Connectors - Pinning/Depinning

[bigjohnsd]

Oriented to automotive applications but i found this helpful today when working with several different styles and brands of connectors

[Red]

For almost every connector, the maker of the plug will have a dedicated tool to extract (and maybe insert) the pins properly. As you gain experience, your collection of pin extractors (or installers) can become more complete. Connector makers will have tech support who will give you the tools or the Part Numbers, by phone or email, to get them, Extracting pins with makeshift tools may be possible, but the right tools will help you to avoid grief. Google Image Search can help you to locate the actual makers of a connector.

Heat shrink tubing is a fine option, but the old stuff does not seal, protect, or stay put very well. The good new version, called Marine Grade Heat Shrink Tubing, has hot-melt glue inside. When you shrink the tubing with heat, the inside glue will melt and form a waterproof seal, while it also insures that the tubing will never slip down the wire. You should see the glue appear at the ends of the tubing when heated, indicating a good waterproof seal to the wiring. If you have some of the old style of non-glue heat shrink tubing, you can "paint" your connections with Liquid Electrical Tape (by Permatex) before setting the tubing with heat. The Marine Grade Heat Shrink Tubing is also thicker and tougher; it's more resistant to damage than the old stuff.