Best way to remove wires from electrical connectors if I don't have the rec'd tool

[Freytag]

Hey everyone,

Trying to get my car apart and sent to paint. Stopped by a couple places to see if I could get the wire removal tool recommended by everyone, or something similar and I struck out.

What's the best way to remove the wire from an electrical connector if I don't have the tool recommended by everyone?

Thanks for the tips - I'm trying to get the car to the painter by Friday and then leaving on a trip to alaska to see the northern lights with the wife.

[timmy2]

Which connector do you need to take apart?

[Lake Guy]

I had the same issue a few weeks back trying to get the flag morrors off. I tried a few things that just didn't work thinking I'd never get the proper tool. Finally I stopped by the local Napa store and they just happened to have a generic tool that work excellent. I think it was less than $15 and it worked so easy. I'd recommend you look a bit harder and find the tool.

Mark

[Freytag]

Dennis - connectors at headlights and flag mirrors.

Mark - any chance you could describe or shoot me a pic of what the tool looks like.

thanks Dale

[timmy2]

Headlight connector should be just a locking tab on a flag terminal that a jeweler's screwdriver usually works in to push the tab flush for removal.

For the mirrors you need a special hollow round molex connector tool of the correct diameter to slide between the terminal and housing and wiggle around to loosen the locking tabs.
I have an assortment of those, but couldn't tell you which one to use as I just fish around until one fits.

Lisle tools makes a nice terminal tool kit. The 57750 kit is one I have among others.
Go to your local auto store, tell them Molex or round pin housing tool.
While there take a look at locking tab connectors to see what they look like for removal.

[Freytag]

thanks dennis

[Pazuzu]

Search google for "lisle terminal tool" and you'll find the links to all of your local parts stores, someone within a few miles of you will ahve one on the shelf. I find that the 14900 is the one I use most since it will do both the round molex connectors, plus the weatherpack connectors that I like to use on my car, plus the small square bars work with common spade/flag connectors.

[Lake Guy]

This is the tool I used on the flag mirror wires.

Mark

[81SC]

Hey Freytag,

I use the Molex tool, in Australia we have an electronics store called Jaycar which is very similar to your RadioShack stores.

These are the Molex tools for the flag mirror plugs.

[Freytag]

Thanks - Mirrors & glass come out tomorrow and then it's off to the painter.