Douglas connectors

[Gerry]

Is there a tool or trick that makes closing the connectors easier? Working in a cold garage its a pain in the a$$ to close them.
Thanks,

[Gerry]

It seems the first one I tried was the worst. I did a few more and they weren't as bad but a trick would still be great.
Thanks,

[DaveO]

Sand a bit off the ends of the butt connectors. Any large grit will do. The brown or white plastic types are the best. The black hard rubber (I think it's rubber, could be resin) type tend to be very brittle. I usually chuck them when I come across them. Sand and check the fit of the shells. Repeat until it only takes moderate effort to get them to lock.

Put a couple of chemical hand warmers in your pockets when doing the work that requires any sort of motor control. Ask me how I know

[Gerry]

Thanks Dave for the advice

[monkeymissile]

I also had to trim down a few of the tubular connectors and used a pair of rubber-faced pliers to help twist together a few stubborn connections

[m37jarhead]

If the shells are difficult to mate, be sure to use gloves. I didn't on some new shells and innerds.
I tried connecting new ones and the male shell with the tabs on it cut a pretty nice gash on my thumb. #@$*&#@ Duh!
Just short of needing stiches. Live and learn I guess.
JB