sleeving atx power cable

[Malph]

I just ordered some 1/2" and 1/4" sleeving for my power supply.
I can remove the pins on the 4 pin molex plug, but the pins on the mb power cable (20 pin) seems different. They don't appear to have any locking tabs that I can get at.

Any suggestions on removing these pins?

Power supply is Antec 400W True Power

Thanks

[phoenix111384]

mb power cable and the 4 pin 12 v connector for p4's have little notches in the plastic on either side of the individual pins. u'll need to find something thin and sturdy enough to stick on both sides of the pin such that it will unlock the tabs on the pin itself and allow u to slide it out.

[Pixelpunk]

They are there, just a pain to get to. I ended up using a large safety pin and inserting it on the side the wire comes in to the plug. Its hard to see, but I really had to work the pin in pretty far to loosen the tab. If you cant get it, ill take a pic tonite when I get home showing where the pin is.

[Malph]

Thanks guys
I will take another look later tonight and let you know.

[PunkRawk911]

I had this same problem a while ago, and after I posted an exact topic, somebody recommended that I fold the atx power cable back on itself until the connector was running parallel with the wires, and then stretch the tubing over. Haven't tried it yet though.

[Malph]

Well, they are coming out, but its not pretty.
I ended up grinding down the smallest jewelers screwdriver I could find to make it as narrow as possible to fit between the pin and the plug body.
I found the two locking tabs on the non wire side of the connector and an able to slide this skinny screwdriver in to unlock the tabs.
Looks like I will have to do a bit of "surgery" to get the pins back in their proper shape.

[Pixelpunk]

I found that it was the hardest connector of the lot to do. For one just keeping track of all the wires to make sure they get put back the same. My connectors where a site when I finally got them all out but they are pretty easy to get back in to shape. Ill post the pic anyway even though you got it figured out. Maybe it will come in handy for someone else.

http://home.attbi.com/~robert-humphrey/images/atx_pins.jpg

[Malph]

thanks for the reply.
I found a wiring pin-out for the connector and made sure everything matched.

http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Workshop/advice/conns/connPSU.html

[G@ZZ@]

This is the tool you need to extract the pins out of the Molex plugs.
Check my guide for more info Sleeving Guide (http://www.pcbritt.com/sleeveguide.htm)

http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/274/274-223.jpg

You can get it from Radio Shack Part # 274-223 (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&category_name=CTLG_005_003_007_004&product_id=274-223)

[Avatar28]

Will that also remove them from the ATX connectors or only from the power connectors?

[Malph]

I bought a similar tool to remove the pins from the 4 pin molex connecors. It can be used on .09" diameter pins.
This tool will not fit inside the plug of the 20 pin power connector.

So if anyone knows of a tool to take apart the ATX motherboard power connector, please let me know.

[G@ZZ@]

Originally posted by Avatar28
Will that also remove them from the ATX connectors or only from the power connectors?

No it won't as those pins are square and not round so a little bit more initiative is needed, I used a needle like tool that I have and basically what I did was to push the needle into the side of the plastic plug housing enough to push the tabs of the pin just enough to slide the pins out, then when placing them back I just stick the needle back inside the pin so as to push the tabs outwards so they lock back inplace when they are inserted once again.

[smesx1]

i just did the wire sleeving on mine. I twisted the connector so that it ran parralel with the wires then i taped it with clear packing tape then slipped the sleeve very slowly over it. It was an extremely tight fit.

[dmginc345]

To get the atx pins out, i used a very small jeweler screwdiver. I just stuck it down the side, twisted it 90 degrees, and pushed in. It took me about 10 mins to get them all out, and 10 to get back in. I dont see why everyone seems to think it takes so long to sleeve your psu, it only took me about 45 minutes. The aux power connecter is the hard one to get out.