A connector includes a housing (12) having a bore (14) with a groove (16) disposed on an inside surface (18) of the bore (14). A retainer (28) defines a spring cavity (30) between the retainer (28) and the release angle (22). A circular radial canted coil spring (32) is disposed in the cavity (30). A pin (34) has a tapered end (36) and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore (14) is provided which includes a circumferential groove (48) in the pin body (38) for receiving the spring (32) upon insertion of the pin (34) into the bore (14). The circumferential groove (48) includes a load angle (46) for rotating the spring (32) in an orientation in which the major spring axis (54) is parallel to the release angle (22) upon initial withdrawal of the pin (34) from the bore (14). The spring (32) is further compressed along a minor axis (56) and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin (34) from the bore (14).