Tips for Removing Broken Pins Stuck in Wire Connectors

I broke the wire off a pin while trying to insert it into the connector, so the pin is now stuck inside the wire connector. Any tips for removal of the broken pin without damaging the connector? The pin lock bar was open when I was trying to push it in, but I still managed to break it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

It all depends on the type of connector. If it is a water seal type, you might need to pull the seal off and possibly a plastic clip on the inner side before you can access the pins.

Pins usually have a clip on them just like the connector does. Use a small flat screwdriver or similar to carefully disengage the pin and slide it out.

 

It's not a weatherproof connector, it's the flat, white 28 pin connector on head unit's main wiring harness. There's only a lock bar on the connector, but "unlocking" it isn't a great help in this situation. This pin (and slot) is mm in size, hopefully the tweezers will do the trick

 

Tweezers to pull unreleased pins out is not a good idea. What I am talking about is that the individual pins have release tangs also. Like you can see here:



If you can find the release tang on your pin, you can pull it out and maybe repair it. I did a similar thing when I was stupid with an ABS wire. De-pinned the connector, soldered the wire back on to the pin, and slapped it back in the connector:

 

You can get pin removal tools for pretty cheap, but I usually just use some small flat head screw drivers to “pull back” the retaining tab. These things are super tiny and it takes a little practice to get a feel for it. Basically wedge the flat head in the front of the connector against the metal pin and slightly pry the plastic tab back. At the same time you need a way to push or pull the metal pin out. Since the end is broken off, you will need to use another tiny screw driver to push the pin out the back.

Sometimes you actually need to push the metal pin in a little further so it does not catch on the plastic tab as you are pulling it back.

I also HIGHLY recommend getting a pair of locking forceps for working with auto electronics and wiring. Makes pulling tiny things a breeze.

 

Thanks for the tips, going to give this another go here. Pretty sure I have some locking forceps with my fishing gear.