Abstract: An electrical connector (2) is adapted at its forward end for insertion from the rear forwardly within a through opening (10) contained in a base member (1). A snap fastener retaining arrangement including a pair of resiliently outwardly biased hook members (6) on opposite sides of the connector is adapted to automatically engage corresponding shoulders on the base member when the connector has been inserted to a given position within the base member opening. The connector is thus releasably retained in position, whereupon the connector may be rigidly fastened to the base member by second fastener devices (4) operable from the front of the base member. Upon disconnection of the second fastener devices, the hook members may be manually compressed inwardly toward the connector to release the snap fastener retaining arrangement, whereupon the connector may be withdrawn from the base member opening.

Abstract: A wire holding head (13) reciprocable between a wire supply and a wire terminating station (11) includes a wire guide (62) pivoted on the front of a wire clamp (61) and an abutment (20) carried by a wire insertion ram (14) which moves the guide towards a connector support (15) to align leading ends of wires with contacts in a connector (17). The connector supports (15) are mounted on indexed turrets (19) and wire locating combs (51) are engageable with the wires between a severing and stripping station (12) and the terminating station (11).