Deans Connector Tool

thingiverse

I love the Dean's Connectors for my LIPO RC batteries, but they can be a real pain to separate. This tool makes it incredibly easy to unplug the connectors, even new ones that are extremely tight. Plus, I added a bonus feature on the back end to unplug JST balance plugs commonly used with many LIPO batteries. To use the Dean's Connector tool, you'll need to sand or file a small bevel on one side of the connector pair. The bevel is located on the negative lead side (the smaller side), which allows for easy positioning. You only need to bevel one side - I beveled the battery side on all my batteries. To use the tool, slide the "teeth" along the small side of the joined connector until you feel the bevel, then apply a light squeeze and the connector will open. For the JST balance connector, simply grasp it just under the lip where the wires exit and pull. This eliminates strain on the wires, making it easier to disconnect the connector. The tool works with batteries that have three or more cells. The design features a 3 mm x 12 mm machine screw with a nyloc nut, as well as a spring from a ball-point pen. I printed the tool in PLA using 100% fill to minimize material usage. To further reduce PLA consumption, I incorporated honeycomb patterns into the handles where stresses are minimal. Important safety note: The teeth on this tool are quite sharp and the handles offer significant mechanical advantage, so keep it out of reach of anyone who might accidentally hurt themselves with it. If this is a concern, you can sand down the point slightly, but be aware that you'll need to make a deeper bevel on the connector. Update: On 4/15/17, I added a printable spring and modified the spring nubs on the handles to accommodate the printed spring. Additionally, I made a slight change to the profile of the JST grabber at the back of the handle. Print Settings: Printer: Monoprice 13860 Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: .12 - .15 Infill: 100% Notes: Be sure to use 100% infill, as I've incorporated honeycomb patterns into non-stressed areas internally.