Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet metal contact element which can be inserted into a chamber of an insulating housing and comprises a rear terminal portion for connecting a conductor, a forward contacting portion, and an intermediate locking section with at least one stamped, outwardly protruding locking tab to anchor the contact element in the chamber. When a strong tensile load is applied to prior art contact elements, the locking tabs, which usually are bent slightly outwardly, are deflected toward the interior of the contact element and permanently distorted. Thus, the contact element is no longer kept in the proper axial position, and the damaged contact element must be replaced. This problem is solved by the present invention by providing a reinforcing pin inserted into the inner cavity of the locking portion. The reinforcing pin prevents the locking hook from being deflected into the interior of the contact element when a load is applied.