Molex Contact Extractor

[Slash]

So I have tried to start the tedious job of repinning the connectors on my Gottlieb System 1.

I have a proper Molex extractor tool and have read and watched numerous things on it.  My problem is I cannot get the pins out with the tool.  I stick it in like the vids say and the connector is supposed to be easily pulled out but it doesn't.  Am I missing something?

F Me it's been pi$$ing me off.  Everywhere I read and watch it looks so simple except in reality?

Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated please???

[Slash]

To clarify should it be put in with the tool blade flat or on its side?

I'm assuming I stick it in the narrow part of the housing not the wider part too?

[Pinballer]

The flat prong goes in flat side facing up. It presses into the housing on the side with the small rectangular opening in the plastic housing, between the flat edge of the molex pin and the housing. Pressing the tool into the housing will flatten the locking pin back against the pin itself.  You should then be able to pull the wire and the pin out of the housing without a lot of pressure being applied. You should only need to pull gently on the wire to release it and the pin from the housing. Sometimes you may need to repeat that process more than once to release it or pull the wire more firmly. Be careful pulling on the wire with too much force, as it can pull out of the pin, which leaves the pin inside the housing and is all the more difficult to remove without the wire to pull on.

[Slash]

Thanks for your reply, I thought it went in flat but started experimenting when it wouldn't work. I also thought it went into the narrow rectangular housing part, but again after it wasn't working I was starting to wonder.

I don't know what I am doing wrong as I am sticking it in at all sorts of angles and trying to pull it out both gently and roughly but nothing seems to work?

(Sounds like I am describing a porno -lol)!


Clearly I'm not doing it right at some point but it's got me stumped. I'm thinking I will just cut them all off and go from there. That said after I absolutely raped one to get it out. Then stripped it and recrimped it and put it in the new housing, I tested to see if he could get it out easily then with the tool - NO.

[Strangeways]

The little secret is you need to push the wire into the connector, then push the flat end of the extraction tool until it goes in no further and hold it there. Then twist the extraction tool and pull on the wire. After a few goes, you will get the hang of it. The extraction tool is an expensive POS. I made one out of an old jeweller's screwdriver. I had to file the end down, but it is heaps stronger and easier.

[Pinballer]

The extraction tool is an expensive POS.

Hahaha you got that right Nino!

[Slash]

Thanks guys just tried again, as per your post Nino I tried until the tool couldn't go any further. I have had a few drinks now so Im a bit less gentle/angry with it so managed to get the tool to go to the hilt. That seemed to be do the trick and I got 3 out in a row within a coule of seconds. D'oh!

Honestly I tried for over an hour before hammering away at angles and trying to be gentle as well as force it as far as  possible but with no luck. I was actually worried about slipping with the force I was using before and the tool going into my other hand.

I have to agree Niño it's a crappy tool, I started to bend the end of it earlier today even with just a little bit of persuasion. I was just waiting for it to snap. Surely a sturdier tool could be made for the job.

[pinball god]

Thanks for your reply, I thought it went in flat but started experimenting when it wouldn't work. I also thought it went into the narrow rectangular housing part, but again after it wasn't working I was starting to wonder.

I don't know what I am doing wrong as I am sticking it in at all sorts of angles and trying to pull it out both gently and roughly but nothing seems to work?

(Sounds like I am describing a porno -lol)!


Clearly I'm not doing it right at some point but it's got me stumped. I'm thinking I will just cut them all off and go from there. That said after I absolutely raped one to get it out. Then stripped it and recrimped it and put it in the new housing, I tested to see if he could get it out easily then with the tool - NO.

forget about Molex removal, I'm going to use the solution on the missus as she's been complaining for years and I've tried all angles too 

[Slash]

  yeah I was giving it an absolute hammering. Remember to make sure your tool goes to the hilt!

[Pop Bumper Pete]

this sys1 extractor tool, can that be bought locally or am I going to buy from the USA?

EDIT
would the second one from the top do the trick?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Phobya-Molex-Extractor-Kit-Sleeving-Tool-/231506763387?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item35e6e0de7b

[Slash]

this sys1 extractor tool, can that be bought locally or am I going to buy from the USA?

EDIT
would the second one from the top do the trick?
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Phobya-Molex-Extractor-Kit-Sleeving-Tool-/231506763387?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item35e6e0de7b

Would you believe after snapping my first extraction tool I eventually bought the kit you have posted in the link.  I then snapped that one on the very first contact I tried to push out.  lol  I was surprised as the quality in hand of the tool seemed much better than my previous one.

Im in the market for another one again.  Will probably get one like the first one I got (the cheap looking flat one from Marco's) it actually was reasonably sturdy despite looking flimsy.

[RatBag]

The best ones I have found are the one you make yourself,
grab a hacksaw blade and use a grinder to get the shape you need,do it slowly so you dont overheat the blade