How to Fix a USB Connector With Bent Pins

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USB ports have dominated the market compared to serial ports.

If you have ever stepped on your USB connector, you probably thought it was "game over." You bent the pins and the USB connector did not fit properly into the USB slot again. Don't throw away the USB connector if this happens to you because it is easy to fix. Instead of taking it to your computer store for a hefty fee or purchasing an expensive new one, just fix it at home. All you need are a few items available at your local hardware store.

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Step 1

Place the USB connector into a vice grip. The USB portion should be face-up.

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Step 2

Turn the handle of the vice grip until the sides squeeze against the USB connector and hold it in place.

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Step 3

Point a flashlight into the direction of the USB connector. Examine the pieces of the connector. Find out which pieces are bent.

Step 4

Place needle-nosed pliers over the bent pin. Squeeze the ends of the pliers to apply pressure to the pins. Bend the pin back into place. If the pin is bent to the left or right, bend the pin back into the vertical position first, before adjusting it to the left or right.

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Step 5

Remove the USB connector from the vice grip. Test the USB connector in the USB input slot.

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