 All stage pin connectors have longitudinal slits in the male pins that allow for compression when inserted into the female sockets to increase friction and therefore the mechanical security of the connection.A special tool appropriately called a pin splitter may be used to expand this slit and spread the two halves of the pin to compensate for wear.A knife may be used to the same effect, but this technique risks both personal injury, damage to the connector, or ruining of the knife blade.