering and molded fitting to seal connector to harness.
And test tools including 256 point harness tester.

So it really not your typical GJ answer, I build & repair/modify competition harnesses. I stand trackside and run cars and also provide data system support with hardware repair ability.
For select repair shops I will fix connectors and the like, very picky about what I work on.
You touch something and your name stays on it for ever.

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

I have the GM tools by Kent Moore, expensive as ****. But if you need to get a micro 64 terminal out of a connector nothing else works without damaging the connector or terminal.

 

[Danglerb]

Lisle sells the same set of three star tools I've seen on trucks. I wouldn't get into the special single type release tools unless I was doing a lot of that specific connector.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Excellent info, pi guy!

Dangler, Iconsider ergonomics important when working with my hands.

Since I mostly touch GM ( metri-pack ), I bought a few of the single term-size pen sized terminal tools that I knew would work for me. Having oddball styles on the other side of a disc poking me in the hand isn't something I care to try.

 

[pi_guy]

Thanks
the only thing I did not mention is I use a digital microscope to confirm seat with pin in housing.

When it gets warm again I will take some pictures of my collection of wire tools.

Other minor tip having extra and different pins can often be used to make connectors for testing. There is modeling plastic that dries hard with air, I find pins that will fit a connector and wire them. Then I squeeze the plastic about the pins to make a mating connector. Let dry and now I have a test setup.

I have the three different tools that are circular they work at times in certain location and setups. Most of the time with the shape I stick it in connector and the shape lets me wedge the wire somewhere with out falling down. The single tool falls to easy out of connector.

 

[vettex2]

Guys, will this kit cover most of the newer cars/trucks? Or is there a better kit you would suggest?

Thanks


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQQHA2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I just bought a set from tooldiscounters
paid 30 bucks shipped

 

[ChevyEFI]

Thanks
the only thing I did not mention is I use a digital microscope to confirm seat with pin in housing.

When it gets warm again I will take some pictures of my collection of wire tools.

Other minor tip having extra and different pins can often be used to make connectors for testing. There is modeling plastic that dries hard with air, I find pins that will fit a connector and wire them. Then I squeeze the plastic about the pins to make a mating connector. Let dry and now I have a test setup.

if I am reading you correctly, you're making an insulating boot around each (set of) pins, to possibly insulate, set max insertion depth, line up rows, and save time / cost waiting on term. shells?

I am happy with the test lead set Archie posted on here, but I bet when working on larger pin number connectors, that's a lifesaver.

 

[Carquest]

Thanks for the info on reference material Pi, got my copy of Competition Car Electrics yesterday


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