Safe, Standard-Compliant Contact Extraction for Military-Grade Connectors
MIL-SPEC contact removal tools are essential for safely removing electrical contacts from high-reliability aerospace connectors. This guide outlines their purpose, tool types, part numbers, and best practices to ensure damage-free servicing in military and commercial avionics systems.
Introduction
Electrical connectors built to MIL-SPEC (Military Specification) standards are crucial for reliable signal and power transmission in aerospace and defense systems. MIL-SPEC Contact Removal Tools are specialized instruments designed to safely extract contacts from military-grade connectors without causing damage, ensuring system integrity and operational longevity.
Benefits of Using MIL-SPEC Removal Tools
- Non-destructive contact removal
- Protects connector housings and wiring
- Reduces maintenance turnaround time
- Complies with MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-26482, MIL-C-5015, and other standards
Best Practices for Use
- Identify the contact type and size using wiring diagrams or datasheets.
- Select the correct MIL-SPEC removal tool—never substitute with makeshift tools.
- Align the tool precisely with the contact and insert it fully.
- Extract the wire and contact gently by pulling straight back—avoid twisting.
- Inspect both the contact and connector cavity for damage before reinsertion.
Tool Catalog by Release Type
6.1 Rear Release Contact Removal Tools
| Tool Part Number | Pin size | Type | Color Code | Image |
| M81969/14-01 (Plastic) M81969/1-01 (Metal tip) | 22D, 22M, 22 | Removal Tool/Insertion Removal Tool/Insertion | White/Green |   |
| M81969/14-02 (Plastic) M81969/8-06(Scissor) | 20 | Removal Tool/Insertion Removal Tool | White/Red |   |
| M81969/14-03 (Plastic) M81969/8-08(Scissor) | 16 | Removal Tool/Insertion Removal Tool | White/Blue |   |
| M81969/14-04 (Plastic) M81969/8-10(Scissor) | 12 | Removal Tool/Insertion Removal Tool | White/Yellow |   |
| M81969/14-10 (Plastic) | Removal Tool/Insertion | Red/Orange |  | |
| CTA-1160(Plastic) “For rectangular Connectors”Reference: 20-74-11 DRK-237(Scissor) | Removal Tool/Insertion Removal Tool |   |
6.2 Front Release Contact Removal Tools
| Tool Part Number | Alternate P/N | Pin Size | Type | Color Code | Image |
| M81969/14-07 | DRK20A | 20 | Removal Tool | Red |  |
| M81969/14-08 | DRK16A | 16 | Removal Tool | Blue |  |
| M81969/14-09 | DRK12A | 12 | Removal Tool | Yellow |  |
6.3 Unwired Rear Release Tools
| Tool Part Number | Alternate P/Ns | Pin Size | Type | Color Code | Image |
| M81969/30-05 | DRK110-20A / DRK505B / M3448-001A | 20 | Removal Tool | Red |  |
| M81969/30-06 | DRK110-16A / M3448-001B | 16 | Removal Tool | Blue |  |
| M81969/30-07 | DRK110-12A / M3448-001C | 12 | Removal Tool | Yellow |  |
Reference Standards
- MIL-DTL-38999
- MIL-DTL-26482
- MIL-C-5015
- Reference Maintenance Manual: 20-74-11
MIL-SPEC contact removal tools are a foundational asset in avionics maintenance. Their precision design and MIL-standard compatibility help prevent connector damage, streamline service tasks, and uphold electrical integrity in mission-critical aerospace systems.
