electrical pin removal question

[richard2717]

I need to replace the end connector on my bobcat attachment harness. I bought the new connector and it came with what I assume are pin removal tools (no directions, not that I read them most of the time) The yellow one was the 1st one I tried and broke it straight away (did I mention I am heavy handed) it looks like I need to shave the face of the old connecter off because the holes are not round from damage, which is why I think I broke the little plastic tool. Anyone know the correct name for the tool so I can order new ones? I would prefer to find metal ones if that is a thing. Never had a tool for this, usually just hack away at the old plug until I can get them free but as expensive as the full harness is for this I would rather not chance damage to the wiring. Is there a trick to doing this so I don't damage the wire ends? I would assume I have to push the wire into the back of the connector a little and then put the tool in from the front to allow the retainer to go past allowing the wire to come out. I guess if that is the case, I would be smart to put the old connector back in to the bracket so I can free up my 3rd & 4th hand.

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[HO455]

I'm not familiar with that exact brand of connector but I have done a bunch of CAT connectors. They use Deutsch connectors. From that experience I know that the pin removal tools are fragile, fiddly, and generally try ones patience. Deutsch didn't make a metal tool to remove the pins but I found a piece of thin wall brass tubing that was close enough and with a Dremel I made my own tool. It didn't work any easier than the plastic ones but it also didn't break either.

I can't tell for sure from the photos. Is there a slot to allow the wire inside the tool? If so then the tool would go in from the back of the connector. If not then it would have from the front.

Either way you generally need to try and wiggle the pin in and out with the wire while slowly working the tool in around the pin to release the tangs on it. Depending on how many times the connector has been plugged in and unplugged the tangs may be deformed or they may have dug a groove in the plastic body. If this is the case you might try to gently pull the pin back in the connector while inserting the tool in. Then try to push the pin forward while slightly turning the tool to get the tangs to slide inside the tool.

Cleaning the connector with some electrical cleaner before starting can help by removing grit that may be jamming things up.

Also applying some WD-40 or silicone on the end of tool and inside the connector can help but try to keep it off of the wire and tool where you have to grip them.

If you can identify the brand of connector I would wager there's a video out there on them.

Good luck I hope this helps.

[richard2717]

Here are a couple better pics. If it has to go in from the back side I might as well take my little dremel cutoff wheel and cut this old one apart. I am only dealing with an inch or 2 of wire on the back before it gets to the hard cover and I don't really want to cut that apart. Thanks for the reply



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[HO455]

ITT Cannon connector! This should help.


https://youtu.be/nbCBrrlK_rM?si=xJWEmWrK5nf3_IoK

[franken]

Pin pusher
https://www.google.com/search?client...in+pusher+tool

[richard2717]

Thanks, gonna work on it again today while it is nice weather

[richard2717]

I found a universal one that worked wonders in about 15 minutes and I came out of the backside of the project still sporting all of my fingers.


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[biketopia]

Gotta do whatcha gotta do!

[kwmech]

I'm a little coming to this party but my son-in-law manages a bobcat service dept. I was helping recently with a wiring issue they had on a trac-steer. You have to push the wire forward while pushing the tool backwards. So pushing them against each other while trying to push the wire out of the connector. They're a son-of-a-beach to get apart. Bobcat has a lot of issues with the wiring in their tractors. A lot of times the techs are too lazy to diagnose a problem and just replace the whole thing instead of doing a simple repair.

[richard2717]

The mounting box on this setup sits higher than the loader arm so it gets hit easily if working in the woods or tight spaces and crushes the face of the plug. 1st time I replaced the entire harness bc Bobcat said that was the only fix for it. It has been broke for a while now and I was ordering some other maintenance items from an aftermarket seller and it just happened to show this connector on the same page as the other parts I was ordering. $116 beats $1k any day. Figured I had nothing to lose cutting it off other than my fingers but all turned out well in the end. I also relocated the box to be more beside the quick couples instead of on top of them so hope that will keep it from damaging it in the future.

[HO455]

Whoohoo! A win is a win.

Good work.