As the next step of my console installation I needed to
free the DL plugs that came with my 4048G from the pins. Here's how I got the job done…
I ordered the ITT DL removal tool (CET DL10) similar to the pic above in Jim's post.
The cheapest price in Germany was with de.rs-online.de - shocking 50 Euros incl. shipping!!
http://de.rs-online.com/web/p/ausziehwerkzeuge/0406723/First of all, the DL plug has to be set in "unlock". Next I removed the "hood" of the DL connector with 4 crews and also the big screw holding the lock, so you can remove the lock and the hood to get to the backside of the connector. Not complicated AT ALL.
For me, the removal tool worked really well on about 70% of the pins. I had a total of 14 DL plugs to unpin. You basically insert the tool from the frontside of the connector into the space that every pin leaves. If all goes well, you hear a clicking noise and remove the pin by pulling at the remaining cable.
If it doesn't go well, nothing happens. Or you pull the cable, but the pin is still stuck inside. In these cases, you need to wiggle the pin back and forth with the inserted tool from one side, and a tiny screwdriver from the other side. Do that without force, but rather playful. If at any point you hear the clicking noise again, try pulling the cable (sometimes with force!!!). It's tough to explain (Jim did a good job explaining it in his post above), but you get a feel for it after a while. Hope you get the idea!
After I de-pinned about 10 DL plugs, my DL removal tool broke and became useless. Luckily, until I buy 80 hardware compressors, I'll be totally fine with the 10 DLs I have now, and I'll see what RS says about my warranty request for the tool…
(Update: got a refund for the broken DL removal tool from RS)Next up - connecting my AD / DA convertor cables with DL plugs… stay tuned!