Ring element: split pin connectors?

[mike004]

Replacing a ring element on a Creda cooker hob.

Four wires are connected to the element.
The new element uses conventional screw terminals to hold the wires.
On the old element, the wires seem to be held in place by split pins, like a hair pin, that go through an insulator block and clip around the connector terminal.

I can't get the old connections out. I've tried using pliers, with no luck.
Any ideas before I just snip the wires off close to the connector and restrip the wires?

 

[rocks1]

Yep cut the wires and strip back. The old ones are factory sealed.

 

[mike004]

Yep cut the wires and strip back. The old ones are factory sealed.

Thanks. That explains why I couldn't shift them!