ATX, PCI-Epxress Power Pin Removal

[gvblake22]

After browsing around the web and getting frustrated beyond belief with the terrible pictures and explanations for removing these tiny little P.I.T.A. pins from their connectors, I took it upon myself to bring you a much more clear and condensed guide!

This guide will show you how to remove the pins from ATX power connectors, PCI-Express power connectors, and any other similar pin/connector type (like on some modular power supplies).

All you will need really is two staples and maybe a pair of pliers if you can't grip the wires good enough. That's it!!!

Gather your two staples (although you may want more in case you bend or break one beyond repair) and straighten one end out to make an "L" shape...


Shown above are two straightened regular staples as well as a basic ATX pin removal tool. I have tried using this tool many times and found staples to work 98% better. So don't waste your money on these darn things as there are easier, free methods!

However, do not confuse the ATX pin removal tool with a basic Male and Female molex pin removal tool. The molex pin removal tools are very useful for removing the pins from 4-pin molex connectors.

Ok, on to the good stuff!

One at a time, slide the straightened end of the staples down along the edge of ATX pin...


Once you have both of them in there, push down on both again and make sure they are pushed all the way down to the bottom of the plastic connector housing. Then, with the staples still in the connector, pull on the wire of the connector you are trying to remove and it should pop right out (might take a little wiggling though).


The goal here is to use the two staples to press down those two barbs on the sides of the pin so it will slide freely out of the connector.

Just make sure you keep track of which wires go where so you can correctly reassemble the connector when you are done!!!
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For this guide, I used the modular connector on a cable from the Enermax Liberty power supply. While the pins are all the same, do not use these pictures to align wire colors!!

[PrOLifIC_onE]

Thanks for the explanation AND the very detailed close-up pictures.

[Quakindude]

Man, all ya gotta do is put those wires back into the plug wrong one time and you'll learn a very expensive lesson. I like the cheap, easy way of doing it though!

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Quakindude

Man, all ya gotta do is put those wires back into the plug wrong one time and you'll learn a very expensive lesson.

HAHAHA, for sure!

[stinger608]

Very cool Blake!!!
Short, sweet and strait to the point

As stated before

WATCH YOUR WIRE COLORS!!!!


I think I will Digg / News this, did you???

[screwballl]

if I ever need to do this, i will be sure to use this info!