Wire connector de-pinning tools

[MrPink]

Well I am going to be doing a lot more wiring harnesses coming up and I need the best assortment of depinning tools. I have found this one on Amazon but am unsure of it. What do you guys recommend? Looking to stay under $100 for a set and it has to have mainly GM based tools as that is what I work with.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HF00YJA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Luciferi]

I have a kit like that, I never use it. It is a last resort type of thing and typically doesn't work.

If you are using specific connector, buy the manufacturer’s terminal tool. They may be expensive but are well worth it compared to generic. I have tried cheaper and even more expensive options and oem seems to work better.

 

[sweet victory]

I picked up this Snap On kit for around $120 if I remember correctly. A little over your budget, but these can get warrantied.

 

[oldwino]

Have a set (I think Lisle), 5 or 6 different depinning tools on seperate rings, one Ford, one GM and one Chrysler. Compact and handy. Seems like I paid about $8-10 per.

 

[bonneyman]

I picked up a pair of molex plug pin removal tools years ago in the two sizes I most ran into. Used one of them once. I then found a ring tool or two used at estate sales.

Perhaps this link would help.

https://www.mouser.com/catalog/645/usd/2275.pdf

 

[engineer2]

I have the cheapy keyring set from Amazon. Has like 40 different styles. Worked ok on a Honda, but not on a VW. I don't think many of the Chinese sets cover European cars. No idea about GM.

 

[4xdog]

I have a set similar to the one you originally linked, @MrPink. I've been unimpressed. For the Toyota connectors I've mostly used it on I've gotten good or better results from a tiny flat-blade screwdriver.

For other connectors I've had the luxury of using OEM depinning tools, I can concur with @Luciferi that's the way to go if possible.

 

[qqzj]

Any link to OEM Toyota, HOnda and Subaru depin tools? Thanks.

 

[vwpieces]

I have one de-pin tool for VW that costs $95 alone. But it works without hassle.
Been there done that on budget kits.
Building and repairing harnesses takes too long as it is, bumbling and fumbling with tools that don't work well only ads to the frustration. Doing a full harness or even several... you need to have the proper tooling.
Realistically you might only need 2 tools in a kit. I would spend the money and buy those 2 tools of good quality.
Then you get into crimpers... Same scenario. Good crimpers made for specific size wire and terminal... One Molex (brand only, not terminal type) crimper I have is like $350 retail but I was able to score it off ebay for under 100.

 

[4xdog]

Any link to OEM Toyota, HOnda and Subaru depin tools? Thanks.

Toyota published a Wire Harness Repair Manual in 2007, and copies are available on a number of fora for download. It's a difficult manual to get the hang of when one first starts using it, but after figuring out how to cross reference connectors and interpret the depinning diagrams, it's INCREDIBLY useful for that marque.

Here's page 17 from the manual, which references tools needed for repairing Toyota (and Lexus too, of course) wiring harnesses.

 

[Showkey]

Any link to OEM Toyota, HOnda and Subaru depin tools? Thanks.

These go back years on Honda and many others.

De-pinning is a lot like lock picking finesse wins over brute force every time……..just pushing the clip or catch just right.

These would not work on the newer “micro” pins.

 

[MrPink]

I have a set similar to the one you originally linked, @MrPink. I've been unimpressed. For the Toyota connectors I've mostly used it on I've gotten good or better results from a tiny flat-blade screwdriver.

For other connectors I've had the luxury of using OEM depinning tools, I can concur with @Luciferi that's the way to go if possible.

Yeah I need to see if I can just get the few that I'd need instead of a whole kit. Most is weather pak and metri pak connectors on the LS harnesses.

 

[4xdog]

...Most is weather pak and metri pak connectors...

Weather Pack is easy-peasy to depin. One of the best at it, IMO. That might be one where any tool with the right tube diameter would work -- probably no need for OEM on Weather Pack.

 

[vwpieces]

Forgot to mention old wiper blades that have the SS strips. I have cut and ground some to get by for most connectors that use a tab to lock in. Single tab are easy. I keep a pile of cut down strip widths in the bag of tricks for making or repairing harnesses.

 

[FMB4]

VW above nails it imo. Fought with Nissan's 'all but impossible' to disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor connectors before hacking a WB SS strip that actually works. Have one such DIY tool in my main roll around and 1 pinned to wall above one of my work benches just or remind me.