Deans Connectors - Is It Just Me?

[Gruntfuggly]

I just got my mini-t up and running and it came with a deans connector fitted to the ESC, so I though I might as well fit one to the battery too. Normally I use tamiya connectors or power poles.

Apart from the fact that they don't feel very 'secure' because the wires are just soldered to the tabs - there's no clamping involved - they are ***really*** hard to get apart again! Is it just me? Is this normal? I had to get a small screwdriver in there to prise them apart. Are they not designed for the battery connection - are they only for the motor connection?

[Butler]

I only struggle with them when my hands are cold.

I properly soldered joint should be plenty strong enough to pull on to get them apart.

[Gruntfuggly]

So you pull them apart by the wires? Honestly - they were very well connected - is it because they are brand new? Do they need to loosen up or something?

(Yeh - c'mon connectors - chill out man...)

[madaz75]

Trick I found with Deans connectors..

Is to grab them by the long sides...

and Pull them in a Straight line.

If you twist, or pull on an angle you'll have grief

[Mad Ax]

They should be a snug fit, but that's the point - they offer less resistance than a Tamiya connector. Plus the solder joint, if done properly, should be plenty strong enough to pull on.

However if they've been soldered too hot then the plastic could distort slightly, making them a little harder to get together. I imagine they'll bed in in time, tho.

Be careful if using a screwdriver to disconnect, in case you short out the battery

[Gruntfuggly]

Be careful if using a screwdriver to disconnect, in case you short out the battery

Yes - I was careful to use a small one and insert it so it wouldn't short them out. For once I thought something through before doing it. Doesn't happen very often...

[Butler]

For once I thought something through before doing it....

Classic line.

[Sao_bilious]

If they are copies of original Deans they can be a bit harder to get apart due to a lower standard of manufacture

[terry.sc]

It's the same reason I stick with Powerpoles. Deans are usually hard to get apart, especially if you are trying to get hold of the plugs and not pull on the wires. The only advantage over Powerpoles is that they are smaller.

[jozza]

I've had the same problem with Deans, especially when I'm cold. What I do now is to apply some Fender Mender/Shoe Goo or silicone onto the plastic. If you dab it on with a paintbrush to make it stippled, when it dries you have a nice rough rubbery surface to grip on, works a treat.

[Stride]

However if they've been soldered too hot then the plastic could distort slightly, making them a little harder to get together.

when you solder them always plug them into their mate. it helps keep them from getting distorted. even better to have wires attached to the other end to act as a heatsink. before deans ultras i used to use deans 4pin plugs. the distortion you're talking about was twice as bad with those.

[Danbox]

If you put small o-rings (or fuel tubing) on the male plug it leaves a very small gap that helps you get a grip on them. I saw that tip in RC Driver (I think); it works pretty well.

[bakaguyjean]

If you put small o-rings (or fuel tubing) on the male plug it leaves a very small gap that helps you get a grip on them. I saw that tip in RC Driver (I think); it works pretty well.

This is a good idea.