How to Release Wires from a Push-In Connection on Electrical Wall Outlets

How to video on how to release the solid copper wire from the back push-in connectors on an electrical wall outlet.
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#Outlet #Electric #Plug
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[@backwardhatsoceanconversat8670]

Who thumbed down this guy!?! He just saved my whole Saturday morning! Still got enough time for a bowl of cereal and looney tunes😁

[@mathewkeen2356]

Bc it never works. 90% of the people here kno how to do it, they are researching it bc they are looking at tips for when it doesn't magically go perfect like it is with this guy. He doesn't address the main reason people are here. He's using a brand new receptacle he just put in. Of course it's gonna come right out. How about some practical help guy?

[@IngotAU]

Right, Reg? It took more pressure than I thought it would, but I'd still be yanking at the wires like a mook if I hadn't found this vid 😄

[@CoopTroop19]

I agree it worked perfectly !

[@darrenbridgewater3520]

A year later and this just saved my Saturday morning as well. Especially since one just came out without that so I thought the others were stuck.

[@drummerathlete]

I’m thankful. I busted the switch but don’t give a hoot. The wires are free and I can connect them to my smart switches. Never crap on a guy trying to be of help. While it may not have helped one person, there are likely thousands that it did help.

[@mholden020]

Nothing more infuriating than doing exactly what he's doing and the wire is just stuck in the switch

[@heteroerectus]

I’m fighting with a light switch right now, I had to push really hard and pull really hard with pliers but two came out… fighting with the last one…

[@cupcakecrumbles]

Thanks for the hope. I’m struggling with getting two wires out of a light switch too. Luckily the new light switch doesn’t involving jabbing wires into anything.

[@michaelk077]

Same. I'm ready to just get a new switch and cut the wires. It's pretty ridiculous. Whoever designed these connectors is a sadist.

[@JasonKCarter]

The trick is to use so much force that the plastic housing shatters and the wire comes free. 😜

[@deborahlewis9945]

Ok came here looking to see if I was the only one!

[@rbilardo47]

I've replaced many outlets in my own homes, and I could never figure out how to remove those wires, so I just cut them off. Thanks for showing us this tip.

[@Wayniack]

Excellent! Brief, to the point, and very clear video and description. This is how an instructional video is done right!

[@Domesticengineerdad]

Thank you for the comment. Be sure to give the video a thumbs up if it was helpful, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more videos in the future.

[@stevef7331]

@@Domesticengineerdad also not working for me... I see someone else having the same problem. Wire won't come out. It's stuck.

[@nancybryson5488]

I don't know how to thank you enough for this. I was using pliers to break apart the entire old outlet. To replace five old outlets was taking hours. So dumb. Thanks!

[@abcwe10]

You were getting real mad at those outlets I bet!

[@pogtuber5146]

Probably could have just cut the wires too, you really don't lose a lot of wire and if a wire ever gets too short in the future it's easy to pigtail, very much doubt you'll ever run out of wire from one or two fresh installs of outlets.

[@JohnlMc70]

I'm glad after fighting with it for a couple minutes, I googled it. This video saved me so much time. Also I didn't have a small screwdriver, so I pulled the tip off a bobby pin. It was like it was made for that slot. Worked like a dream. Thanks.

[@camaronortiz6741]

Yes!!! This is what worked for me!

[@IngotAU]

THANK YOU 😄😄😄! Got the wires out in less than 5 minutes. Took a lot of effort because I was using a mini-screwdriver, but you don't always have the exact tool for the job.

[@TMPxFranchise2112x]

Thanks man. Cause I was sitting here looking at the outlet like it was from another planet lol

[@xelzbethx]

Same! 😂

[@lonelyman6192]

Thanks, my God, you saved my day. people like you make an instructional video to share, that is the reason I turn to KZbin when I run into some trouble in life.

