I always say there are pliers for everything. You don’t have to destroy components while trying to get them out with the wrong tool.
As a DIY mechanic, I often struggled to remove relays from the fuse tray when troubleshooting car electricals. Most cars come with a fuse remover, but hardly any include a relay remover.
I’ve tried using connector pliers without success. Needle-nose pliers sometimes get the car relays out, but they often leave marks on the surface. Not to mention, these long nose pliers easily slip, and if the relay is too tight, it might crack as you try to pull it out. That’s where relay removal pliers come in. These pliers are specifically designed for removing relays safely and efficiently.
But there is a problem. Many tools marketed as “relay pullers” tend to mar up or damage stuck relays.
After trying a few tools, the one that truly impressed me is the Kyoto Tool (KTC) relay removal pliers.
The KTC relay pliers are made in Japan and work perfectly for removing relays with double locking tabs. These pliers have three clever design features that make them stand out as the best pliers for removing car relays.
The first feature is the uniquely shaped claws. They spread just enough to unlock the hook holding the relay in place without bending or damaging it.
The second feature is the ramps on each side of each plier which help push the locking tabs on the relay holder out of the way as you pull the relay.
Lastly, these pliers have a slot in the middle that fits the locking tongue perfectly. This slot ensures that you don’t have to wiggle a stubborn relay with a screwdriver to loosen it. They hold the relay tightly, making the job quick, precise, and damage-free.
Most importantly, KTC relay removal pliers are compatible with relays in most vehicles that use hooks to keep them securely in place.
How to Use Relay Removal Pliers
- Open the pliers and position them over the relay.
- Push down so the jaws press the locking tabs and disengage them.
- Grip firmly and pull the relay straight out.
The jaws have flat, smooth sides, so you don’t have to worry about scratching or damaging the relay surface.
If you often deal with car electrical relays, KTC relay removal pliers are one of those small but smart investments that make a big difference.
