Terminal release tools

[signcrafter]

I've been doing more electrical work lately and may have a re pin of a connector I need to do in the near future. So I was thinking about picking up a set of terminal release tools to make things easier. I work on just about everything, fords, chevys, chrysler, VW, honda, etc. So I need a set that will work on just about anything. I found this one that looks pretty nice and complete for the price, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BFQ3UY/?tag=atomicindus08-20. There is also this one that has 5 more tools for about 30 bucks more, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Any opinions on either of these kits or a different set?

I spent a ton of time chasing down an electrical issue for a family member this week and still need to fix part of the harness so this is going to be "payment" for that. Was a toss up between these or a ratchet crimper.

 

[Danglerb]

I bought the two Lisle "star" shaped tools that are around $10 each. The case full of drivers might work better, but the two stars take almost no space.

 

[bareass172]

I own these 2:

From http://www.cycleterminal.com/crimp-tools.html

They're nowhere near as complete as the sets you linked, but they work for me for what I do which is primarily motorcycle work. Granted, there are definitely other types out there to buy, but I've found for most I can use a small screwdriver or a pick, or whatever to get the job done quickly without a special tool. With that said, I'd LOVE to hear about whatever you buy. I've longed for a complete set just for that once in awhile when I find one that wants to be a PITA.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have a set of snap ons. I can't find them on their site. They came in a tray and had the old style city grips. Also have a set that came in a bag with black hard handles. Seen here.
http://store.snapon.com/Terminal-Tools-Kit-Terminal-Tool-6-pcs-fits-most-sizes--P635733.aspx
The set I have that came in a tray and has the soft grips seems to have been replaced by a blue point set

 

[Badger 13]

I have the Lisle "star" ones also, plus a Snap-on set. They pretty much cover everything, but some are still a pain to remove..

 

[Deej]

I do a lot of vw wiring, and i just take a paper clip to the bench grinder to thin it and flatten it a little. That usually works to get the terminals out of the connectors.

 

[Deej]

sorry, that was a very poor answer for this site....

 

[wornoutoldman]

I own these 2:

From http://www.cycleterminal.com/crimp-tools.html

.

^^^ Great link. Thanks!

 

[sselander]

t-pins from the sewing store work in a pinch, a little stronger than a paper clip

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YIEPQ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[joe_padavano]

I bought the two Lisle "star" shaped tools that are around $10 each. The case full of drivers might work better, but the two stars take almost no space.

X2 (or is it X3 now?). Got mine at Carlisle and use them all the time, especially on Packard 56 and Weatherpak connectors.

 

[bonneyman]

This is the style I use:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GU1FRTM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also have a Lisle "star" tool, but haven't used it yet.

Here's a link that lists all sorts of those types of tools.

http://www.thefind.com/computers/browse-molex-pin-removal-tool

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I've been doing more electrical work lately and may have a re pin of a connector I need to do in the near future. So I was thinking about picking up a set of terminal release tools to make things easier. I work on just about everything, fords, chevys, chrysler, VW, honda, etc. So I need a set that will work on just about anything. I found this one that looks pretty nice and complete for the price, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BFQ3UY/?tag=atomicindus08-20. There is also this one that has 5 more tools for about 30 bucks more, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Any opinions on either of these kits or a different set?

I spent a ton of time chasing down an electrical issue for a family member this week and still need to fix part of the harness so this is going to be "payment" for that. Was a toss up between these or a ratchet crimper.

Those both look real nice. I think it would make sense to get that, and then add some more GM specific stuff later if needed. That is a lot of tool for the money. I have to use the ones supplied by the connector manufacturers at work, that many tools would easily cost me $800. Go for it.

 

[signcrafter]

Those both look real nice. I think it would make sense to get that, and then add some more GM specific stuff later if needed. That is a lot of tool for the money. I have to use the ones supplied by the connector manufacturers at work, that many tools would easily cost me $800. Go for it.

So neither of these kits will have all the release tools for GM? I'm just trying to get the most complete kit for the money.

 

[signcrafter]

Anybody else have recommendations on terminal release tools?

 

[Brownsfan]

The snap on set i have covers just about everything. The part# was sgtt116. 16 total pieces. Never have come across a terminal this set didn't cover. The set is pictured in the show your diagnostic drawer thread. I don't remember it being expensive even for snap on. It comes up on the site but no pics. It's listed at $167. I don't remember paying anywhere near that. I wouldn't have paid that. These will be the only USA made terminal tools you will find.
http://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-16PC-TERMINAL-TOOL-SET-P9632432.aspx

 

[signcrafter]

Ya those snap ons are way too rich for my blood. I won't use these very often at all but they are handy to have and I'd like to get as complete set as I can.

