How to Disconnect Molex Connectors

Connector terminals inside the socket housing disconnect with special tools.

Molex is a manufacturer of electronic connectors that include several types of connectors for various uses. The company makes products for individual consumers and industrial clients. Several Molex connectors have clips that snap together when plugged in to hold the connections firmly even if the wires get pulled. Molex designs some clips for finger manipulation, others release with slight pressure from common tools, but one particular connector requires a special extraction tool for removal.

Things You'll Need

• Small slotted screwdriver
• Molex connector pin extractor tool

Instructions

1. Pull apart quick-disconnect Molex connectors that do not have securing clips. Hold the plug end in one hand and the socket that's on the board, or connecting cable, in the other hand and pull firmly enough to separate the two parts.

2. Separate electronic connectors that are secured with clips by pinching the lift lever on the plug to release the overhead clip, or by pressing the tip of a small slotted screwdriver onto a clip that fits inside a socket slot. Pull the connector plug away once the clip is released.

3. Remove a connector terminal pin that secures inside a connector housing with flared fins by using the Molex connector extraction tool. Unplug the connector and push the terminal pin into the female housing as far as it goes. Align the small post of the Molex extractor tool with the pin and push the tool into its end. Rotate the tool as you press the handle toward the pin. The tool releases the finned tabs and pushes the terminal pin out of the connector housing.

References

• Molex: Quick Disconnect
• Molex: Wire-to-Wire Connectors
• Molex: Extractor Tool Instruction Sheet