Disconnecting Andersons?

[pwbset]

For a variety of stupid noob reasons I've got a bunch of 30a andersons that has the wires pulled out of them or are on existing test packs that I no longer use. I'd really like to re-use these instead of having to order a bunch of new ones, but for the life of me can't figure out nor find the solution online to getting the internal metal connector parts separated. Is there an easy way to do this?

 

[RLT]

They actually make a specific tool for doing that... But it costs more than it is worth.

I just use a really small flat blade jewelers screwdriver to pry the tip of the contact up off the spring blade.
It helps if you push the wire into the connector to get the little 'latch' to on the end of the contact to disengage from the end of the spring; then slip the screwdriver tip just under the front edge of the contact, pry it up to where it clears the spring blade, than pull the wire/contact out the back. Pretty simple, although when I do it, I must admit that I wish I had three hands... or at least two that were more coordinated than mine have been the last few months.

The above is assuming you mean the 15-30-45A connectors.

The 50-75A connectors are much the same, except you need a bigger screwdriver and have to pry a LOT harder.

 

[Link]

Yeah, I just find something small and pointy to push down on the little leaf spring under the contact. Usually ends up being the point of the safety pin that keeps my keys in my pocket (I used to lose a lot of keys...).

 

[pwbset]

than pull the wire/contact out the back.

Thanks for the tips fellas. Problem with most of mine is... what wire... heh, heh... I have tiny needle nose pliers and even those can't get a grip on the connector inside to pull it out. :lol:

Pesky things.

 

[RLT]

Well, If you can't pull it out the back. once you get the contact tip above the spring, you can push it out backwards. I've done it that way on a few... Although that's when I REALLY feel the lack of that third hand, and/or loss of high coordination..

Maybe stick the plastic 'thingie' in a vise.

 

[pwbset]

Maybe stick the plastic 'thingie' in a vise.

Or I just nut up and buy another 25 pack of the damn things. Trying to be ecologically friendly and re-use materials where I can, but sometimes annoyance and frustration leads to minor destruction of planetary resources. Heh, heh. Thanks again.

 

[RLT]

Actually, I just tried it a few times, and after just a little bit of practice, I can now easily get the contact out by pressing it from the front, with the same screwdriver that I used to lift it off the spring. Using only my two numb and arthritic hands (and the screwdriver, of course.)

If I can do it, you can.

 

[pwbset]

If I can do it, you can.

Good to hear RLT! Thanks for the help!! Now I just need to wait for my shift to be over so I can disassemble andersons all night... haha! Whee! Easy to complain, but my 2x 37v9ah konion packs will thank me once they are completed... like next summer.

 

[pwbset]

You guys rock! I got a tiny little flathead screw driver and with a little pry-half twist these things come right apart! Whoot! Thanks! Never would have figured that out!

 

[Eric G]

I use an old paring knife to separate the contact from the spring.Takes a bit of practice at first but after a while it's a piece of cake.

Eric

 

[Ypedal]

I have a container full of anderson leftovers with 2 to 10 inch of wires sticking out, you can salvage the housings, but if the wire is pulled out of the contacts you can't easily recycle those..

I love andersons.. i just got 400 of them yesterday !!

 

[pwbset]

but if the wire is pulled out of the contacts you can't easily recycle those..

:lol: Yeah.. I never claimed to be smart by any means. Got all my old andersons apart last night and then realized those crimps are good and extremely difficult to pry apart... cut the bejesus out of my thumb trying to pry one open. :x

Powerwerx.com to the rescue I guess.

 

[Link]

I love andersons.. i just got 400 of them yesterday !!

Wow, and I thought my little pack of 50 was of a fair size. :| How long you figure your 400 will last you?

 

[Eric G]

I love andersons.. i just got 400 of them yesterday !!

You must be Rosspar's biggest customer Y...LOL

The odd time I've ended up putting the wrong colour housing on a particular wire and have had to swap...Duhhhhhh....

I thought I went overboard when I ordered 100 of them the last time around...I still have a bunch left.

Eric

 

[marvingalaxy]

http://www.powerwerx.com/product.asp?ProdID=1660&CtgID=1020

Are these the replacement ends to which you are referring?

 

[pwbset]

Those are the 45a ones, which in my case would work with my crimper I don't think. Not sure why they didn't just make the 45a ones the same.. especially because the 75a ones crimp the same as a 15a one. Weird. Anyway... yeah... I salvaged a bunch of plastic housings, but just don't have the means to undo a 30a crimped connector. Ordered a bunch of news ones anyway... now I'm trying to find battery bars for connecting konion cell pairs... it never ends. :wink:

 

[marvingalaxy]

The same site should have crimp ends of the different sizes so you don't need to buy all new connectors.

 

[RLT]

The 45A contacts are much cheaper at Mouser:
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=1YZG3VvBVY87N04jT5t1Uw%3d%3d

Oddly, the rest of the Anderson parts are about equal priced or even more expensive at Mouser, but the 45A contacts are nearly half the cost.
the 15A and 30A contacts at Mouser are the open crimp type like the 45A everywhere.... I prefer the rounded types though.
And another thing I have noticed: The silver plating on the ones from Mouser are always nice and shiny... You could wear them as jewelery While from other sources... not so much. Almost like they come from different manufacturers.

ANYWAY, I gotta order some more housings too.
And more silicone wire.
And more ....

Does spending money on parts EVER end?

 

[Link]

Does spending money on parts EVER end?

*sips Dr. Pepper*

Not in my experience. :?

 

[Ypedal]

Does spending money on parts EVER end?

I don't think you'd believe me if i told you. :lol: