In heavy-duty maintenance, corrosion is the primary cause of electrical failure. A single oxidized terminal can lead to intermittent lights, “ghost” faults and hours of wasted diagnostics. The IPA® (Innovative Products of America®) Terminal Chaser™ is a line of patented tools designed to restore electrical connections to factory condition by removing resistance at the source.
What is a Terminal Chaser™?
A Terminal Chaser™ is a precision-machined cleaning tool designed to match the exact geometry of electrical pins and sockets. Unlike sanders or wire brushes that can deform a terminal, these tools use specific abrasive surfaces to clean without damaging the connector’s tension.
This line of patented tools supports virtually all fleet and automotive connections:
- 7-Way Round Pins: Standard for heavy-duty tractor-trailers.
- Flat Pins: Used for light-duty towing and utility trailers.
- Bullet & Weather Pack: Common in automotive wiring harnesses and sensors.
Function and Benefits
Road salt, moisture and debris cause oxidation that acts as an insulator. This buildup creates high resistance, leading to:
- Dim or flickering lights.
- Inaccurate sensor data and ECU codes.
- Complete circuit failure.
The Terminal Chaser™ re-faces the contact point. By stripping away non-conductive oxidation, it ensures a solid, low-resistance connection that prevents heat buildup and restores full power to the circuit.
How to Use Them
- Match the Profile: Select the Terminal Chaser™ that fits the male or female terminal you are servicing.
- Clean: Insert the tool and use a light reciprocating or twisting motion to “chase” the corrosion off the metal surface.
- Finish: Clear any remaining debris with compressed air and apply dielectric grease to protect the newly cleaned surface.
Applications:
These tools are essential for any environment where connectors are exposed to the elements:
- Commercial Fleets: Eliminating downtime caused by 7-way plug failures.
- Agriculture: Cleaning equipment exposed to corrosive fertilizers.
- Marine & RV: Removing heavy oxidation from salt-air exposure.
The Complete Diagnostic Pair: Terminal Chaser™ + Trailer Tester
For maximum efficiency, pair Terminal Chasers™ with an IPA® Mobile Universal Trailer Tester™ (MUTT®).
The MUTT® identifies the faulty circuit, and the Terminal Chaser™ provides the immediate repair. This combination allows technicians to diagnose and fix trailer electrical issues in minutes, without requiring a truck for testing.
Stop replacing harnesses for simple corrosion. Use a Terminal Chaser™ to restore the connection and get back on the road.
