How to remove XLR connector?

[Achim70]

Hello,
I would like to replace some capacitors in my DAC and have to remove a Neutrik XLR connector for this.
Unfortunately, the connector faceplate is too large to pull through the housing bore. Is there a way to detach the connection plate with the two diagonally arranged holes from the connector?
Two photos showing the problem.
Kind regards
Achim

 

[lcsaszar]

They look like pop rivets 👎. You need to drill through them.

 

[mickeymoose]

Opposite pin 3 (pix2) you can see a small hole with a screw-like slot. Turn this 90 deg. counter-clock wise. This will release the connector from the shell. E

 

[Enzo]

That^^^^^^

 

[02GF74]

They look like pop rivets 👎. You need to drill through them.

I can see there is thread inside the hole so they are more likely to be rivnuts - basically a rivet with a thread that is fitted into a blind hole with a special tool that compresses the 'rivet' so it stays in place.

 

[Enzo]

That misses the point that the escutcheon out front stays there. You free the body of the XLR and it pulls out from the rest. You can see he already has the panel screws removed.

 

[Achim70]

Opposite pin 3 (pix2) you can see a small hole with a screw-like slot. Turn this 90 deg. counter-clock wise. This will release the connector from the shell. E

Thanks for the hint. But is there a special tool for this procedure? Because it cannot be turned with a normal screwdriver - despite the effort.

 

[Achim70]

Thanks for the hint. But is there a special tool for this procedure? Because it cannot be turned with a normal screwdriver - despite the effort.

After another try with a "modified" screwdriver it worked. Thanks again!

 

[sgilson99]

Deep gratitude for this info. Trying to remove the same connector from a Krell 250M power amp. I thought I'd share exact details on what modifications to make to the screwdriver to make it fit.

I filed down a cheap jeweler's screwdriver to the following dimensions. The key is that the tip must be smaller than the diameter of the hole. 90 degree CCW released the connector housing.

Shaft diameter=2.4mm
Blade width after filing down=1.2mm but could be wider
Blade thickness at tip=0.9mm

Pictures attached for clarity.