Vim button clip tool

[signcrafter]

Anyone have one of these? Guessing you just squeeze the forks but seems like it may come in handy for those dirty hard to press connector buttons.

BCT1 - VIM Tools

Button Clip Tool with Swivel Head

vimtools.com

 

[jsaw]

I have the Match version of it, but have not had a Chan e to use it yet.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I bought them, put them in the cart to try out. So far they have not done that well, but my testing was for obscured fuel lines inside the tank. That's always a massive PITA to wiggle your hand under the pump and get the line the connected to the bottom so you can pull it out.

 

[WWheeler]

Is there a button on the tool that closes the tool's arms or do you have to squeeze the sides with your fingers?

I have Lisle's 37160 disconnect pliers which work pretty well in our toyotas on some of the harder clips but they aren't much help if I can't finaggle them into position. The hardest clips to disconnect are always the ones in such a tight spot I have to get to it by feel alone anyway.

If that VIM tool is more compact and works by squeezing the sides which might let you unplug a connector with one hand in tight spots Imma have to get one.

 

[ecotec]

I think that the Merry pliers would do better for that specific job.

The VIM tool seems like a toy version of the Merry pliers.

 

[jobo1004]

I think that the Merry pliers would do better for that specific job.

The VIM tool seems like a toy version of the Merry pliers.

KTC also makes a version with interchangeable tips. https://drpd.cc/automotive-tools/electrical-tools/ktc-connector-housing-pliers-ad101/?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Is there a button on the tool that closes the tool's arms or do you have to squeeze the sides with your fingers?

I have Lisle's 37160 disconnect pliers which work pretty well in our toyotas on some of the harder clips but they aren't much help if I can't finaggle them into position. The hardest clips to disconnect are always the ones in such a tight spot I have to get to it by feel alone anyway.

If that VIM tool is more compact and works by squeezing the sides which might let you unplug a connector with one hand in tight spots Imma have to get one.

Pinch with your fingers. The handle sort of cups in your hand.

There's a cable operated version too. I think lisle makes it. Issue is orienting it.

 

[WWheeler]

I think that the Merry pliers would do better for that specific job.

The VIM tool seems like a toy version of the Merry pliers.

See I think the opposite is probably true.

Those pliers don't seem much different than the Lisle disconnect pliers I have which work ok BUT are limited by where I can get the pliers to and more often than not the clips are not in a position I can use them at all.

These VIM pliers look like since it swivels it can conform to your hand in almost any situation which would make disconnecting the plug pretty much a one handed deal in even the tightest of spots because you can depress the clips and pull the plug at the same time wherever you can get your hand to. I also see Matco has one just like it for $43, which I assume VIM is the manufacturer.



Here's a video short of those VIM style pliers in use (by a brand that google doesn't find. Perhaps VIM bought them out?) and they look like they work just as I suspected.

Yeah I'm definitely going to get a pair.

EDIT: Here's an Amazon link ($33.61)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4GH3Y2Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And a little cheaper @ WallyWorld ($30.46 online purchase price - Sold and shipped by Beach Audio Inc - free shipping)

https://www.walmart.com/ip/VIM-Tools-VIMBCT1-Button-Clip-Tool-with-Swivel-Head/1612603437

Yeah I just ordered from WalMart. $33.20 total w/ tax shipped. Should be here by July 4.

 

[darkzero]

I had the Merrys, got them directly from Nile Merry USA (great price then). In GJ fashion learned about them here & bought a pair cause a lot of people raved about them. The handles on the Merrys felt/looked cheap to me, reminded me of a cheap China tool. No affect on functionality of course, just my thought & I never did use them. I'm happy with my other Merry pliers though.

Shortly after I got the KTCs, felt much nicer & I mainly got them cause they came with interchangeable tips, the price then was good too. The Merrys have set screws for the tips just like the KTCs so they can be removed. Haven't seen different tips from Merry but KTC does sell their tips seperately. No idea if they fit the Merry though.

I've only tried out the KTCs a few times. They haven't been that useful to me. Most of time on stubborn connectors, I just push the connectors together then depress the clip before pulling apart. That usually works for me.

I don't work on cars for a living anymore & don't plan on to so not sure how these pliers may or may not be more useful. If I go work on friends' vehicles I never think to bring them with me. Maybe if/when I get arthritis in my hands they might be handy. But by then I probably won't be working on cars much anymore. I could live without them especially at today's prices.

 

[ricleh]

I have both the KTC and Merry pliers. I have found them to be very useful. The KTC tips will fit the Merry pliers.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the VIM tool. It's been hit or miss for me. I think if you don't have room for connector pliers, the VIM tool is an option that's slightly better than your fingers Vim is coming out with other versions of the tool for use on push pin trim connectors. I think the key with the difficult connectors is to spray a little brake clean, or wd40 on the offending connector, blow with compressed air and you might have a better shot at getting it disconnected.
The Vim tool is one of those tools I ask myself, why did you spend $20 something on this?