FWIW, these Cannon plug pliers can be bought from Home Depot if you
have one nearby to save on shipping costs. Currently $18.00 plus tax
and can be shipped free to pickup at your local store. I plan to go
this route next month or so since I have no soft jaw pliers right
now. I find my arthritic hands hurt like heck and are somewhat
weaker in strength, too, nowadays when trying to unlock/unscrew AN
connectors and such things. I have four types of channel-lock pliers
from different makers, including the actual Channelock Brand, and
each has seen modification tricks used by me to pad the jaws for
various things that should not be marred by the teeth of the pliers.
But the padding is too flimsy. Clearances to panels with any of
these tools is, however, still a hassle like Mike had discussed
below if narrow rings are in play. I can think of a soft jaw design
using Nylon or PBT pads which will solve that issue, but never have
come across that solution from anybody so far.
-Chris F.
On 8/19/2025 2:22 PM, Michael Hanz
wrote:
Totally agree on their value for their purpose, Craig. I have
three of them by two manufacturers, and they have been real
workhorses around here. They work perfectly to break loose a
mated plug and chassis connector that have been tight for years.
However, with all of the plug pliers I have seen, the "working
width" of the plastic inserts (in contact with the workpiece) is
less than the width of the pliers. The gap is close to the width
of a ARC knurled retaining ring thickness for chassis mount
connectors (0.110"), which is what Matt was talking about. 😭
Unless you grind off some of the steel portion off one side of the
pliers, the plastic grabber will slip off the ARC knurled ring.
The closest I can get is with a Facom 410.S which has a 0.090"
edge gap, and the .020" grabbing surface is just not enough to do
the job of breaking it loose. Believe me, I have tried many times
with high hopes, but...
Mike KC4TOS
On 8/19/2025 10:11 AM, Craig Cantwell
via ARC5 wrote:
Before using hard tools or
trying to cut the old ring, spend the $15 to $45 FOR A SET
OF Cannon Plug pliers. They have good grip and the soft jaws
reduce or eliminate any damage to the rings. If one has
never used a set, here's what they look like. Should be a
set in everyone's tool box for those hard to loosen plugs
and rings.
|
CANNON
PLUG PLIERS (CRESCENT® BRAND)
from Aircraft Tool Supply
CANNON
PLUG PLIERS (CRESCENT® BRAND) -
Designed to safely install and
remove Cannon plug collars. Made
of non-sp...
|
|
|
Craig
KF5JOT
--
================================================================
Christian R Fandt
Jamestown, NY 14701
> Electrical/Electronic Collector & Historian: Radios, Early Computers, Test Equipment
> Radio restorations: Pre-1970s Automotive & Home radios
> Retired engineer/consultant on electrical/electronic contact physics