[@domtom010]

Dude, thank you SO MUCH! I just did this last night (first time) IN THE DARK and was successful. The live wire came out without a hitch, but I had to wrestle for a good 10mins with the load wire (top wire). After a few DDT's, RKO's, and Stone Cold Stunners...it finally came loose. Couldn't have done it without your help. Thumbs up for sure! :D

[@Jdwilson2185]

Thank you for this! Took me forever to find a video that actually explained how to get the wires out. Super helpful!!

[@fabianmahorn7545]

I appreciate this. When i replace an outlet i usually replace it with the same kind except with a tamper resistant outlet. Several outlets jump from this one outlet and it wasn't installed tight enough so it got loose so it burned a small part of the outlet. It still works but i'd sleep better knowing it was a new one in its place. This saved me a headache of worrying if i would damage the new one trying to git the wire in it. Thanks a lot.

[@magus3553]

Thank you very much. I’m assuming that this isn’t standard practice because yours is like the only video up about how to remove these things. Thank you. Saved me some headache today.

[@mrjon75]

I think it's a common way to wire now but wasn't always. It used to be just screws....

[@monkman6103]

Thank you for this simple trick. I didn’t have a small flat head so I used the small file on a pair of nail clippers and worked perfect. This is why I love KZbin for people like yourself to help a dumbass like me that jumps right into things and needs people like you to get me out of jams rather than swearing at myself trying to yank those wires out without this trick, lol.

[@maykelinortiz8836]

Thank you, so much for this video!!! I was about to give up after changing two outlets with huge gauge wires.

[@Bytowngal81]

You make it look so easy. I've tried this many, many times, including today after watching your video. Can't make it work. Hubby and I tried about 5 different screwdrivers, some really tiny and some that just fit the slot. I think Leviton here in Canada is probably laughing. Luckily I had enough wire to just cut them.

[@r_j_p_]

There is a special screwdriver you can get to do this. Obviously you could use a small screwdriver but I heard from an electrician that a special tool does exist for this express purpose. I wish I remember the name! I was searching these comments in the hopes of finding it...

[@SantosSantos-bf5sz]

It always works perfectly in the demonstration. Why do they think we come here, if we can't get the wire out?

[@wbendermd]

How could anyone possibly give this excellent video a thumbs down????? Great job, big help, many thanks.

[@trendx285]

I owe you a drink my friend. 10-15 minutes and I’m done. Saved me from hiring or waiting on someone!!!!! Tip: use smallest flat head and plus firm you will feel a slight click or give rather. This video works.

[@johnpaskevich1713]

I do not have all that excess wire to be holding the outlet 3 inches past the wall. And it is not as easy as your video shows. If you have any suggestions please let me know

[@cochise185]

Yes it's simple but it was a big help to me.....Thank you!

[@eeduranti]

Thanks I was worried that some arcing happened in the bad switch and was trying to brute force it hoping not to have to cut and strip the wires. I've only ever used the hooks (like my grandfather taught me). Saved me a bunch of time.

[@tomanderson321]

Great - so what happens if the wire doesn't come out even though you're pressing in the hole with a small flathead screwdriver?

[@CitadelRunner]

You pry the damn thing apart by twisting the screwdriver, shattering the plastic and freeing the wire. (And its good to swear a bit while doing this). That's how I do it!

[@Mote78]

And without stabbing your hand?? 😫😫

[@stanfisher6660]

instead of pulling the wire hard, move the wire in a circular motion, not twisting, but as if it were a miniature jump rope and pull the outlet away from the wire

[@CitadelRunner]

@@stanfisher6660 Never tried that. I will next time. Thanks.

[@leducse]

Craig Wheeles

[@Gratefulman1965]

Here it is 2023, My home was built in 1984 and my wife and myself are doing much needed updating. So changing outlets and on my house depressing with screwdriver to release was a no go, wires would not release so I slowly backed wire out using leverage of needle nose pliers. Perhaps receptacles were garbage to begin with but good to go now. Folks are utilizing your video so Thanks for that.