This wilmar one, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20 looks to be the same as matco sells, http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...E-MASTER-TERMINAL-TOOL-KIT/?source=igodigital. Looks to be a pretty complete set for the price. Still on the high end of what I would like to spend. This set for 65 is more in my price range, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BFQ3UY/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Just not sure if the other one that has 4 more tools is worth the extra 30 bucks or not. Or if the 19 piece 65 dollar set will be more then enough for me to work on volkswagen, honda, ford, chevy, chrysler, etc.?

 

[jeepinerdeep]

So neither of these kits will have all the release tools for GM? I'm just trying to get the most complete kit for the money.

It's just a guess based on the description. But with that many pieces, there has to be at least some in there.......

 

[PC PaiN]

I do a lot of vw wiring, and i just take a paper clip to the bench grinder to thin it and flatten it a little. That usually works to get the terminals out of the connectors.

For the type of connectors I have always taken apart a paper clip has always worked fine. I bought a terminal tool and still haven't used it as the ole paper clip is fast and easy.

 

[K-Dog]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BFQ3UY/?tag=atomicindus08-20. There is also this one that has 5 more tools for about 30 bucks more, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Any opinions on either of these kits or a different set?

I.

I have that first set. I only use like two or three out of that kit. Granted I dont use the kit a whole lot. Maybe a dozen times. Possibly fifteen times in the past ten years or so.

I do like the handles on the second kit you posted. If I have a complaint about my kit it would be the stubby handles.
If I personally were shopping today I would buy the second kit you posted.

 

[cyato]

I have the Snap-On set and all of the tools in it always were too big for my applications. I often used the "Tee" pins, but I also bought a regular sewing needle set with different sizes and that seems to be the best option.

 

[K-Dog]

Oh and I threw my stars away after I got my kit.
The kit is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the stars.

 

[Danglerb]

The ONLY reason to take apart one of the connectors is if you have the crimpers and terminals to replace the ones you take out. This is why almost all of the connectors are sold as pigtails and spliced in.

Just wait til you see what those crimpers cost and how many different and incompatible ones there are.

 

[Coolabah]

sorry, that was a very poor answer for this site....

LOL... but a good answer nevertheless...

Maybe we would all feel better if you extruded the wire using at least three expensive specialist tools , bent the paperclip into shape with at least 3 different Channellock pliers plus some Snap-On item , THEN ground it into shape ?

Sheesh, its not rocket science...

 

[0.511MeV]

I have the Snap On set with hard handles, TT600. I mostly just use two of them, and occasionally use a third. The "wedge" shape and the "hook tip" are the ones I find most useful. I've never used the pin vise that came with it. It flakes metal all over the place. No way I'm getting that close to electronics.

 

[signcrafter]

LOL... but a good answer nevertheless...

Maybe we would all feel better if you extruded the wire using at least three expensive specialist tools , bent the paperclip into shape with at least 3 different Channellock pliers plus some Snap-On item , THEN ground it into shape ?

Sheesh, its not rocket science...

I agree it's not rocket science and I've used the paperclip method for a while now. But there have been times where the paperclip method was less then ideal. Just like I could use a crescent wrench for most nuts but an actual sized wrench or socket usually makes it easier. I did a bunch of reading on these and lots of people like using the actual tools and say they are nicer to use then paperclips.

I'm not looking for the most expensive, haven't even looked at the snap on sets because they are way overkill. Looking for a decent set that will cover everything I need it to at a reasonable price since it is something that won't get used much. But there are times when popping a pin out for testing or to replace a connector is needed. One example was an O2 sensor connector got smashed when I was putting an engine in. I went to the junkyard and bought that connector for a couple bucks. I couldn't get the pins out with a paperclip so I had to splice it in, would have been nice to just pop the pins and insert into new connector.

 

[bareass172]

I agree totally that there are a lot of reasons to remove pins, and that splicing in a pigtail is not as ideal as a continuous wire properly terminated. I showed what I use, and I also have a "magic" paperclip, bent into a "U" shape and ground differently on each end. I also agree that it's not always ideal. The link I posted above has a few tools, but definitely not a complete set. If I were you, I'd at least look at the Snapon set - it's actually cheaper than the second set you linked above.

I look forward to what you get and your thoughts about it.

 

[greasemonkey44]

I have used many techinques, hell one time I smashed the plastic connector to get the pins out
I recently bought a few of the snap on ones, they work very well
Not a very common problem, usually I just buy a pig tail and splice it. The connector is melted or whatever

 

[K-Dog]

I had a Toyota Camry popped in the front.
The fuse block was cracked and had a mounting tab busted off.

