Terminal Release Tools

[sweet victory]

Right now the 23pc Steelman set on Amazon is what I have in mind, but would like to hear what other universal/complete sets you guys are using or would recommend.

 

[protegeV]

I need to look into a good kit. The one we have at work has been pillaged and barely has anything left. It's sad, but I do the majority of that type of work with modified paper clips....

 

[LXCam]

I have that kit. It's alright but it never seems to be the perfect fitment. However it's still miles ahead of playing with tiny screwdrivers and pins.

 

[Strouty]

I have that kit. It's alright but it never seems to be the perfect fitment. However it's still miles ahead of playing with tiny screwdrivers and pins.

Are you picking on me???

 

[sweet victory]

I have that kit. It's alright but it never seems to be the perfect fitment. However it's still miles ahead of playing with tiny screwdrivers and pins.

At work we have DMC crimpers and terminal tools for our products. (We design and manufacture stuff for the DoD) I wish there were something similar for automotive use.

 

[toplessHO]

Ive got the lisle widgets and wish all the tools had handles instead of the thumbwheel
but Im sure thats for convenience of a novice.
I have a few release tools of unknown manufacturer that came from working with Bell Systems and work on alot of automotive terminals.
I too have been known to use a large T shaped needle and sharpened paper clips.

 

[toplessHO]

seems like lots of them out there are copy cats or all are rebranded.
heres one for less than half the steelman listed
https://www.ebay.com/itm/23pc-Car-E...h=item286b195fa0:g:w5oAAOSwHcFbyK4w:rk:7:pf:0

 

[protegeV]

seems like lots of them out there are copy cats or all are rebranded.
heres one for less than half the steelman listed
https://www.ebay.com/itm/23pc-Car-E...h=item286b195fa0:g:w5oAAOSwHcFbyK4w:rk:7:pf:0

Good call

 

[purplezr2]

At work we have DMC crimpers and terminal tools for our products. (We design and manufacture stuff for the DoD) I wish there were something similar for automotive use.

They do typically, I have a few I have gotten thru work, but by no means all that are out there.

 

[Danglerb]

I've got 3 of the Lisle "star" tools, and have seen how nice the "right" tool with a good handle works, but I think I am going to buy a set of the 23 no handle keyring types on ebay for $4, and then add a couple long thin generic terminal release tools.

 

[pcmeiners]

Seems you can pay anywhere from <$40 to $159 for the same 23 release set.

I feel beat, I only found 18 pieces for a whopping $3.89

https://www.ebay.com/itm/292887393225


So to make up for it I bought these also...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/391853557320

Now if you like to burn money you can always buy Kent Moor individual release tools for approx. $20-30 plus shipping .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I am also interested in a quality kit. Currently using t-pins.

 

[sweet victory]

I am also interested in a quality kit. Currently using t-pins.

So far, I've found there is a pretty huge gap in the market for terminal tools. You can spend $127 on this Snap On set.

Or you can get a $700 Stahlwille Kabelex Set. I haven't found anything inbetween. Unfortunately, you can see there is very little over lap between this set and the snap on set. The Stahlwille set has the ones I need.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I love how the snap on set doesn't even label general manufacturer application. So I can drag that blow molded display over and just start jamming in random release tools hoping to find the right one. Imagine unlocking a dead-bolt with a ring of keys, blindfolded.


Amazon reviews frequently site issues with the tools bending. Ham fisted operation? Poor quality? Both? At least snapon is listed made in USA; hopefully they're of better quality steel than the ebay generic kits.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Or you can get a $700 Stahlwille Kabelex Set. I haven't found anything inbetween. Unfortunately, you can see there is very little over lap between this set and the snap on set. The Stahlwille set has the ones I need.

Most universal sets, are just that. Nothing really fits that great.

What works best is the OEM tool from the terminal manufacturer.

The good news is that Stahlwille set you posted is made up of rebadged or copied OEM tools from Tyco, most of which appear to be from the Junior Power Timer series or similar. I buy JPT release tools from Digikey, for about 40 bucks. I'd work hard at figuring out 2 or 3 OE ones you really need, and buy from someone like Mouser or Digikey.

Here's an idea of what Mouser shows.

https://www.mouser.com/TE-Connectivity/Tools-Supplies/Tools/_/N-5gg6?P=1yzs6iiZ1yzrly7

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Always used paperclips and safety pins, cheap available and always works.

 

[tym]

So far, I've found there is a pretty huge gap in the market for terminal tools. You can spend $127 on this Snap On set.

Is one of those SO tools just a seam ripper?!

 

[LXCam]

Most universal sets, are just that. Nothing really fits that great.

What works best is the OEM tool from the terminal manufacturer.

The good news is that Stahlwille set you posted is made up of rebadged or copied OEM tools from Tyco, most of which appear to be from the Junior Power Timer series or similar. I buy JPT release tools from Digikey, for about 40 bucks. I'd work hard at figuring out 2 or 3 OE ones you really need, and buy from someone like Mouser or Digikey.

Here's an idea of what Mouser shows.

https://www.mouser.com/TE-Connectivity/Tools-Supplies/Tools/_/N-5gg6?P=1yzs6iiZ1yzrly7

Thanks for the heads up brother. There are two styles on the mopar stuff I'm constantly building show finish harnesses for that I'd pay thru the nose for the factory tool. That'd be a huge time saver.

 

[FigureItOut]

Is one of those SO tools just a seam ripper?!

I noticed that also. I can see why it's included in the kit, would often be needed for the same tasks the release tools are needed for. I love the SO seam rippers, along with a pair of bandage scissors.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Thanks for the heads up brother. There are two styles on the mopar stuff I'm constantly building show finish harnesses for that I'd pay thru the nose for the factory tool. That'd be a huge time saver.

Yeah Man Rock On. You just have to know the right series of contacts, and you are golden. At my day job, we use Junior Power Timer. I know there are at least 3 series with the name timer in them, micro or mini timer maybe, plus many others.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Is one of those SO tools just a seam ripper?!

Yes it is. Handy to open up a harness.

 

[bonneyman]

Yes it is. Handy to open up a harness.

A seam ripper! Who'd have thunk?

Now I gotta find one!

 

[Sine Swept]

If you go to a sewing store and purchase the seam ripper to equal size of the Snap On tool, the blade will fit into the handle. I've broke these so many times unfortunately. I wish I could get one that is the next size bigger. The pointy end is what snaps.

 

[oldwino]

I use the Lisle star set and it works great. Bought the cheap POS from Amazon to try. Cheap, flimsy, weak. The beaded chain was worth more than the tools. Think I tossed them and figured $3.00 wasted

 

[sweet victory]

Yeah Man Rock On. You just have to know the right series of contacts, and you are golden. At my day job, we use Junior Power Timer. I know there are at least 3 series with the name timer in them, micro or mini timer maybe, plus many others.

It took me HOURS of searching thru mouser, and I finally found the connectors used on my 911. TE/AMP connectors. That was agony.