[@philolson5110]

I was about to cut the wires out, but figured it out thanks to this video. Much appreciated

[@jojobaggins9224]

I always just snapped the switch in half out of frustration, seemed to work fine for me

[@WayneWerner]

I just replaced a bunch of outlets and uh, yeah. I stabbed the last one to death with a screwdriver because I don't have a screwdriver this tiny. Some of them had the slot extend all the way to the edge most of them were weak enough I could just pull the pliers out. But this one? Yeah, it got the 2020 treatment

[@robertmatthews7866]

YA. Get me a pair of effing bolt cutters and I will crush these mo-fo's because these were never intended to undo.

[@Milosz_Ostrow]

Recently I encountered a Leviton Decora switch that had push-connections and the small flat blade screwdriver that I usually carry to release the wires on such devices absolutely would not fit into the slot. Since I was on the clock, I jammed the screwdriver in forcefully, slightly damaging the plastic on the switch, but eventually got the wires to release. 😠 I'm not sure when this switch was manufactured - probably 15 to 20 years ago - but I think Leviton has since changed the design of the release slot so a small screwdriver can do the job as shown in this video. To prepare for another possible encounter with such a balky switch or outlet, I went to the hardware store and searched high and low for a suitable tool, but no joy. In the end I found a tempered steel street sweeper brush tine, which I filed a little narrower to fit the slot to make a part of my electrical tool kit. Eventually, I'd like to fit it with an insulated handle, as I sometimes work on live circuits and would not want be holding a piece of metal that comes in contact with the hot lead!!

[@doa2758]

Thank you - short sweet and provided the "know how" needed. Good job!

[@goatecheese]

Excellent, clear, simple and articulate directions. Thank you very much.

[@luannp7839]

Glad I came across this video because I had NO clue how to remove the wires from the outlet I was just replacing!

[@jimlarcom3715]

I was about to cut the wires and replace the outlet... I just wanted to swap for a USB outlet in another room. Thank you. Direct to the point!

[@tymiller2596]

Short and sweet!! Thank you so much brother.

[@ricorodriguez3579]

I keep trying but its not working for me.

[@dsmith6245]

Thank you so much. You spoke and showed actually where you are demonstrating very clearly.

[@Phat_Albert]

Thanks. Saved me a huge headache.

[@danacarbone9405]

Thank you, plain and simple

[@RajeshArora-o5u]

Rather than cutting the wire like I did after watching video, I learnt that the right way is to push a thin flat head screwdriver in the rectangle hole below where the wire is inserted and the wire comes off easily. No need to cut wires, remove and inserr in replacement socket and saves lot of time.

[@Cosmic_Soul]

A lifesaver, saved so much time & effort. The smallest screwdriver kept breaking the plastic back. Used a micro screwdriver with lots of paper napkins to save my hand. Please add advice for novice DIY’ers to break the bridge of the receptacle if it is a Split Receptacle (double circuit) with more than 2 wires besides the ground wire. I learned the hard way.

[@adminboi917]

I tried doing that today to change my light switch that doesn’t work and I couldn’t get the wire out

[@christophernixon4539]

Thanks....You saved me a lot of time and energy!

[@douglasspoonamore1094]

Thanks! Great explanation! I appreciate the info on taking the wire out with the small flathead! Invaluable!

[@adanhernandez1337]

Does it change anything if you forcefully remove the wires out and cut them?

[@rong8324]

Thank you for taking the time to explain this. Very good explanation and video.

[@normaschwartzberg2972]

I have a question if the wires are NOT on the back but on the side Can I release them safely without turn the power off?

[@jclball]

Is there specail tool / screwdriver for this job??

[@lokemele23]

Thank You! I'm used to the side wired outlets and couldn't figure out how to remove the back wired ones.

[@gdub999tub.]

Just what I needed to regain my sanity here. Thanks.

[@endlessnameless3996]

Why can't I get this to work? The screwdriver won't budge the tabs no matter how hard I press. The wires are stuck.

