The invention relates to an actuating element (1) for actuating a clamping spring (8) of a connecting terminal, comprising: an actuating finger (2) which has an actuating surface (7) with which the actuating finger (2) presses onto a clamping limb (9) of the clamping spring (8) during actuation of the clamping spring (8); and a cover element (3) which forms an extension of the actuating finger (2) in the longitudinal direction of the actuating finger (2), the cover element (3) being laterally molded on the actuating finger (2).