How to Remove a Vinyl Boot From an Electrical Connector

A vinyl boot on an electrical connector serves as an insulator around the connection wires while affording a measure of protection against stretching or breaking. Common examples include the boot covering an audio-video cable plug. Vinyl boots are designed to provide a snug fit over the connection, yet are flexible enough for removal to make repairs or replace a connector on the end of a cable or wire. Removing the boot takes only a few minutes. No special tools are needed.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Unplug the cable or wire from its connection socket. For example, to unplug an Ethernet cable, press and hold the tab on the side of the plug and pull to release it from the socket.

   • 2

     Grip the vinyl boot with your thumb and forefinger.

   • 3

     Pull back on the boot in the direction of the cable to pull it off the electrical connector. Some boots slide back up the cable or wire, while other styles are molded with a slit to spread the boot wider for removal from the cable or wire.