[@brandonstandinger6671]

If you shut the power off, turn it back on.

[@brandonstandinger6671]

@@endlessnameless3996 I don't get electrocuted and I can get the wires out of a back stabbed receptacle too and no, no I'm not Batman, Amazing yes but not Batman. I bet you turned the power back on didn't you?

[@brandonstandinger6671]

Just messin. Not being serious man (or lady idk), I actually had a broken receptacle on the bench all dismantled and I was thinking how to show you the picture. I'll be back...

[@brandonstandinger6671]

@@endlessnameless3996 look look at my profile picture. Hahaha, maybe you can tell but the Red dot is where you back stab for install and the black line is where you push in to remove the wire. Sometimes they can be a pain.

[@MattBizzleFerShizzle]

What if this doesn't work? No matter how hard I push, it won't come out

[@tdpatt33]

Just a friendly tip ... Much better lighting at the point of contact would make this a more useful vid. 🙂

[@gr6666]

While this is the only method to remove wires that have been inserted into those holes, I can testify that some are really tough to remove using a screw driver. And not all outlets take the same size of mini screwdriver as I found out. The other issue, note the length of the wire attached to the plug. I had someone else connect the wires on me and they made the wires considerably shorter and I had a bugger of a time stretching the wire out so I could just manage to use the screw driver on the back of the plug. Make sure you leave wires long enough! Although it doesn't happen often, sometimes the new plug is dysfunctional and you have to remove it. Terminal connections may take initially longer to install but in the end, at least you know if you have to replace the plug, an ordinary screwdriver is all that is needed.

[@scooter73-i2]

I was about to say the same thing... I just tried removing mine and I was pressing as hard as I could with the screwdriver and nothing budged. I was pressing so hard, the metal had gouges in it... This certainly doesn't work. Those wires are in there permanently, so I have to cut them now.

[@NSDaishi]

Is there a model number for that screwdriver? None of mine (I have 6) fit.

[@topgrain]

On very old switches, once that screwdriver process is used, the hole cannot be used to securely retain a wire again. It's actually a good idea to get rid of those old switches anyway and replace them with ones that a screw retains the wire. Many of those can be wired from the back too.

[@davidwilson7131]

Thanks for simple explanation.

[@christinarobinson516]

Woohoo my man 👏 Thank you for posting this. 💃🥰💞

[@TheJanicetunes]

How do u reconnect to wrap around screws for a better connection? The straight wires that go straight in are very unstable if you use the plug a lot. Especially my outdoor outlets where I'm constantly using those for heavy power cords. My electrician says they become loose over time and the outlet stops working because the connection is loose.

[@rolandahw]

Thank you so much. How you taught that technique of getting the wire out worked. No more getting dressed in the dark

[@1111uuuuu]

Wow! Almost created a mess! Thank you much, Be Blessed Stay Blessed!

[@johnburns2940]

I just did it! I worked !👋💜🐦👍🌟👊 thanks fella 😃👋

[@craigrice1688]

good video. needed this video because my outlets and switches are all wired like this.

[@euthman6351]

Thanks for this - great info.

[@GetMeThere1]

Thanks! This is exactly what I needed, lol!!

[@GuCcIMaNee100]

What would happen if the copper broke and was stuck in there and couldn't get out? Any danger to that?

[@mattdeleon9434]

This is great! Does anyone know what to do if a wire snapped off in the hole? Is this garbage now???

[@tycoonpdx9546]

Thank you for the vid. Half my house has power once more, woohoo!

[@timoj1234]

Why do you need two black and white wires going in? Mine has only one black and white.

[@manuelmalagon210]

Thank you!

[@magnumgvegas8419]

What if the wire won’t stay in the hole after doing this? It no longer grabs my wire after removing it. Going to have to resort to using the screw.

[@marquiselogan9832]

Use pliers and twist and pull at the same time it will come right out

[@aprilr.4207]

Super helpful!!!! Thank you!

