Starting around 1990, there was a fundamental change in the furniture system. This change affected the connectors / expansion elements (joining elements) inside the tubes.

The first generation consists of two toothed half-shells that wedge themselves into the tube when the screw is tightened. This system was later replaced by the second generation, which is significantly easier to manufacture.

The second-generation connectors are made of two metal plates that are clamped together. From the side, they resemble a Christmas tree shape. The advantage of this system is that the connectors stay in place during furniture assembly without requiring any manual support.

It’s easy to identify which generation your connector belongs to: simply loosen the screw through the ball and compare the parts with the images provided.

Below, you’ll find instructions and videos explaining how to remove each type of connector:

With the connector remover, you can remove first-generation connectors. Please follow the steps shown in the accompanying video and the instructions below:

1. Check the connector generation
   Make sure the connector is indeed a first-generation model:
   
   

   • Insert a 4 mm hex key into the ball.

   • Turn it clockwise until the ball comes loose.

   • Remove the ball.

   • Check whether the connector has a distinct step (as shown on the left side in the video).

2. Remove the connector
   If it is a first-generation connector:
   
   

   • Insert the connector remover into the tube.

   • Ensure the steps interlock correctly, as demonstrated in the video.

   • Use a rubber mallet to tap the end of the connector remover until the connector is released.

   • Pull the loosened connector out of the tube.

3. Remove the screw
   
   

   • Use the green magnetic screw remover to extract the screw from the tube.

Removing Second-Generation Connectors (installed after 1990)

With a rubber mallet and a small wooden block, you can remove second-generation connectors from the tubes. Please follow the video instructions and refer to the step-by-step guide below:

1. Check the Connector Generation

Before starting, make sure it is a second-generation connector:

• Insert a 4 mm hex key into the ball.

• Turn it clockwise until the ball comes loose.

• Remove the ball.

• Push the screw further into the tube.

• Check whether the connector looks like the one shown in the image above.

2. Loosen the Connector

If it is a second-generation connector, proceed as follows:

• Place a small wooden block under the tube so that it rests firmly on the floor or against a wall.

• Strike the end of the tube firmly with a rubber mallet.

• The impact causes the tube to briefly deform into an oval shape, which releases the connector.

• Don’t worry: the tube will immediately return to its original shape — the wall thickness is sufficient for this.

• Repeat the strikes until the internal connector plates can be moved back and forth easily.

3. Remove the Screw and Connector

Use the green magnetic connector remover to pull the screw and connector plates completely out of the tube.

Alternative Method (Without Wooden Support)

If you cannot place a wooden block underneath due to the size or height of the furniture:

• Take a second rubber mallet.

• Strike both ends of the tube simultaneously.

• This method can also release the connector, though it requires a bit more finesse.