IDC Connector question

[Charlie]

Hello forum buddies.

This is one of those small issues that's vexed me for years.

IDC connectors like this:

They've been a source of frustration enough times now that I will gladly take the public ridicule in exchange for an answer to the following question:

Does anyone have a good method for taking them apart without breaking them to bits?

It's because every time I need to make up a new ribbon cable or reposition a connector I never have new ones the right size, or they've all mysteriously gone missing. So it's either wait on more or try to pull the old one apart - which never seems to go well.


Thank you!

 

[AmmoJammo]

carefully?

knife and small screwdrivers is how I used to do it.

it never really matters if they break anyway

 

[roy_bates]

use a pin,carefully push the pin in between the clip and pull the clip carefully until one side is out of the lock then repeat for the other side and it should come off,the hard part is removing the cable from the pins.

ive found to remove the cable i use a ruler and turn the connector upside down and press the ruler on the cable on a flat surface and push the cable near the end then peel it off ,carefully.

 

[Ed.D]

carefully?

knife and small screwdrivers is how I used to do it.

it never really matters if they break anyway

Same here. I try to only prise the very end of the long, thin end clips. It might work even better if the clips are slightly warm, but I think it's down to the type of plastic as to whether they'll break or not.

...oh, and no question should be a target for ridicule if you don't know the answer.

All the best.

 

[hooverphonique]

use the type without strain relief, so you only have the "open" locking mechanism? ;-)

kidding aside, it's usually doable if you are careful and take your time..