There are NO gang connectors on this box. None. I had to do each and every wire individually. What a nightmare.

 

[signcrafter]

Looks like it's between this 23 piece wilmar kit for 96 bucks, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20 or this 10 piece snap on kit for 111 bucks, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I'm leaning towards the wilmar kit since it has more tools which I would think means more options for various connectors.

 

[K-Dog]

Looks like it's between this 23 piece wilmar kit for 96 bucks, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20 or this 10 piece snap on kit for 111 bucks, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I'm leaning towards the wilmar kit since it has more tools which I would think means more options for various connectors.

you linked the same one twice...

 

[signcrafter]

you linked the same one twice...

That's funny. I meant to link to this snap on one, http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=681675&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog. It's 111 bucks for 10 pieces.

The wilmar is 96 for 23 pieces, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. I would think the more pieces the better right? I think the wilmar ones are what matco sells as their "master" set, http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MASTERM23/23-PIECE-MASTER-TERMINAL-TOOL-KIT/

 

[Brownsfan]

I have that snap on set plus this 6pc set. http://store.snapon.com/Terminal-Tools-Kit-Terminal-Tool-6-pcs-fits-most-sizes--P635733.aspx
It came as a 16pc set i linked earlier. It was a promo at the time. That 23pc set seems to be rebranded all over the place and differrnt prices. Seems decent. But at 150 plus 21 shipping.
You can the 10pc you linked and the 6pc for 165. If you can find a dealer with this set Or try to order it off the site.

http://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-16PC-TERMINAL-TOOL-SET-P9632432.aspx

 

[signcrafter]

I have that snap on set plus this 6pc set. http://store.snapon.com/Terminal-Tools-Kit-Terminal-Tool-6-pcs-fits-most-sizes--P635733.aspx
It came as a 16pc set i linked earlier. It was a promo at the time. That 23pc set seems to be rebranded all over the place and differrnt prices. Seems decent. But at 150 plus 21 shipping.
You can the 10pc you linked and the 6pc for 165. If you can find a dealer with this set

http://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-16PC-TERMINAL-TOOL-SET-P9632432.aspx

I don't know why it keeps doing that. The wilmar 23 piece set is 96 bucks with free shipping. For some reason when I try to link it changes or something. I'll try it again, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. For 96 bucks it seems like the most complete kit for the price.

Edit, the link didn't work again. If you go to amazon and search terminal tool in automotive amazon sells them for 96 with free shipping.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have that snap on set plus this 6pc set. http://store.snapon.com/Terminal-Tools-Kit-Terminal-Tool-6-pcs-fits-most-sizes--P635733.aspx
It came as a 16pc set i linked earlier. It was a promo at the time. That 23pc set seems to be rebranded all over the place and differrnt prices. Seems decent. But at 150 plus 21 shipping.
You can the 10pc you linked and the 6pc for 165. If you can find a dealer with this set Or try to order it off the site. Not trying to be a snap on fan boy but the reason I can recommend them is because I have used them in various applications and they have been great. From fixing terminal blocks to making custom ones for custom cars.

http://store.snapon.com/Non-Catalog-Items-16PC-TERMINAL-TOOL-SET-P9632432.aspx

 

[signcrafter]

I ended up splurging and ordered the wilmar kit from amazon today, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EDEEICA/?tag=atomicindus08-20. Not sure if the link will work this time or not, it keeps saying 150 bucks when you click the link but if you search amazon they come up for 96 bucks which is what I paid. Hopefully it will handle anything I come across.

 

[Brownsfan]

It should be fine. I have the snap on 16pc and have not run into anything it hasn't worked on.

 

[signcrafter]

I got the release tools today and they look pretty nice. They came with a performance tools label, not real familiar with performance tools but I think they were a cheaper brand at one of the parts stores. But it is the exact same kit as matco sells for 245 bucks, http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/MASTERM23/23-PIECE-MASTER-TERMINAL-TOOL-KIT/!

I don't know what half of the tools are for but if I ever come across them I will have them. The round pin release tools look really nice and they are spring loaded. I do have a jetta in the family fleet now so who knows these may get a work out in the near future!

 

[bareass172]

I don't know what half of the tools are for but if I ever come across them I will have them.

This made me LOL because I think the same thing when I look at the larger sets like these.

 

[signcrafter]

This made me LOL because I think the same thing when I look at the larger sets like these.

I've had really bad luck in the past where I bought a smaller set thinking that will be all I need and then not have the 1 that I do need. So now I try to get the sets that will cover the most applications!