[@robertbrandywine]

These seem to be one time use. (?) I was able to get the wires out but they would no longer hold when pushed back in. (I was switching the wires around.)

[@xaviergonzales7038]

What happens if I put the black wire in the bieger slot?

[@GAGAMA1]

then what are those screws for? I thought we need to use screws to attach the wire to the switch

[@SantosSantos-bf5sz]

you can use either method.

[@davejoseph5615]

You need to orient the flat screwdriver blade and press until it actually slides in. You aren't just applying pressure -- it needs to slide in.

[@Mackuku]

Thank you thank ! Couldn’t figure out how to do that! Not much real estate in there, but I’ll figure it out!

[@jerryglover1709]

I have old wiring and can't get the wires out of the back.

[@normanfossli722]

Thanks now I can do it the right way

[@Al_Z.Heimer]

Unfortunately, not all switches have the slots for removal. PITA... guess i have to cut but I'll dump the switch even though I could reconnect at the screws. PS I even hate using the ones that do have the slots, sometimes they fail to hold the wire securely.

[@astarsfan2]

What if there is no slots to stick the screwdriver in to release the wires?

[@doughnut1107]

Thank you for the brief and informative video.

[@Domesticengineerdad]

You bet!

[@Corperalcrackers]

Thanks for this

[@msbikerdude]

Good one…thanks!

[@kettanistar]

Thank you! I used this for a light switch release!

[@vincentdiamantine2593]

Thanks this worked

[@oldhendy785]

Thanks, the video was helpful.

[@jamesthompson103]

Can you pigtail and plug wires in the back ?

[@iconforu2c]

Thank you Sir. Works like a charm!!

[@DévBoxLife]

Awesome was stuck and didn’t have wire stripper for cutting this works! 👍🏽

[@ScrantonpaperCo]

Thanks dad

[@claymccombs]

Hi what video editing software did you use for the ticker tape news style words at the bottom of the video? Thanks

[@Domesticengineerdad]

I used iMovie for my editing software. That scrolling banner is located under the title selections I believe. Please let me know if you have any other questions and leave a like and subscribe to see upcoming videos. Also if you have any video ideas that you would like to see me make leave a comment.

[@claymccombs]

Domesticengineerdad hi thanks for your response. I use iMovie for my videos for my students but I don’t see it under titles. Are you using iMovie on an iPad or iPhone or on a computer like a Mac book? Thanks I also gave your video a like. It helped me replace my light switch.

[@Domesticengineerdad]

I am using iMovie 10.1.9 on an iMac computer and the Ticker effect is located in the Titles tab towards the bottom of the list. If you are using a mobile version it may not have the full list of titles and effects. Check it out and let me know if you are able to find it.

[@jkin5351]

So when installing a new outlet you just push the wire in and it automatically locks?

[@WayneWerner]

Don't do that. Make a j on the end of the wire and loop it around the screw on the side and tighten it down.

[@johnhemby8631]

Thank you!!!

[@oldkid6]

Awesome Sauce! Thanks Dude!

[@akaminw2583]

God bless you. 🙌

[@jasonweng4515]

How do I get to put the wire back in a new outlet...my wire seems to thick

[@WayneWerner]

I hope it's too late, but you use the screw on the side if you're not a monster

[@metrork1]

put it on the correct side screw

[@Not0rious7]

magic! Thank you

[@Domesticengineerdad]

Welcome!

[@RefinerSimilitude]

Thanks!

[@emilyxyz]

I hate these push in/backstab connections not as secure and i notice issues with theses when using high wattage devices like irons or vacuums and they never come out for me regardless of what i try i always end up cutting them and just use screw terminals the backwire ones are better or those new leventon ones where the outlet has a wago like connector built into it

[@kellya8425]

wat if it has no hole below the wire??

[@ceemack4701]

Thanks!!

[@christinarobinson516]

You the man baby 😚