Free female USB connectors.

This isn't an instructable to actually make a female USB connector, but to get them out of a PS/2 to USB connector (those delivered with about every USB mouse and keyboard)

Some steps might be obvious but I try to include as much tips as possible to make it easier. 

Step 1 What you need

You only need a PS/2 to USB connector (the little blocks delivered with every keyboard, mouse and computer). 
If you don't have one lying around, try asking any of your friends (especially if they recently bought a new computer, keyboard or mouse). Usually companies or schools will have them lying around so try there also. 

You will also need an exacto knife (or similar sharp knife). I find the blade pictured the easiest to use. I also used a sturdier blade later. 

Comments

[the_burrito_master]

Sadly I'm using one of those right now to type this and I wouldn't break it for the world.

[Ganoderma]

Did you make sure you cut all the way through the sides? You need a pretty sharp knife to properly cut through it.

[the_burrito_master]

No i do not want to cut it I need it to use my keyboard.

[Ganoderma]

Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you meant you couldn't get it to break

[the_burrito_master]

lol it's ok. I like the ible btw :)

[Redgerr]

ahahha yeah, i use one too, saves a USB slot for other stuff ahaha

[Ganoderma]

These things don't work with my keyboard and mouse (gamer stuff ;))

[Redgerr]

ima gamer too, strange that it dosnt work with your stuff... sorry :( waists a usb slot :(

[Ganoderma]

I got a G19 keyboard (with LCD screen) and gamer mouse with extra buttons and DPI setting. so it's not just standard keyboard and mouse ;)

[willrandship]

If it didn't come with it, then it probably won't work. The keyboard has to be designed to handle it properly, in the controller.

[rick.leasure]

Got a simple question: There are 4 pins in an USB, right? I would guess two provide data transfer and two provide power. Does anyone know which is power and which is data transfer, as well as which is positive and which is negative?

[Redgerr]

sorry it came out jumbled :(

[Redgerr]

Red = +5 V White = Data − Green = Data + Black = Ground

[severepb]

if you look closely, you will notice i drew in the colors on the picture. where each color line is, that represents the metal clip/pin................................ red is pos............ black is ground................... white (blue in the drawing) is data+........................ green is data- hope this helps..

[Ganoderma]

In step 4, I gave a site pointing out what goes where. http://pinouts.ws/usb-pinout.html The outer 2 are data pins, however you'll have to look at the picture to see where positive and negative go. It doesn't matter what picture you take (cable/device) because if you turn the connector around it's the same as the other one.

[MRedmon]

Not free but I needed some female USB connectors in a hurry and found them for 2/$1 at Dollar Tree in a 12V to Dual USB charger. The housing snapped apart and then you can just de-solder the connectors. Next time, I'll have to dig around for some old PS2-USB connectors.

[DIY Dave]

great idea. I'll have to check for usb chargers at my local dollar tree.

[Ganoderma]

Yeah, a lot of stuff has female USB connectors in it. The purpose of this instructable was showing a source for them that most people already have (that's why it's free ;)) but don't directly think about.

[TSC]

Like the idea I met try it nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jayefuu]

I was about to buy some, so thanks! :D

[Jayefuu]

I made this! I found that my exacto wasn't man enough for the job so I switched to a nice sturdy Stanley knife. Feel free to use the image if you want to :)

[Ganoderma]

Good to see I already helped someone within a few hours of posting my instructable :)