Is it just me, or does anyone else find these damned things a real PITA to handle? I've tried doing this with just fingers, and the only way seems to be to hold it sideways (strip to the left or right)(or spin sideways to remove) while pushing down on the brass end clip. Even then, they are hard to get in without cocking to one side and having to start over. Half the time the metal strip breaks off the end too. There must be a better way.

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1986 560SL
2002 Toyota Camry
1993 Lexus

I have every reason to believe I have a collection of "spares" in the drain in the vacinity of the fusebox...

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Rob M
Norwich, VT USA
1980 240D Euro delivery 4 speed manual silver/blue
~160K miles

Actually MB did make a fuse installer. I have one. It looks like a little set of pliers made of plastic designed to hold a fuse, but I hardly ever use it, because it is bulky. I install one end at a time starting with the springy end and the fuse strip face down. Once the rigid end is snapped in, I rotate the fuse so the strip is facing up. I do this with my fingers, but then again I have 30 years of practice.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

and to remove them turn the strip to the side so that the thickened edge presents itself so you can grab it. then push against the springy end to disengage from the fixed end.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I use needle nose pliers. As "t walgamuth" posted, you can rotate the fuse 90 degrees to make it easier to hold. Then use your finger to push the brass contacts on the fuse box away from the fuse, while holding it with your fingers or pliers. Remove the fuse. You will not be electrocuted by using your fingers. However be careful with the metal on the pliers.
To install the fuse, I just go in reverse. Hold it in the pliers or fingers. Push the contact in the fuse box, back. Insert one end in the receiver hole and then position the other end in line with the opposite receiver hole and release the fuse box contact point, allowing it to clamp against the fuse. Rotate it 90 degrees so you can see the fuse strip section.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car