Deans Connector Tool

thingiverse

I like the Dean's Connectors for my LIPO RC batteries but find them difficult to get apart. This tool makes it very easy to unplug the connectors, even new ones that are very tight. As a bonus I incorporated a tool on the back end to unplug JST balance plugs that are used on many LIPO batteries. For the Dean's Connector you will have to sand or file a very small bevel on one side of the connector pair. This small bevel is on the negative lead side (the small side) so that the tool can easily be positioned. You do not have to bevel both sides of the connector, I beveled the battery side on all my batteries. To use the tool I slide the "teeth" of the tool along the small side of the joined connector until I feel the bevel then a light squeeze opens the connector. For the JST balance connector use the other end of the tool. You can grasp the connector just under the lip where the wires come out and pull. Eliminates strain on the wires. The tool works with batteries that have 3 or more cells. The design uses a 3 mm x 12 mm machine screw with a nyloc nut. The spring is from a ball-point pen. I printed in PLA with 100% fill. To save PLA I incorporated honeycomb in the handles where the stresses are minimal. Note - The teeth on this tool are quite sharp and the handles give a lot of mechanical advantage so keep this away from anyone who might hurt themselves with it. If this is a problem you can sand down the point a bit but will have to make a slightly deeper bevel on the connector. 4/15/17 - Added printable spring and modified spring nubs on handles to accommodate printed spring. Slight change to profile of JST grabber at back of handle. Print Settings Printer: Monoprice 13860 Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: .12 - .15 Infill: 100% Notes: Be sure to use 100% infill. I have honeycombed non-stressed areas internally.